Austin Tastemakers

James Truty is a transplant from Chicago, a software developer by day and a craft beer lover by night.

Top 5 recommendations:

1. Grab a beer on the patio at the Draughthouse

2. Watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse

3. Lounge around at Barton Springs

4. Catch a live show at Stubbs

5. Tour a new local brewery

Kara is a Time Out Austin Tastemaker and curator of exciting events and experiences for the Austin community.  She loves Austin for its people and lifestyle, which can be both active and laid-back.  In her spare time, she is a Jill of multiple trades:  festival volunteer, personal assistant, and occasional film & TV extra.  

Top 5 reccomendations: 

1.  Bar Lamar at the Whole Foods Market flagship store

2.  SXSW everything!  

3.  Signature Series events at the Alamo Drafthouse

4.  Fun Fun Fun Fest

5.  Austin City Limits Music Festival"

I love Austin because this city is full of great food, nice people, and if you can stand the heat, spectacular weather. It might be the fact that we are all well-fed but everyone here seems like they are in a great mood. People aren't pretentious and the city has some small-town charm and doesn't have to sacrifice big-city benefits.

Top 5 reccomendations:

1.Food Trucks

2.Festivals

3.BYOB Friendliness

4.Outdoor Activities

5.Tech Start-up Mentality

Nicki Affonso is Time Out Austin's go-to gal for all things food, especially gourmet fare on a budget.

Top 5 Reccomendations:

1. Little Barrel and Brown

2. Sway

3. Ms. P’s Fried Chicken

4. Porter Ale House

5. No Va Kitchen & Bar

Rosemary Wynn was born and raised in Austin which is very rare these days!

Top 5 recommendations:

1.  ACL Festival

2. SXSW (even the free stuff!)

3.  Visit the Salt Lick Barbecue in Driftwood

4.  Enjoy Ladybird Lake - jog the trail, canoe, kayak, paddle board, stroll and feed the ducks, or visit adjacent Zilker Park and take a dip in Barton Springs

5.  Stop by the Continental Club for live music (they have it every night!) and grab a taco and margarita before at Guero's on South Congress