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South Austin's Secret "Hotspot"

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Austin

 

Mexican Bakery

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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Comments (4)

Lori Mode
The Mode Real Estate Group - Elk Grove, CA
Real Estate Made Simple

I love visiting Austin!  I will be there next week for Keller Williams Mega Camp...I always really enjoy myself while in Austin, but never have enough time to explore very much.  Austin is one of the few places I have visited that I felt at home from the time I arrived. 

Sep 11, 2010 05:22 PM
Jenny Durling
L.A. Property Solutions - Los Angeles, CA
For Los Angeles real estate help 213-215-4758

I love the humor in the way you write!  The goodies at this 'hot spot' certainly are colorful. I hope they eat as good as they show up in the dark. LOL!

Sep 11, 2010 05:43 PM
Patty Luther
RE/MAX Rock-n-Roll Realty - Lewiston, ID
Lewiston ID Real Estate, Idaho-Washington

someday I will visit Austin ~ and when I do ~ I will have to check out some of these delights!

Sep 11, 2010 05:44 PM
Rob Albertson
Realty Austin - Austin, TX

Lori & Bruce - Austin is such a welcoming place & you can easily see why so many people who visit end up staying.  But you have to build in a couple days on either end to find some of our hidden treasures.  Feel free to drop me a line if you need any recommendations.  Have a great time at Mega Camp!

Jenny - Thanks for the compliment!  I wasn't too sure how well this post would go over, but I'm glad some people got the humor.  And, yes, the goodies at La Mexicana taste great...and not just at 3am.

Patty - You definitely should visit Austin someday - But as I've warned many before, you may never leave!  

Sep 12, 2010 03:59 AM