East Austin

About Rio Rita

Rio Rita describes their establishment as “a mild mannered coffee shop by day, swanky lounge by night.” They host a number of art shows and live music events. But it’s also just a cool place to hang out. They serve sandwiches, vegetarian wraps, pizza from East Side Pies. They serve a blend of Ethiopian, Sumatran, Guatemalan, Peruvian and Nicaraguan Certified Organic Fair Trade Coffee. They sell it by the cup and the pound. They also sell beer, wine, and champagne.

The Pump Project Art Complex is a gallery combined with low-cost studio spaces for artists. The fact that Pump Project is a 501 (c)3 non-profit and they employ the practice of shared spaces keeps costs low and allows 30 - 40 artists to occupy the 20 spaces available. All artists pay a month to month rent, and the gallery takes only the smallest commission for art sold there. So they help artists out in any way they can. Though they have a small waiting list right now, if you are interested in a space, check out their website listed in the info box above.

Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Dario Fo’s take on actual events that happened in Milan, Italy in the winter of 1969, should resonate with present day Americans.

Photos of Austin street art.

One word: sandwiches! Their turkey sandwich — slathered with cream cheese and jalapeño jelly — is one of Austin’s best.

About Cafe Mundi

What’s the best thing about Cafe Mundi? Take your pick: The hidden setting by the East Fifth Street tracks, the outdoor garden, the art, the nice staff, the good food…

Their coffee is organic — they also serve tea, juices, smoothies, beer, and wine. You can also order a wide variety of food: breakfast (including waffles), soups, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Whether you’re looking for a place to get work done, relax, or hang out with friends, this will probably be your new favorite spot.

Director Carlos Trevino and The Rubber Repertory are bringing Wallace Shawn’s controversial play A Thought In Three Parts to The Vortex this month.

Austin’s Live Oak Brewing Company celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

Authentic Mexican food with a bias towards breakfast.

If you’re in the mood for home cookin’, Gene has plenty to choose from.

The bread may be extra flat, but the flavor ain’t.

Sometimes Lola is out of a certain ingredient, but don’t you worry – she’ll take care of you and cook you up something incredibly delicious and hearty.

Let them eat cake in Hyde Park, too.

If you’ve lived in Austin for more than five seconds someone has already tried to shove Juan in a Million’s signature taco (the Don Juan) down your throat. The Don Juan somehow makes potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheese thrown into a tortilla taste different than any other tortilla with potatoes, eggs, bacon, and cheese thrown into it. Oh well. Everybody loves it.

Austin’s East Side gets cooler every day because of places like this.

The Peacock is East Side swank. The whole atmosphere is like someone ripped off Versailles, painted it turquoise, and then threw in some white chairs.