Meg Griffitts

Sometimes dating on Tinder is like watching the latest Transformers movie—there's a whole lot of adrenaline without any real substance. Even more confusing? Deciding where to meet your online interest? We've come up with a few spots to guarantee a good time—even if your date is as much of a train wreck as a Bachelor in Paradise reject.  If you're having an identity crisis: When being yourself is too much pressure, woo your date with your own version of Batwoman, Captain America or Ms. Marvel at Hops and Heroes, a non-profit comic book store. Here you’ll find open mics, game nights and movie screenings while sipping on your favorite brew (it's currently BYOB, but they're in the process of getting a liquor license) in cosplay.  If you're both, like, super low key: If Cheers and Spider House Ballroom got together, Mugshots would be its hipster baby. On a Friday night, you can find a mix of regulars and friendly bartenders who still believe in eye contact, and the cheap drinks, jukebox and large patio create an atmosphere where friends with sexual chemistry can hang without expectations. Equipped with a photo booth, Mugshots is perfect for taking those hesitant dating pics that you can crop each other out of later. If you're one of those Crossfit people: For the active date, check out Austin Bouldering Project where you can rock climb without a rope or harness (if you think this is a metaphor for online dating, you’re not wrong). The climbs don’t go too high off the ground and th

Austin boasts a smorgasbord of activities, dining and entertainment, but it ain’t always cheap to be a social butterfly in this town. We hunted down the best deals around, whether you’re looking for live music, a refuge from the heat or a late-night bite. Going out just became a whole lot cheaper thanks to these local picks that promise a good time—all for under $10.  It’s a riot!: The Coldtowne Theatre troop hosts Movie Riot every Friday, an event where they create improvised movies on stage for your viewing pleasure. There are free margaritas, popcorn and movie candy—and if margs aren’t your thing, you can also BYOB. Tickets are $8 online, $10 at the door. Get nostalgic at Pinballz Arcade: On Friday and Saturday nights—when there's no cover!—head on over to Pinballz Arcade to play classic video games or to try your hand at their cavalcade of pinball machines. The combination of nostalgic games and BYOB is everything your inner child’s been craving. Karaoke at Ego's: Looking to belt out some tunes? Head to Ego’s on South Congress, where every day they have free karaoke from 9pm-2am. Drinks are cheap and the location draws prime people-watching. Get there early because the slots fill up fast. Take a tour of the Mexic-Arte Museum: Sometimes overshadowed by the nearby contemporary museum, the Mexic-Arte Museum is one of the most worthwhile stops in downtown Austin, showcasing traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latino art and culture. Admission is only $5, but the museum i

Whether you're into pop culture, true crime or conspiracy theories, there’s a podcast for that. Dinner party icebreakers have adapted to their popularity as conversations start with "What podcasts do you listen to?," and it's become a surefire way to keep commuters entertained as they're stuck in hellish traffic. There are plenty of national shows that have left an impact (hello, Serial), but we're all about supporting local programs, too. After doing some heavy listening, we've nailed down our favorite Austin-based podcasts to electrify your ear buds.   Those Damn Comic Book GuysCo-hosts Fresh and Confucius deliver this hour-long podcast that tackles everything from the mainstream (looking at you, Spiderman) to the esoteric (Riri Williams is the new Iron Man?? Cue the fainting). They make nerd culture attainable for those of us who have to get our fix outside of brick and mortar stores. Those Damn Comic Book Guys discuss everything from how to write your own comic, life as a black comic book fan and conspiracy theories. They aren’t afraid to incite controversy or pit fans against one another, but through their humorous delivery and expertise they unite even the most divisive of fans. New episodes every Thursday. I Was Just Saying ThatNeed a lift? Funny and female-focused, I Was Just Saying That interviews talented and creative women doing real work to improve and inspire their communities. Check out their recent episode “For Wonder Woman” that discusses the Alamo Drafthouse

Dads are notoriously difficult to shop for, which is why we often fall back on gifts that say, "It’s the thought that counts—right?" Chances are your dad is more complex than a watch or Home Depot gift card can convey. Raise your game this year! We’ve scoured Austin-based businesses to find tailor-made gifts for your dad’s nuanced interests. Whether or not you have siblings, you’ll be christened his favorite with these local goods.                                                                                         For the city dad who needs a country escape: Not every city slicker can afford to get away for the weekend to channel his inner Thoreau. Stag sells Mid-Century modern decor and home goods to assuage that cabin fever. For the dad who desires a simpler existence, get him Cabin Porn, a collection of alluring photographs and advice on how to bring the woodland into his living room. He’ll be so grateful for the rural escape that he’ll overlook its naughty namesake. For the highly-caffeinated dad: Whether or not caffeine is the reason your dad can achieve feats mere mortals can’t, Atlas Coffee Club is the ideal subscription service to assure he’s the relatable hero you remember from childhood. The club offers a range of single-source coffee options that include roast preferences and grind type, so you can demonstrate your expertise on your dad’s daily brew.  For the beer-guzzling dad: Is your dad into the latest craft beer? Check out Whichcraft Beer Store (with locati