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Tribeza’s Neighborhoods Issue Arrives This June

From Austin’s buzzing downtown haunts to the slow paced suburbs becoming a little less small, discover the gems in your own backyard

By definition, a “speakeasy,” also called a blind pig or blind tiger, was an illicit establishment during the prohibition era that sold alcoholic beverages. Modern-day speakeasies are still alive and well here in Austin — they just look a little different. When it comes to today’s speakeasies, these reservation-based cocktail lounges are exclusive but easy to get into, if you know the right people and you’re willing to jump through a few hoops. Oh, and of course, alcohol is legal.

In our feature, “Sometimes You Want to Go Where Nobody Knows Your Name,” we’re spotlighting five small, intimate downtown speakeasies with an “If you know, you know” vibe.

MORE: Explore Our Austin City Guides for the Best Spots to Dine, Shop and Adventure

Also in the upcoming Neighborhoods issue, we also follow six local experts through some of the best Austin ’hoods where they like to shop, eat, listen to live music, explore nature and entertain the kiddos. In “Trust Thy Neighbor,” Jane Ko, Matthew Guthrie, Shruthi Parker, Jewlie Williams, Alex Reichek and Mobley tell us what makes these neighborhoods special and share some of their favorite spots.

As for nightlife, Reichek says, “I used to think it was too touristy, but I’ve found a plethora of spots to have any style of evening — from a nice, cozy tucked away spritz cocktail to my absolute favorite music clubs that are either hidden upstairs or off the beaten path. I’m all about a progressive evening and trying to visit as many places as possible, and South Congress allows you to keep making your way down the road and discovering new experiences all night.”

For the kids, Parker says the Mueller area is perfect for the whole family. “We’ve made so many wonderful memories there. There are so many options for the kiddos! They can eat, run and play all day long. Do they want ice cream from Lick? Check! Do they want to run around on a grassy field with a kite? Check! Do they want to play soccer and then feed the ducks? Check and check!”

Finally, with real estate prices constantly on the rise, several Austinites are seeking peace and quiet, charm and natural beauty outside of Austin. They are relocating to small towns in the Hill Country — Wimberley, Driftwood, Kyle/Buda and Dripping Springs — causing these areas to become less small and more popular.

“Dripping Springs and Wimberley have become the hot ticket,” says Allure Real Estate agent Justine Smith. “And since low supply and high demand aren’t slowing down, I’m currently looking at Blanco in addition to Kyle and Buda for more affordable options.”

Whether you’re seeking more land, a slower pace, a small town with a doable commute to Austin, or just a fun weekend getaway, these Hill Country gems are worth a look!