Went to Rough Hollow to have a few lake front drinks last weekend and to my surprise it was THE day…read morethey have their annual Crawfish Boil! Oh what joy! I actually had the event bookmarked on Yelp! Yay! Everything about the Boil was fantastic! Of course, the locale. For those of you that have never been to RH, put it on your list of things to do. Even if you don't have a full meal, go for a drink or two and take in all the beautiful scenery! Great landscaping, architecture, and stunning views of the lake - particularly from the Pavilion balcony that is only opened on special occasions such as the Boil (weddings, grad parties, etc.). The staff are all well-trained and know how to treat the customers. Super helpful and courteous! The festive sounds of live zydeco filled the air. The weather was perfect. About 85, nice and sunny, with just the right breeze. (Which is a good thing, because RH does not allow crawfish consumption inside the main restaurant.) The people...not too packed; diverse crowd . Everyone was very friendly. There were a fair amount of kiddos about; however, they were all so well behaved I didn't even notice them. (Not a hater - just like to relax with my beer and snack without hearing screaming in my ear). MOST IMPORTANT: The Mud Bugs. Normally $25 p/p for all-you-can-it - which is a GREAT deal - but made even better if you happen to know the manager (Thanks for the hospitality Johnny!). Great bugs! Huge! Suck da heads good! Each batch was served with corn on the cob, small red potatoes, and slices of andouille. Awesome! A+++! A wonderful, fun-filled afternoon! Have already put the event on my calendar for next year! Do the same! Maybe I'll see you there... :-D

This event exceeded my expectations. I'm not a big lake junky I must note--the thought of murky…read morewater, party barges, frat-types sporting neon colors, awkward bathing suits on elderly women and sloppy people (that's right, sloppy people. hot weather makes people have bad judgement on what to wear/do/and otherwise near water) don't exactly thrill me. So when my friend told me about this all-you-can-eat crawfish event at the lake, my first two reservations were 1) lake people? and 2) how much crawfish can I really eat? But alas, after chain watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix for 4 hours last (Friday) night and mourning my sedentary lifestyle and general anti-socialness...I impulse-bought the $15 advance ticket online. What else was I gonna do on Saturday? Besides continue to vicariously engage in Ted's tireless search for his future wife on Netflix? The set-up was beautiful. A prototypical "lake scene" you would see on say, TV, rather than the let-down gross lake scenes that tend to disappoint me. Gorgeous mansions atop hills/cliffs(?) all around which didn't really directly contribute to the experience because it's not like we were in them but hey made very good visual props. And of course there was the surrounding lake...and we were lucky that the weather was sunny and breezy. There were a good amount of people--enough to where the event seemed happenin' but not to where I was elbowing people in a race to the all-you-can-eat grub. In fact, that was probably one of the key delighters...lack of long ass lines. Loved it. Heaps of food and virtually no wait! The 1.5 - 2 lb. crawfish servings were put into these black paper cartons where people would just pick up and go. They also had mac and cheese, hot dogs, and eventually beef sliders included in your pass fee which was a pleasantly unexpected surprise. I never say no to mac and cheese. The crawfish was tasty--spicy and well-seasoned although a bit too salty for my taste. Included in the sides were boiled potatoes, corn, mushrooms, and sliced sausage which are more side items than are usually included with crawfish. So they definitely didn't scrimp just because it was all-you-can eat. (Another thing I must add is I'm not a fan of buffets. Once again, people have bad judgment when put in front of unlimited food supply plus quality is usually compromised for quantity.) One harp I had with the service was the bartender inside the restaurant...very unattentive, unhelpful, and clueless. I'm not sure if this counts toward the specific event because I later realized that the Grille at Rough Hollow Restaurant was only co-hosting the boil with a few other groups but hey--I'm going to recount everything that contributed to my holistic experience, good or bad. My friend and I literally stood against the counter for 10 minutes while this bartender ignored us (no it was not crowded) before we finally asked to see a happy hour drink menu. He was unfriendly and after handing us the menu adds that he's not sure if there is happy hour today. Umm, if the bartender doesn't know the happy hour schedule...who the hell is supposed to know? He doesn't even offer up a way for us to find out and the proceeds to ignore us again. I encountered a similar experience with another one of the restaurant's employees, not sure if this is a consistent issue with the Grille. That said, the staff that were clearly working the specific event were very friendly and helpful. A woman with a green shirt would frequently materialize out of nowhere and offer up wet naps at point of need and there were always bus boys clearing out the crawfish cartons after you were done. Overall, I would definitely recommend this event and will probably attend the following year--my begrudging view of lake-type hooplas is slowly shifting!

I'm disappointed to be writing this, but I had an upsetting experience at the farmers market last…read moreSunday. Farmers markets are supposed to be welcoming, family-friendly spaces where local vendors, farmers, nonprofits, faith groups, and community members can come together safely and respectfully. Unfortunately, I witnessed something that made the environment feel anything but welcoming. There was a small religious group with a table at the market, and as someone passed by, they shouted offensive racial and religious slurs at the men working the table. It was completely uncalled for. Rather than engaging in any kind of respectful conversation, this person chose to be hateful and intimidating in a public community space. I understand that the organizers may not be able to identify or remove every person who behaves this way, but I do think the market should be more proactive about making its expectations clear. A farmers market should feel safe for everyone, including vendors and community organizations that may be more likely to face harassment. Clear signage, public reminders, or stronger policies against hate speech and intolerance would go a long way. I hope the organizers take this seriously and make it clear that racism, religious intolerance, and harassment are not acceptable at this market. The community deserves a space that truly feels supportive, inclusive, and safe for all.

Beautiful and big! Right next to nice park (and a dog park) , trails, and children's play areas…read more Great spot for locals and visitors alike - a nice Austin experience as you meet local farmers and small merchants.

The Arboretum Food & Artisans Market is filled with everything imaginable. The Market is one of…read moreNorth West Austin's most attractive weekend experiences and a great way to support local businesses in a relaxed, community setting. The days and times of operation include every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Great Hills Trail and Jollyville Road (in front of Juliet's Italian Kitchen). The market brings together 40+ local food vendors and artisans in an outdoor space at The Arboretum. What really stands out is the variety of items available for sale. You'll find everything from fresh baked goods, local produce, and meats to hot foods, plus a wide range of handmade items like jewelry, apparel, art, and home goods. I purchased an alligator pastry from My.Boulangerie....so delicious and decadent. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming...very much like a neighborhood market vibe. It's free to attend, family friendly, and dog friendly, which makes it an easy Saturday outing whether you're browsing solo, meeting friends, or bringing children and fur babies. The market is set up in a parking lot space. Another highlight is the chance to talk directly with vendors. Many are small batch food producers or independent artisans who are happy to share the story behind their products, which adds a personal touch you don't get at larger commercial markets. The food vendors and artisans were happy to show their wares.

Casita Café is actually a charming coffee truck serving coffee and specialty beverages along the…read moreMoPac Expressway frontage road between Steck Avenue and Spicewood Springs Road. Finding it turned into a bit of a quest for me. After several failed attempts, I finally realized that when my GPS announced, "You have arrived," I had already driven right past it. Pro tip: the truck is much closer to Steck Avenue than Spicewood Springs Road. Thankfully, Cassie, the owner, provided clear directions that made locating the truck easy. As for the coffee, I ordered the iced Casita Café Latte, made with house-made spiced brown sugar and topped with cinnamon. The cinnamon tasted distinctly Mexican, adding a richer, warmer spice note that elevated the coffee. Smooth, flavorful, and refreshing, it was an excellent choice for a warm Austin day. What made the visit even more enjoyable was Cassie. She was friendly, welcoming, and thoughtful in her interactions with customers. While preparing another order, she acknowledged me right away, let me know I was next, and thanked me for my patience. It was a small gesture, but one that made me feel valued as a customer. After searching for it multiple times, I am glad I finally found Casita Café. Between the refreshing coffee and the genuine hospitality, it was well worth the effort.

If you are looking for a new coffee business in Austin to support, look no further than Casita's…read moreCafe! I had the pleasure of meeting Cassie prior to her opening her business, and got to learn more about her plans and vision when she was a guest on my podcast. She has been in the food industry for years now, and she prioritizes quality customer service as much as she does providing a memorable coffee truck experience with unique flavors and different types of beverages as well. I was able to try one of her drinks and food options this morning, one week after her grand opening! The strawberry jam filled croissant was chewy and I appreciated the ample amount of filling. Cassie takes the time to craft her drinks with the utmost care, and I absolutely enjoyed the PB Chai, which was a vanilla chai with peanut butter sweet cream...I highly recommend it! Right now, the truck is open on Saturdays and Sundays, so make it a priority to give Casita's Cafe a visit over the weekend---especially if you are in North Austin! The truck is located behind Impulse Vape Shop.

I don't come to this farmers market very often. It's small, and doesn't offer too much of the farm…read moreto table goods. Mostly hand made crafts, and baked goods. I still like the vibe, and walk around and see and talk to people. I did get dumplings because I love Red Dragon. I wasn't even hungry. But I didn't want to miss out. The dumplings are 6 for $12.00 but they threw in an extra dumpling for me, which I appreciated. I got the pork dumplings. They were fresh, hot and steamy. I found a place to sit in the sun at a picnic table. Plugged in my head phone, cranked some music and enjoy my dumplings. Gorgeous day to be out in the sun. Nice breeze, and warm temps. Perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The Farmers Market at The Domain on a Sunday afternoon is such a peaceful and fun experience,…read moreespecially for families. There's a great variety of stands to explore -- everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade salsas, pastries (with both gluten and gluten-free options), bao buns, matcha, wines, and more. It feels like there's something for everyone! The owners are so friendly too and very welcoming. What I really appreciate is how convenient the parking is. There are plenty of garage spots available, so you don't have to stress about finding a place to park. And since it's located right at The Domain, you can make a whole day out of it -- shop, eat, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun and laid-back weekend outing!

The Green Molly is just as awesome as the Pecan Butter creations served from her window! Husband…read moreand wife duo Aaron and Tamara have come up with a brilliant twist on the "trailer" fad. Aaron told me it took 2 years to restore this Trolley - and what an amazing job he did! This Trolley was definitely an eye catcher to the otherwise mediocre Sunset Valley Farmers Market this morning. The Green Molly is at the SFC Sunset Valley Farmers Market every Sat and they also do catering. Aaron said that they were doing a BD Party after the FM today. So what is this Green Molly business all about? PECAN BUTTER based "Farm-To-Plate Sandwiches"! The peanut butter of the south Pecan Butter is a great alternative to peanut butter for those with peanut allergies (like my niece so sad for a child to be deprived of a PBJ - and with Pecan it is still a PBJ:) The menu is mostly PB based sandwiches like the Classic with strawberry jam and witty named Elvis with banana and the Willie Nelson with turkey bacon added to the Elvis and there is a James Brown that involves chocolate and strawberry. Also on the menu is Grilled Cheese a Veggie Sandwich and an Egg Sandwich (cheddar tomato & bacon fritatta) that sounds amazing. Also Pecan Butter Cookies and specials like Bison Chili and Pecan Butter by the jar of course. They also have Gluten Free sandwiches. Their Pecan Butter is neither smooth nor chunky I would describe it as grainy, rich and buttery and DELICIOUS! The cookies are 1.00 and sandwiches 5-6.00. Go support this awesome dynamic duo that is so passionate about their locally sourced Pecan Butter!

The Green Molly is FANTASTIC!!! Not only was the food fantastic but the service was even better!…read moreHusband and wife team Arron and Tamara were super cool and thoroughly explained the ingredients in everything thing I ordered and all with a big smile and laughs. The strawberry banana smoothie the best I have ever had and a the pecan butter cookie was so good I had to take some to go for the week! Fantastic job guys and the trolley is so a masterpiece in itself, a work of art!!! I highly suggest you try it out!

Good selection of beverages, lots of fun snacks. Really what more do you want? Yelp says I have to…read moremake this review longer

This upscale convenience store opened in 2025 and it was formerly a Tom's market, and before that a…read more7-11. There are three of these Fin's markets in the Austin area, this one being the furthest north. The gas pumps that were here have since been uprooted, but getting into the parking lot is a little challenging due to the very heavy traffic at the busy corner of Koenig and Burnet. Once inside, it's a lot like stepping into a small scale Whole Foods. They have a lot of eclectic healthy items to choose from including a very unique wine selection with a decent amount of craft beer to choose from. You can get your coffee or espresso and they even offer kombucha and cold brew coffee on tap. They have a handful of produce items including some locally baked goods near the counter. I even noticed they have propane tanks to rent on the side of the building. Definitely a great upscale bougie convenience store to stop into as long as you're heading in the right direction west on Koenig or north on Burnet. One final note of interest is that they have wine tastings on Friday evenings. Some informative photos to get you through the door.

92 degrees in Austin, TX today! How do your cool off in Texas? Air conditioning...always a first…read morechoice (car, home & office). Second choice could be dipping a near by natural water area like a a lake, swimming hole or house pool? I saw a sign on the way home for snow cones. I have not had a snow cone in a long time. Guess what choice I opted for? Screech...that's the the sound of my brakes stopping. I turned into a neighborhood strip center where the Sisters SnoShack snow cone truck resides. My server told me the most popular snow cones were (Rainbow - multiple flavors, Hawaiian and Pineapple). Went for the rainbow...Snow cones have completely changed since I was a child. Sno cones used have this crushed ice that you sometimes get with sodas today. The Sisters SnoShack has very smooth ice...very velvety. The juice for the snow cone was robust and enjoyable to eat. Several picnic tables were filled with snow cone connoisseurs. Since it is next door to one of grocery stores we frequent...definitely returning.

My kids loved them and so did we, great way to stay cool. They have a great team working the…read moretrailer as well, glad we tried it