They say not to repeat the past, but sometimes that’s all you want to do. If Austinites could build a time machine, they’d undoubtedly go back to the good ‘ol days of the city, when the traffic was clearer and the venues never crowded. These are nine things you can’t do in Austin anymore, but really wish you could.
- See a concert at the Armadillo World Headquarters
Armadillo World Headquarters/Facebook The legendary ‘Dillo left Austin in 1980, but how we wish we could go back and see the Redheaded Stranger play a set there one more time.
- Devour the only sandwich on the menu at the original Schlotzsky’s Deli
www.schlotzskys.wordpress.com Schlotzsky’s Deli opened its doors on South Congress Avenue in 1971 with only one item on the menu. “The Original”, a sandwich full of three meats and loads of veggies, only cost $2.95.
- Vote Leslie for mayor
megan ann/Flickr Leslie Cochran, Austin’s most well-known homeless man, ran for mayor three times. Leslie tragically passed away in 2009. Rest in peace, Leslie.
- Compete in the ultimate battle between north and south Austin.
Matthew Peoples/Flickr In 1987, a huge rope stretched across Town Lake and signaled the great battle between Austin neighborhoods. That’s right; there’s no better way to earn bragging rights than by winning a massive tug of war. For three consecutive years, north and south Austin competed in this city-wide test of strength, but I’m sure we could rally support for a rematch.
- Rock out at Liberty Lunch
.imelda/Flickr Like the Armadillo World Headquarters, Liberty Lunch was an iconic music venue back in the day. Liberty Lunch closed in 1999, but it went strong for over 20 years.
- Hang with the hippies at Les Amis Cafe
Les Amis Cafe the documentary/Facebook For 27 years, Les Amis Cafe was a popular meeting place for artists, cosmic cowboys, and musicians. This cafe contributed to Austin’s unique flavor and flair, but sadly closed in 1997.
- Take a summertime dip in Hamilton Pool without making a reservation
Ashton Brown/Flickr Like a trip to Franklin Barbecue, dipping in Hamilton Pool’s picturesque waters requires some planning. These days, you’ll need to book a reservation in advance in order to guarantee a spot.
- Catch an intimate show at Flipnotics
Heather Cowper/Flickr For over 20 years, Flipnotics served coffee in a cozy, listening room atmosphere. Its convenient location on Barton Springs Road attracted singer/songwriters from all over the city.
- Sink your teeth into a delicious Fran’s Hamburger
vjlawson2001/Flickr When Fran’s Hamburgers decided against renewing the lease to their South Congress location, Austinites mourned greatly. Sadly, their north location on Cameron Road closed just a few years later. Those affordable, gourmet burgers kept Austinites fed for over 40 years and are greatly missed.
Whats something you wish you could still do in Austin?
Armadillo World Headquarters/Facebook
The legendary ‘Dillo left Austin in 1980, but how we wish we could go back and see the Redheaded Stranger play a set there one more time.
Schlotzsky’s Deli opened its doors on South Congress Avenue in 1971 with only one item on the menu. “The Original”, a sandwich full of three meats and loads of veggies, only cost $2.95.
megan ann/Flickr
Leslie Cochran, Austin’s most well-known homeless man, ran for mayor three times. Leslie tragically passed away in 2009. Rest in peace, Leslie.
Matthew Peoples/Flickr
In 1987, a huge rope stretched across Town Lake and signaled the great battle between Austin neighborhoods. That’s right; there’s no better way to earn bragging rights than by winning a massive tug of war. For three consecutive years, north and south Austin competed in this city-wide test of strength, but I’m sure we could rally support for a rematch.
.imelda/Flickr
Like the Armadillo World Headquarters, Liberty Lunch was an iconic music venue back in the day. Liberty Lunch closed in 1999, but it went strong for over 20 years.
Les Amis Cafe the documentary/Facebook
For 27 years, Les Amis Cafe was a popular meeting place for artists, cosmic cowboys, and musicians. This cafe contributed to Austin’s unique flavor and flair, but sadly closed in 1997.
Ashton Brown/Flickr
Like a trip to Franklin Barbecue, dipping in Hamilton Pool’s picturesque waters requires some planning. These days, you’ll need to book a reservation in advance in order to guarantee a spot.
Heather Cowper/Flickr
For over 20 years, Flipnotics served coffee in a cozy, listening room atmosphere. Its convenient location on Barton Springs Road attracted singer/songwriters from all over the city.
vjlawson2001/Flickr
When Fran’s Hamburgers decided against renewing the lease to their South Congress location, Austinites mourned greatly. Sadly, their north location on Cameron Road closed just a few years later. Those affordable, gourmet burgers kept Austinites fed for over 40 years and are greatly missed.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
