Alright, this is getting ridiculous...we know Austin is hip, cool, buzz-worthy, whatever, but we've got to keep some of our secrets, well, secret. Yes, Austin deserves all the accolades it's amassed, but I fear we're over-selling ourselves just a bit. Case in point: I was just about to go to sleep when the Yahoo mainpage flashed up an article America's Best 24-Hour Hotspots. I jokingly thought, "How are they going to work Austin into this one?"
So when I think of the ingredients that make up a 'hotspot' I'm going with a healthy serving of good-looking folks, mixed with Pandora set to Arcade Fire, the occasional mention in US Weekley's VIP scene, maybe a shiny shirt or two, & toss in a velvet rope. As the article was loading (I hate AT&T DSL), I was thinking about Kerbey Lane (mmm, gingerbread pancakes), Magnolia Cafe (mmm, MagMud), um, Whataburger (mmm, everything), Taco Cabana? Wait, maybe that new place at 6th & Lamar - 24 Diner. Yes, that seems like a winner. Hell, anything within sight of Whole Foods has immediate credibility with the national powers-that-be.
So my shock set in not that Austin was indeed represented, but that our lone 24-Hour Hotspot was South 1st mainstay La Mexicana. La Mexicana? The 24-hour Mexican bakery within earshot of our South Austin home? The ecclectic blend of 200 kinds of neon-colored baked treats, a check cashing station, $3.25 migas plates, sample cakes that have lined the walls since 2003, and truckstop booths so uncomfortable you'll be saying "I'll take my order to go?" Don't get me wrong, I LOVE THIS PLACE - it single-handedly saved me during my wife's pregnancy by having something to satisfy any of her irrational round-the-clock cravings.
But this place is so NOT a hotspot. I mean, I've actually dressed-down before going & I'd guess pajama pants are in the majority after 11pm. And the only celebrity sighting I've ever experienced at La Mexicana was when I saw Slobberbonewalk in sweaty from a gig at Ego's - hardly a paparazzi moment.
So let's all take a deep breath and keep Austin, well, Austin. I love this town, but we don't need to make it out to be more than it really is. It's a great place to live...full of unique, funky, local boutiques/restaurants/music venues/tattoo parlors/trailers/whatever. But let's take them for what they are & not try to artificially create anymore buzz than we need to. So know if you see me walking into La Mexicana at 3am, I'm not here for the 'scene' - I'm here for the churros. Just place 10 in the bag & no one will get hurt.
Rob Albertson is a part-time musician, full-time Realtor, and proud South Austinite for over 10 years. He specializes in South Austin Homes for Austin Fine Properties, a Private Label Realty Company, and can be reached day or night (thanks to his newborn son's fickle sleeping habits) at 512.653.8939 or rob@austinfineproperties.com.
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