Single and the City
Whether it’s a night out with the girls or the plan is to hit the town solo, downtown Austin is filled with hot, glamorous locations to see and be seen. Listed as the “#1 City for Singles” in 2003 by Forbes, it may have slid down in the rankings this year, but Austin still holds a nightlife filled with fun and a bit of scandal.
A sexy ensemble is the first necessity for a great night out. Don’t be fooled by the stereotypical Texas western wear: trendy designs and labels have taken over this town’s fashion. Local downtown shopping offers many magnificent independent boutiques. There’s a full block of shops at 2nd Street between Colorado and Lavaca, and some delicious lunching spots positioned in between the stores. Don’t miss Girl Next Door, Sana Boutique, and Shiki; which was recently featured in Lucky magazine. Eliza Page is a top shop for killer accessories.
Or, pop out toward the north edge of town to The Domain. An outdoor shopping center, this district feels more like Beverly Hills than the suburbs. Neiman Marcus and Macy’s are currently the main anchor stores, and Nordstrom is scheduled to open in 2010. Other must stop shops include Stuart Weizman, Wellmade, Betsey Johnson, and Bebe. If extra pampering is in order, the MAC cosmetics boutique offers full face make-up appointments. Ask for a dramatic smoky eye with some wild false lashes.
A perfect outfit begs to be flaunted. For early evening cocktails and appetizers, Key Bar and The Belmont are great first stops. Both have outdoor patio seating with a chic décor.
- Key Bar: Order their specialty “shaker” featuring a mixed drink of your favorite spirit, complimented with a natural juice popsicle. All Good (Grey Goose vodka with lemonade and a raspberry mint popsicle) is a house favorite. The patio features lounge style chairs set in a rock garden. Stilettos beware!
- The Belmont: This establishment offers Palm Springs, old Hollywood charm, reminiscent of the Standard Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. Updated with southern favorites and a Cuban twist, the Caipirinha cocktail with cachaca liquor, lime, and sugar will outdo any bar’s mojito. Check the events calendar, as the Belmont hosts many fetes throughout the year, including a “can’t miss” Kentucky Derby affair with hats and miniature horses galore.
Dine stylishly at the Malaga Tapas and Bar. Recently relocated to a larger venue on 2nd Street, this restaurant offers a quiet intimate atmosphere to catch up with the girls before the night’s mayhem gets underway.
Kenichi, a new sushi restaurant in the warehouse district, is also a great option and is quickly becoming a local favorite. Unlike its competitors, it is still possible to walk in without reservations and be seated without an hour long wait. Menu highlights include freshly made wasabi paired with chef sushi selections and vegetable tempura sides (the eggplant is incredible!).
Get the party started after dinner, as no girl’s night out on the town is complete without dancing! Citysearch lists Molotov Lounge as the 2007 audience and editorial winner for the best singles scene. Other great spots include:
Pangaea: One of the city’s only places to find bottle service, this New York club recently opened its doors in Austin just last year. The owners and staff still maintain their roots in the big city, which means this is a great place to spot celebrity clients and patrons. Pangaea is also host to small concerts, fashion shows, and features guest DJ’s on the weekends.
If the goal is to stick together, hit up a different option. Rain, a new gay bar on 4th Street is a good alternative. Dance all night with the girls and forget about falling prey to cheesy pick up lines or of losing a friend to an offer of a drink and conversation.