Kate Richardson

A cool bar with good taste in movies

This bar feels hip enough to be in the Lower East Side, but isn't snobby or annoying. It's huge, but actually feels kind of like a dive. It was pretty dark and the music was a bit loud, but it was fun '70s rock, some new wave, and, if I remember correctly, "Bohemian Like You" by the Dandy Warhols. Stuff like that.

Most importantly, to me, however was the fact that they were projecting the movie Jaws in the back room. I was thrilled. It really put a nice vibe in the room (in my opinion at least).

As it was kind of loud and rambunctious it might be a good stop for later in the evening when what you're saying doesn't make any sense anyway so it doesn't matter if anyone can hear you.

www.fontanasnyc.com

Bonus: every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month Nacotheque holds a party in the basement (www.nacotheque.com/_sgg/f10000.htm). It's $5 to get in and very worth it. Small dance floor, Spanish language music of all kinds (but all danceable). By far one of the best nights out I've had in New York (especially for only $5!).

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Kate Richardson descubrió este servicio en December 2008

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Delicious Mexican sandwiches that will make you fat

From the outside Carmelita looks just like any other cheap deli/bodega in New York, but in the back room there is a kitchen, two tables, and a salsa bar. It's a "hole-in-the-wall" in every sense of the expression, and, true to form, it is astonishingly delicious. Their specialty is cemitas, sandwiches that (I think) come from Puebla. The cemitas are about the size of a hamburger and are piled high with your choice of meat (beef, tongue, various pig parts, or especially delicious chorizo), Mexican white cheese, avocados, and various sauces. It is the unholiest of food items and completely addictive. And it's not just the grease/cheese/sauce factor that makes them so alluring; the bread itself is unlike anything I've ever had. It's very soft and kind of spongy and perfect for soaking up the various flavors.

Of the sandwiches I've tried, the chorizo is definitely the best. They also have a quesillo (just cheese) option for vegetarians that is very delicious in its own right.

Carmelita also has soups, tostadas, and, of course, tacos, but the cemitas are the main attraction in my opinion.

The seating is very limited, so most people get their food to go. Cemitas are $6 and they're huuuuge. If you're not that hungry it's definitely big enough to split with someone.

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Kate Richardson descubrió este servicio en August 2009

BYOB mini-golf

In short: this place is a trip. It's a seemingly ancient mini-golf course that encourages you to BYOB (bring your own beer). Of course, this is especially absurd since mini-golf isn't typically known as an activity performed while sipping on a tall boy of Lone Star. They even go so far as to provide a drink stand at each hole where you can set your beverage while you putt through oftentimes horrifying papier mache obstacles. It's $5 for 18 holes, and a surprisingly tame scene considering the context.

Heads up: you're not supposed to bring glass bottles onto the course.

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Kate Richardson descubrió este servicio en July 2009

Swimming hole

Austin in summer is sometimes unfathomably hot. When the temperature gets above 95 (which it does almost every day in July and August) Barton Springs is by far your best midday option. It's a constructed pool that's fed by underground springs and the water temperature is 68 degrees year-round (pretty chilly, but perfect for the summer). The water is all-natural and constantly flowing, so it's a rare opportunity to swim in very clean all-natural fresh water. The city maintains it incredibly well, and it's a great place to spend an afternoon.

The fare is $3 for the actual pool, although there's an adjoining free area with shallower water that doubles as a dog park.

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Kate Richardson descubrió este servicio en July 2009

Amazing vegetarian food

According to Bouldin Creek's website it's a "friendly, creative, laidback, open-minded, and conscious space." Which it is, and which makes it like many other Austin establishments. Their entire menu is vegetarian/vegan, and the Veggie Royale sandwich is hands down the best vegetarian sandwich I've ever had by a mile. They've also got tons of coffee and they serve beer. Cozy, artsy, delicious food, killer patio, and they play great music. Two thumbs way up.

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Kate Richardson descubrió este servicio en July 2009