The Austin Pod

SXSW 2026 is officially in the books and we’re breaking it ALL down. From packed concerts and exclusive events to nonstop partying in Austin Texas, this week was absolute chaos.In this episode of The Austin Pod, we recap our full South by Southwest experience, including Anthony’s birthday during SXSW, the best concerts we saw, the wildest moments, and yes… way too much drinking.We also talk about what SXSW in Austin is really like in 2026, what events were actually worth it, and what we’d do differently next year.If you’re planning to visit Austin for SXSW or just want a behind the scenes look at one of the biggest festivals in the world, this episode is for you.Topics we cover:SXSW 2026 Austin recapBest SXSW concerts and showsAnthony’s birthday during SXSWAustin nightlife during SXSWBest events and parties in Austin TexasWhat SXSW is really likeSubscribe for more Austin Texas content, bar recommendations, and local insights every week 🍻

Austin, Texas is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and with that comes a wild mix of personalities. In this episode of The Austin Pod, we’re breaking down the types of people you meet in Austin Texas, from tech bros and influencers to hipsters, fitness fanatics, and everything in between.If you live in Austin, you’ve definitely run into these characters. And if you’re thinking about moving to Austin Texas, this is exactly what you can expect when it comes to the people and culture here.We get into the funny, the real, and the painfully accurate stereotypes that make Austin what it is today.Whether you're deep in the Austin nightlife scene, working in tech, or just love exploring the city, this episode is for you.For more content on Austin Texas bars, things to do in Austin, and the best spots around the city, make sure to subscribe and follow along.

In this episode of The Austin Pod, Anthony and Rachel sit down with Ali Clem, the owner of the legendary La Barbecue in Austin, Texas.La Barbecue started as a small food truck in 2012 and has grown into one of the most well known barbecue restaurants in Austin. Today it’s famous for its brisket, ribs, and classic Central Texas BBQ and recently earned a Michelin Star, putting it on the global food map.Ali joins the pod to share the story behind La Barbecue, how it grew from a food truck into one of the most talked about BBQ spots in Texas, and what it takes to run a Michelin Star restaurant in Austin.In this episode we talk about:• The early days of La Barbecue as a food truck • The growth of the Austin BBQ scene • What makes great Texas brisket and barbecue • The journey to earning a Michelin Star • Behind the scenes of running one of Austin’s busiest restaurants If you love Austin, Texas barbecue, the BBQ scene, and hearing the stories behind great restaurants, this episode is for you.The Austin Pod Episode 47 Guest: Ali Clem – Owner of La Barbecue Filmed in Austin, TexasAustin BBQ | Texas Barbecue | Michelin Star BBQ | La Barbecue Austin | Austin Texas Food | Central Texas BBQ | Austin Restaurants | BBQ in Austin Texas

Welcome back to The Austin Pod.In Episode 46, we catch up on everything going on in Austin right now before diving into a full ranking of the best outdoor activities to do in Austin Texas.From the classics to the ones that might surprise you, we break down what’s actually worth your time, what’s overrated, and what makes Austin one of the best cities in the country for being outside. Whether you’re new to Austin, visiting for the weekend, or have lived here for years, this episode will give you fresh ideas for getting out and experiencing the city.We talk about the spots locals love, the activities that define Austin culture, and the ones that spark debate every single time.If you love Austin, care about where to spend your weekends, or just want to argue with our rankings, this one’s for you.New episodes of The Austin Pod drop every week covering everything from Austin culture and food to bars, events, local news, and what it’s really like living in this city.Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.

Welcome back to The Austin Pod. This is Episode 55 and today we’re diving into 10 things nobody tells you about Austin, Texas.We start off catching up on what’s been going on around ATX, then we get into the real stuff. The things you only learn after living here. The good, the surprising, and the things that might catch you off guard if you’re thinking about moving to Austin.From local culture to everyday realities of living in Austin, Texas, this episode breaks down what people don’t talk about enough. Whether you’re new to the city, planning a move, or you’ve lived here for years, there’s a lot packed into this one.Austin is growing fast, and there are always new conversations to have about what makes this city unique. This might just turn into a full series because there are way more Austin secrets to cover.If you love Austin, Texas content, local insight, and real conversations about life in ATX, you’re in the right place.Subscribe for more episodes of The Austin Pod and follow along as we explore everything happening in Austin, Texas.

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Austin Pod.This is the start of a new monthly series where we break down the latest news in Austin, Texas so you can stay up to date on everything happening in ATX.Anthony from TheAtxDrinker and The Whiskey Boys joins Rachel from 512 Bites and Rachel Lately to talk about new restaurants and bars opening in Austin, updates to South Congress, changes in Downtown Austin, developments around the Lady Bird Lake Trail, and other major local stories shaping the city.If you live in Austin, are thinking about moving here, or just love keeping up with the fastest growing city in Texas, this is your go to monthly recap for Austin news, food, nightlife, and city development.Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next month’s Austin update.Drop a comment and let us know what Austin news we should cover in Episode 45.

Austin had a BIG year, and we’re breaking it all down.In this episode of The Austin Pod, Anthony from The ATX Drinker and Rachel from 512 Bites recap the best bars and restaurants we went to in Austin throughout 2025. From standout cocktails to unforgettable meals, we talk about the spots that truly lived up to the hype and the ones we still think about.We also dive into what we’re most excited for in 2026, including new openings, evolving food and drink trends, and what we think the Austin bar and restaurant scene is about to do next.If you love Austin bars, restaurants, cocktails, food spots, and staying tapped into what’s actually worth your time in ATX, this episode is for you.Episode 43 of The Austin PodHosted by Anthony of The ATX Drinker and Rachel of 512 BitesSubscribe for weekly episodes covering Austin food, bars, events, and local culture.

Welcome back to The Austin Pod.After a few months away, we’re officially back for Season 3, Episode 43. In this episode, Anthony from The ATX Drinker and Rachel from 512 Bites sit down to catch up on everything that’s been happening in Austin, Texas.We talk honestly about our highs and lows over the past year, what it’s been like being full-time creators in Austin, and how the city has felt lately. From Austin nightlife and bar culture to restaurants, local changes, and general Austin news, this episode is part recap, part real talk, and part love letter to the city we call home.If you’re curious about what’s going on in Austin right now, how the bar and restaurant scene is evolving, or you just love hearing two locals break it all down from a creator perspective, this episode is for you.New episodes are back, and we’re excited to be filming again. Thanks for riding with us and welcome to Season 3.Topics in this episode includeAustin Texas newsAustin bars and nightlifeAustin restaurantsLife as a full-time creator in AustinSeason 3 kickoff and recap

In this episode of The Austin Pod, Anthony and Rachel finally reunite after more than a month apart and catch up on everything happening in Austin and beyond. Recorded at Auditorium Shores with the Austin skyline in the background, this laid-back conversation hits on:Rachel and Anthony's recent travels The much-debated new Austin Texas logo that everyone is talking aboutUpcoming ACL Festival — who we’re excited to see and festival predictionsCoachella talk and festival comparisonsLatest Austin happenings and random life updatesSometimes the best episodes don’t need a theme — just two friends catching up and sharing laughs in the middle of the city.🎧 Listen in and let us know what you think about Austin’s new logo and who you’re most excited to see at ACL!

In this episode of The Austin Pod we sit down with Berry, a driving force behind some of Austin’s most iconic bars including Armadillo Den in South Austin as well as Chalmers and Dainty Dillo in East Austin. We recorded live at the legendary Armadillo Den which previously won Best Bar in Austin Texas and continues to represent everything unique about the city.Berry shares his story of helping create some of Austin’s favorite hangouts before we dive into the history of the “Keep Austin Weird” movement. Where did it come from What made Austin weird back in the day And most importantly is Austin still weird today Join us for an inside look at Austin’s culture, nightlife, and one of its most famous mottos.

In Episode 40 of The Austin Pod, we're breaking down the best neighborhoods to live in Austin, Texas — whether you're renting your first apartment or looking to buy your forever home.From trendy hotspots to quiet hidden gems, we’re sharing our personal rankings of where we’d actually live in Austin based on lifestyle, affordability, vibe, and more. Whether you're moving to Austin or just curious how your neighborhood stacks up, this episode is for you!🏡 Areas we talk about include:South CongressEast AustinThe DomainZilkerMuellerTravis HeightsHyde Park...and more!Let us know in the comments: What’s YOUR favorite neighborhood in Austin?🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more Austin life, bar scene deep dives, and all things ATX.

In this episode of The Austin Pod, we’re breaking down the best things to do in Austin, Texas—from iconic spots like Zilker Park and Barton Springs to local nightlife gems, live music venues, food trucks, and weird Austin traditions you won’t find anywhere else.Whether you're moving here, vacationing, or just trying to spice up your weekend, we’ve got the perfect mix of local favorites, tourist musts, and underrated hidden gems that make this city one of a kind.🔥 Highlights include:Where to catch the famous bats at sunset 🦇The real best BBQ in town (it’s not just Franklin’s...) 🍖Dive bars, speakeasies, rooftop hangs, and more 🥃How to “Keep Austin Weird” like a local 🎨📍 Know someone coming to Austin soon? Share this with them!👇 Drop your favorite ATX must-do in the comments — we’re always looking for new spots to shout out!Cheers!

In Episode 38 of The Austin Pod, we sit down with Gustavo and Pao, the visionary couple behind two of the most creative bars in Austin, Texas — Travelers Lounge, the iconic two-decker cocktail bus in East Austin, and Visitant Lounge, a hidden speakeasy operating out of a literal U-Haul.Their journey is as wild and creative as the bars they’ve built. From their early days working together in Brooklyn, New York, to launching a U-Haul speakeasy during the 2020 lockdowns, to their time in Miami, and eventually bringing their bold concepts to Austin — Gustavo and Pao share it all.We talk about:🚐 How Visitant Lounge became a secret bar in a U-Haul🍸 Why Travelers Lounge feels like drinking in outer space❤️ How their relationship evolved while building bars across the country🌆 What they love about Austin’s nightlife scene🔐 The future of speakeasies and creative bar conceptsWhether you're a cocktail enthusiast, bar owner, or just someone who loves a good origin story, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and behind-the-scenes insight into two of Austin’s most unique drinking experiences.Make sure to subscribe for more interviews with the people shaping Austin’s bar, restaurant, and culture scene. Cheers! 🥂

Episode 36 of The Austin Pod, we’re recording from one of the coolest bars in Austin, Traveler’s Lounge, a double-decker space-themed bar in East Austin! We answer your questions and dive into everything from Anthony’s wild 11-bar crawl in one day, our favorite spots on South Congress, Love Island, and our top local hangouts in ATX!Whether you're new to Austin or a local looking for new spots to explore, this episode is full of laughs, recommendations, and real talk about what makes this city great.

On Episode 35 of The Austin Pod, Anthony from @theatxdrinker and Rachel from @512bites dive into one of the most common challenges for people living in or moving to Austin: how to make real friends in this city. From meetups and social clubs to underrated events and local hangouts, we break down what actually works.But that’s not all — we also round up our favorite happy hours in Austin, including some hidden gems you might’ve missed, plus the best frozen drinks to beat the Texas heat.This episode is full of tips, laughs, and recs for anyone trying to make the most out of life in ATX.👇 Drop a comment if you’ve got a go-to friend-making hack or a frozen drink spot we should try next!

In Episode 34 of The Austin Pod, Anthony TheAtxDrinker and Rachel 512Bites dive into a completely unserious and 100% speculative convo about Austin businesses that look like they could be money laundering fronts. Let’s be clear, this is all just for fun. We’re not accusing anyone of anything… except maybe being too empty to stay open? We also catch up on:💨 That wild hail storm that hit Austin🕯️ Our night out on East 6th when everything was closed except for Mother’s Ruin, which stayed open with candles like a speakeasy🍔 Rachel’s trip to a burger festival where she tried some of the best burgers in AustinWhether you’re into food, bars, weather chaos, or wild theories — this episode is for you.🎧 Subscribe for all things Austin: news, nightlife, events, and more.

Welcome back to The Austin Pod! After a quick two-week break, Anthony (@theatxdrinker) and Rachel (@512bites) are back and catching up on everything happening in the ATX. In this episode, we dive into some of the best BBQ joints in Austin—from iconic staples to underrated gems—and share our go-to coffee spots around the city.Recorded on-site at the cozy and vibey Murray’s Tavern in East Austin, this episode brings the usual laughs, local tips, and hot takes on what makes Austin’s food and drink scene one of the best in the country.💥 Topics in this episode:🔥 Our top BBQ picks in Austin☕ Best coffee shops to check out📍Why Murray’s Tavern is the perfect neighborhood hang🎤 Catching up after the break: new eats, new drinks, and local eventsIf you love Austin food, drinks, and culture—make sure to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications for weekly episodes!📍 Recorded at: Murray’s Tavern, East Austin, TX📲 Follow us: @theaustinpod | @theatxdrinker | @512bites

On this episode of The Austin Pod, co-hosts Anthony from Theatxdrinker and Rachel from 512bites go all in on the newly announced Austin City Limits Music Festival 2025 lineup!We’re reacting live to the full artist drop — from the headliners that shocked us to the undercard gems we can’t wait to see. Did ACL get it right this year? Who are we hyped about? Who are we skipping? And does this lineup make it worth the ticket price?📍Recorded right here in Austin, Texas – this is your go-to festival preview from two locals who live and breathe ATX.🎧 Tune in for:✅ Hot takes on this year’s headliners✅ Underrated acts you need to know✅ Honest thoughts on how it stacks up to past years✅ Local insight from your favorite Austin creators👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Austin content every week!

On this episode of The Austin Pod with Anthony from @theatxdrinker and Rachel from @512bites, we’re posted up at Equipment Room — the South Congress vinyl sanctuary and cocktail bar — with two legendary guests: Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ and Uptown Sports Club, and Josh LaRue of Equipment Room and Breakaway Records.We dive deep into the upcoming Hot Luck Festival, with Aaron giving us the inside scoop on what’s new for 2025. Josh shares his role as "Minister of Music," curating the soulful vinyl soundtrack that makes Equipment Room a true listening experience. Plus, we talk about their new collaboration: Frankie’s Lounge, a one-night-only pre-Hot Luck event happening Wednesday, May 14th. Think 1950s jazz lounge vibes, a custom menu by Aaron Franklin, curated tunes by Josh, and specialty cocktails from the Equipment Room team.Hot Luck Festival follows the next week — May 22–25 — bringing together world-class chefs, unforgettable music, and laid-back Austin vibes. Tickets are on sale now at hotluckfest.com

Episode 30 of The Austin Pod, the only podcast for Austin Texas! This week, we’re literally on the water! Join us as we hop aboard Floaties Saloon—a one-of-a-kind floating bar and boat on Lake Austin—for an unforgettable episode packed with good vibes and great convos.Join Anthony (@theatxdrinker) and Rachel (@512bites) as we dive into:📰 The latest news making waves around Austin🍹 Our favorite bars and restaurants on the water🌊 The best things to do and must-try activities on the lakeWhether you're a local or just visiting, this episode is your ultimate guide to experiencing Austin from the water. Grab a drink, float with us, and get inspired for your next lakeside adventure!Follow us on our socials!Anthony (Instagram and TikTok)@Theatxdrinker @The_Whisky_Boys Rachel (Instagram and TikTok)@512bites @Rachellately