Adventurous spirits: for those with a daring personality
1. Speed demon
Fulfill your need for speed at K1 Speed indoor kart racing. A single race costs $20 plus an $8 annual membership. Drivers may experience speeds of up to 45 mph.
2500 McHale Court, Austin
512-271-5475 • www.k1speed.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. noon-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
2. Taking flight
No need for a plane or to overcome your fear of heights at indoor skydiving facility iFLY. Following a training class, you’ll suit up before heading into the flight chamber that mimics the experience of skydiving. Packages start at $69.95 for two flights for one person. iFLY can accommodate people with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs.
13265 N. US 183, Ste. A, Austin
512-774-4359 • www.iflyworld.com/austin
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
3. Creative palate
Kick your cuisine up a notch with authentic Asian cuisine at Asia Cafe. Try the Spicy Honey Comb ($11.95) with beef tripe, or cow’s stomach, and cow tongue. The restaurant also has spicy Stir Fried Salt & Pepper Squid ($9.95) and Szechuan Style Pork Intestines ($10.95).
8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 114A, Austin
512-331-5788 • www.asiacafetx.com
Hours: daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Foodie fanatics: where DIY meets gregarious gourmands
4. All hands on deckLearn to make your own feast with cooking classes at Sur La Table’s new Domain Northside location. The store has several themed date night classes, including a Spring Romance class, which is $79 per person, and participants may bring their own beer or wine.
11800 Domain Blvd., Ste. 130, Austin
512-873-7179 • www.surlatable.com
5. Boozy baking
If baking is your jam, Make it Sweet offers a Cocktail Cupcakes class to learn how to bake cupcakes inspired by your favorite cocktails. Classes are $45 per person and are also BYOB.
9070 Research Blvd., Ste. 203, Austin
512-371-3401 • www.makeitsweet.com
6. No Chef BoyardeeIf you feel like being celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, you can cook your own meat in a hot pot at Shabu. A hot pot is similar to fondue, and diners may cook meats, seafood and vegetables in their choice of five broths served with three dipping sauces. Hot pots cost
$4-$5, and each one serves two people.
2700 Anderson Lane, Austin
512-336-8888 • www.shabuaustin.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Day trip in the Hill Country: keep the gas tank and the cooler full
7. Where’s the beef?
It’s BYOB at the original Salt Lick location in Driftwood. The menu offers an all-you-can-eat family-style meal ($24.95 per person) with meats and all the fixins. Diners may also order meat by the pound. Live music starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Salt Lick is cash-only.
18300 FM 1826, Driftwood
512-858-4959 • www.saltlickbbq.com
Hours: daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
8. Wine downPick up a pizza from Pieous on the way to Bell Springs Winery in Dripping Springs or enjoy the winery’s various meat, cheese and olive plates available for purchase. The winery offers a tasting of six wines for $10 or for free with the purchase of a bottle ($18-$30). Live music is available Saturday-Sunday from 3-5 p.m.
3700 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs
512-643-7398 • www.bellspringswinery.com
Hours: daily 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Brunch buddies: for catching up with old friends
9. World view
Communal tables and small plates at St. Genevieve in Domain Northside are a great way to catch up with old friends and out-of-town guests. The restaurant’s new weekend brunch menu includes a Roasted Beet Salad ($10), English Toffee French Toast ($11) and $20 champagne bottles. Mix your own drink at the Bloody Mary Bar and experience a live DJ on Sundays.
11500 Rock Rose Ave., Austin
512-659-5537 • www.stgen.co
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
10. Nailed itHead across the street to Viva Day Spa for some much-needed pampering. Sip wine and indulge in chocolates while you enjoy a manicure or pedicure. The Deluxe Viva Manicure and Deluxe Viva Pedicure include a warm sugar exfoliation, hot steam towel, and hand or foot massage. Besides nail services, the spa also offers spa packages, massages, facials and other spa treatments.
11601 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 120, Austin
512-300-2256 • www.vivadayspa.com
Hours: daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
11. Let them eat cupcakesEnd the day with a sugar rush by indulging in a cupcake from the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, available 24/7. The machine dishes out the bakery’s flavors of the day as well as any seasonal flavors, such as the cookie cupcake.
3120 Palm Way, Austin
512-436-9696 • www.sprinkles.com
Hours: ATM 24/7; store Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Keep it classic: dinner and a movie never go out of style
12. Dinner for twoKnown for featuring locally sourced products, gastropub Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar recently launched its spring menu. Seasonal entrees include a Wood Fired Lamb Loin ($18.99) and a classic Coq Au Vin of chicken drumsticks braised with chardonnay ($15.99). Try the El Luchador cocktail ($10.99) made with blood orange liqueur.
8300 N. RM 620, Unit E, Austin
737-222-5779 • www.oasthouseaustin.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.- midnight, Sat. 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 9:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.
13. The big pictureGrab a snack and a drink while reclining in a comfortable seat at Moviehouse & Eatery. Order the Date Night Special ($31.50), which includes a bottle of house wine and the Seasonal Date Plate with cheeses, prosciutto chips and crackers. Or choose the bottomless bowl of popcorn ($7) and a bucket of four beers ($20-$28).
8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. B, Austin
512-428-6071 • www.themoviehouse.com
14. A sweet ending
Finish the evening with homemade authentic Italian gelato at Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen. The Gelato Trio is $8 and comes with three scoops of your choice of flavors, such as Nutella, pistachio, salted caramel or lemon sorbet. Rotating flavors include cookie and cream, tiramisu and dreamsicle.
8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. M, Ste. 100, Austin
512-640-8384 • www.napaflats.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Double up: make splitting the cost of an activity or meal easier at these group-friendly locations
15. A long shotPractice your form or play for points in one of Topgolf’s numerous games. Bay rentals are first-come, first-served and cost $20-$40 an hour. Topgolf has several drink and food options, including a Tipsy Palmer ($8) and Craft Beer Queso ($9) to tide you over until dinner. On Friday and Saturday, Topgolf Nights begin at 8 p.m. with music and outdoor patio games.
2700 Esperanza Crossing, Austin
512-222-5950 • www.topgolf.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu., Sun. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
16. Family-style feast
For dinner, Din Ho Chinese BBQ offers barbecued meats by the pound, including BBQ Pork, Beijing Duck or Roasted Pork Belly. Sides serve up to two people, so order several options, such as the Sauteed Snow Pea Leaves, Braised Bean Curd with Chinese mushrooms or baby bok choy.
8557 Research Blvd., Ste. 116, Austin
512-832-8788 • www.dinhochinesebbq.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
17. Off key is OKBelt it out from the main stage or in a private karaoke at The Common Interest Karaoke Bar & Grill. Karaoke starts at 8 p.m. every night except Friday, which starts at 6 p.m. It is free to participate with the purchase of two food or drink items. Private rooms are first-come, first-served and free on weekdays until 7 p.m. or $25-$50 an hour depending on room size; customers may make reservations.
8440 Burnet Road, Austin
512-453-6796 • www.ciaustin.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 2 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Day date: date night doesn't always have to be at night
18. Hike and bike
Enjoy a ride or run along the Northern Walnut Creek Trail at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. The park has a trail system great for mountain biking and has basketball and volleyball courts and barbecue pits.
12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
www.austintexas.gov/parks
19. Laser sharpKick it old school at Pinballz Arcade with dozens of pinball machines and classic arcades. The original arcade is BYOB. The newest location at Lake Creek offers Mikki’s Tavern & Wine Bar, serving sandwiches, burgers and tavern fare. Pinballz Lake Creek also has indoor laser tag, Bazooka Ball, a laser maze and mini bowling. www.pinballzarcade.com
A. Pinballz Arcade, 8940 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin • 512-420-8458
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
B. Pinballz Lake Creek, 13729 Research Blvd., Austin 512-537-8737
Hours: Sun.-Thu. 10 a.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
20. Pizza and beerEnjoy this winning combination on the outdoor patio at Pour House Pints & Pies, which has 36 beers on tap. Try The Rasta ($8, $14) with pesto sauce, Roma tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil.
11835 Jollyville Road, Austin
512-270-4740 • www.pourhousepintsandpies.com
Hours: Sun.-Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Cheap date: for when payday is a few days away
21. Let’s rollAn Austin staple, Playland Skate hosts Adult Night for ages 18 and older on Tuesdays from 7-10:30 p.m. You can also take free skating lessons on Sundays at 11 a.m. with the purchase of admission. Admission is $8 for open skating and Adult Night and $6 for open skating on Tuesday from 3-6 p.m.
8822 McCann Drive, Austin
512-452-1901 • www.playlandskatecenter.net
Hours: Tue. 3-6 p.m., 7-10:30 p.m.; Fri. 3-11 p.m.; Sat. 1-11 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; closed Mon., Wed.-Thu.
22. Street foodOwner Sergio Varela aims to keep his tacos authentic and affordable at Papalote Taco House. At $3.50 each, diners can try several varieties, including the Tinga De Res with pulled beef. For dessert, try the Platano Con Crema ($2.99).
13219 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin
512-840-0745 • www.yumpapalote.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
23. Footloose
Almost every Friday night, Austin Uptown Dance hosts beginner-level classes on a different genre of dance, such as country western, swing, salsa and ballroom. Classes are at 6 and 6:45 p.m. for $17 per person. The environment is relaxed, so dressing up is not required. However, the business recommends not wearing rubber-soled shoes or sandals.
8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 706, Austin
512-459-5678 • www.austinuptowndance.com
