Finding Austin’s Algonquin: A writer’s hometown networking destination

Portrait of writers who frequented New York's Algonquin round table, Art Samuels, Charlie MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker and Alexander Woollcott

Writers gathering over booze to discuss writing has a long and proud tradition in many of the world’s cities. New York had the Algonquin round table. Paris had the Ritz. Hong Kong had the Foreign Correspondent’s Club. Oxford had the Eagle and Child. But what does Austin have?

There are a few storied watering holes scattered throughout the city that might have qualified once. The Cedar Door was the hangout of Statesman journos, but that was about two locations ago. You might find a political writer or two haunting the Texas Chili Parlor (if they’re tracking Republicans) or the Cloak Room (if they’re tracking that most elusive of species, the Texas Democrat).

In my conversations with writers about where they prefer to wet their whistles, a startling truth has emerged: there is no writers’ bar in Austin. In fact, most prefer coffee houses.

Gasp!

This cannot stand. So, we have chosen to nominate a few spots around town that could become Austin’s version of the Algonquin.

The Brixton: 1412 East 6th Street

The Brixton is one of the most chill bars on East 6^th Street. Now that’s saying something. It also has a commodity that few establishments on East 6^th can provide: clean surfaces.

The first time I stumbled upon the Brixton, I was greeted by a chatty bartender and a “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” watch party. I was immediately impressed. While on the small side, the Brixton has ample heated patio seating that is perfect for people watching.

Bar: Full bar (they make a mean gin and tonic).

Atmosphere: Chill and slightly hipsterish, but not as bad as the rest of East 6^th.

Potential for conversation: High. Not too noisy, plenty of seating for moderately sized groups.

Parking: Street.

The Draught House: 4112 Medical Parkway

I got dragged to the Draught House by a friend one night and was pleasantly surprised. While it doesn’t have a full bar, there’s a reason for that. They wouldn’t be able to fit it all. The beer selection in this bar is longer than most restaurant menus.

This place is dark and cozy without being dank and stinky, a hard line to walk for many bars in Austin, it seems.

Thursday through Saturday nights, the place fills up rather quickly, but the outdoor beer garden, with patio heaters, provides more than enough room.

Bar: Beer and wine only (but the list is more than extensive).

Atmosphere: Old-world pub without any of the downsides (i.e. smell).

Potential for conversation: High, as long as it’s not crowded, moderate if it is.

Parking: Private lot.

Apothecary Café and Wine Bar: 4800 Burnet Rd

I have never had trouble getting a table here, even on New Year’s Eve, despite the fact that this place has good food, good wine and cool vibe.

Apothecary is a cozy little place. The menu is always changing depending on what’s in season.

The per-glass prices on the wine are not bad, but it often works out cheaper to get a bottle and share. The atmosphere invites you to linger and the staff are alright with it.

Bar: Wine and beer only, but you won’t miss the liquor with this wine list. They also have a full-service espresso machine for those who prefer non-alcoholic libations.

Atmosphere: An odd mix of cozy and trendy. It works.

Potential for conversation: High. Even when it’s crowded, it’s not very loud.

Parking: Parking lot.

Cipollina: 1213 West Lynn

Cipollina is a family-style restaurant located on what seems to be the west side’s restaurant row, West Lynn. What makes this place great for a group of writers is that for less than $25, you can order a few pizzas and a couple bottles of wine.

Bar: Cipollina has a full bar.

Potential for conversation: Good. It’s an open-floor plan with high ceilings. Even when half full, the room seems to buzz with activity without ever feeling rowdy or overwhelming.

Parking: Very large, very generous parking lot.

Do you, along with some fellow writers or colleagues meet regularly at an interesting destination in Austin? We want to hear about it.