South Austin - St. Elmo District
Tesla Showroom + Service Center
The Yard is located between East St Elmo and Industrial Rd in South Austin. It’s a reimagined South Austin warehouse district where the local businesses are keeping South Austin Weird. New to the complex is the Tesla showroom and service center (former Music Lab). They are expected to be a delivery location for new vehicles later in Q4. If you have to go in for service, this is the perfect time to check out the neighbors.
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Still, Austin Distillery, the city’s first whiskey distillery since prohibition is a great stop for a beverage on the patio. It’s an urban oasis where you can sometimes catch live music. Their flagship spirit is “The Musician” - Texas Straight Bourbon features Texas-grown grains and oak aged. I think it’s a solid drinking bourbon for its fairly short aging.
The Bearded Baking Company at Still Austin
If you go hungry, you will find the awesome surprise of a really solid food truck – The Bearded Baking Company Trailer. They are open Tuesday - Sunday because Mondays are Mondays. Check out the Carolina Smash Burger and save room for a cookie or three!
St Elmo Brewing Co
St. Elmo Brewing Co. founded by 2 former Austin Beerworks employees (Bryan + Tim) has made a huge mark on the Austin Brewing scene opened in December 2016. “St Elmo Brewing Company was started by two guys who love beer. They love sharing it, drinking it, and most of all, making it.” From their site.
St. Elmo Brewing makes great beers and it’s hard to recommend just one, but Carl Kolsch is a great way to start off the night! Check out the food truck Spicy Boys Chicken while there – Two of my favorite meals combined – Curry meets Fried Chicken. Some great food coming from these guys!
The Spokesman
Holding down the end closest to St Elmo Road is The Spokesman. They opened in 2017 by owner CJ West (cyclist + beer guy). It’s a great coffee shop/hangout, with plenty of space to work. They always have a great draft beer selection, plenty of seating (inside + out), cool art on the walls, and a small food selection. More than just a coffee shop as they are also a small batch roaster for wholesale accounts.
Blue Norther Hard Cider
Blue Norther Hard Seltzer (newest kids on the block) had their soft opening in mid-September at their tasting room. Truthfully I was a little surprised when I found out that the business is a father/son team both are named Austin and are Native Texans. The name had me thinking it was from another area of the country for sure. They brew their product here locally. Note - the tasting room is not the production facility.
