Buzzfeed this week rounded up a list of "34 Things Austinites Love." While no list, no matter how long, will include all the things every Austin-dweller enjoys, Buzzfeed's list left off more than a few local favorites.
1) All Animal Shelters
Buzzfeed commenters don't deny that Austinites love rescuing shelter dogs. But they did point out that there's more than one place to get a four-legged friend. Besides Austin Pets Alive, Austinites can pick up a new furry family member at the Austin Animal Center, Austin Humane Society and plenty more places.
2) Supporting Local Businesses
Austin is home to some cool local businesses – just ask any Austinite. Some of these businesses have spawned chains and even branched out nationwide. Heard of the Alamo Drafthouse? Other local businesses such as Waterloo Records are still all ours. And who doesn't love a record store that doubles as a live music venue?
3) South by Southwest
OK, so we might complain about the influx of people who visit during March. And we might even rent out our homes so that we can make a few bucks and avoid the extra traffic. But like it or not, "South by" helped put Austin's music scene on the map. And as this Buzzfeed commenter notes, Austinites love the free beer and events SXSW brings.
4) More Breakfast Tacos
Torchy's, Tacodeli ... Sure, we all have our breakfast taco favorites. And it's apparent from the laments left by Buzzfeed commenters that more than a few great spots were left off the list. Tamale House on Airport Boulevard deserves a special shoutout.
5) Diners
We don't just eat tacos – or barbecue for that matter. We also enjoy anything that we can eat in the wee hours. Kerbey Lane, Magnolia Cafe, Star Seeds Cafe and 24 Diner are open all day and night. And if you’ve never been to one of these Austin eateries after midnight, you’ve never really been at all.
6) The Drag
Also known as Guadalupe. Also pronounced "guad-a-loop." It's right across from the University of Texas at Austin. Grab some UT gear at the Co-op, eat at one of dozens of restaurants, dodge a drag-rat. Lather, rinse, repeat.
7) Mount Bonnell
If you’re looking for a peaceful, beautiful place to escape in Austin, Mount Bonnell is one of them. It overlooks Lake Austin and you might have it all to yourself.
8) Complaining
Every Austinite has a story about the good ol’ days when they arrived – even if it was last week. So from sneering at people who are moving here to complaining about I-35, we love grousing.
9) Democrats
The People's Republic of Austin. The blue island in the red sea. The blueberry in the tomato soup. Take your pick, but liberals tend to flock here.
10) Claiming people who aren’t actually from Austin
Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughn are iconic musicians who played in Austin a lot, but technically they’re not from here.
11) Protecting the Environment
Recycling is growing and trying to keep up with the population increase. If you’re interested in volunteering, Keep Austin Beautiful has some opportunities. You can take it a step further at the Ecology Action warehouse.
12) Bookstores
BookPeople always has an author, speaker or event going on. Austin Books & Comics has a great selection of old favorites. And don't forget Texas-born Half Price Books.
13) Restaurants on the Lake
Let’s eat: The Oasis, Hula Hut, Carlos N’ Charlie’s and Hudson’s on the Bend offer dining right on the water. Happy now, Buzzfeeder?
14) East Sixth Street
Dirty Sixth has its crowds, but east of the highway is an increasingly popular alternative for going out filled with bars, restaurants, food trailers and much more.
15) Gluten-Free Eating
Who's this Gluten guy, and why does he get to eat for free everywhere in Austin? Austin is health conscious and many restaurants offer gluten-free options - from breads to deserts.
16) A Love/Hate Relationship with Texas
Texans are incredibly proud of their state, but sometimes you can’t just say that you are from Texas. You’re from Austin, Texas.
17) Thundercloud Subs
Long before Austin was the foodie capital it is now, there was Thundercloud. I'll take a California Club, both types of cheese and extra Thundersauce, please. (Disclaimer: Thundercloud is a KUT sponsor.)
18) Chicken Poop Bingo
Yes, it's exactly like it sounds. At Ginny's Little Longhorn.
19) The Bullock Museum
If you grew up here (in the 1990s, at least), you probably went to the museum once or twice as a kid. If you still live here, you've probably been recently to catch a movie at the IMAX theater. (It's one of the real, full-size screens.)
20) Kids
Just as you can take your dog anywhere, you can pretty much do the same with a child. Austin has always been a family-friendly city.
21) Farmers Markets
North, south, east and west, there are plenty of farmers markets dotted over Austin. Craft foods sit alongside fresh fruits and veggies. Getting hungry yet?
22) The “Lamar Street Art Gallery”
New art pops up here daily for northbound commuters. It’s usually painted over in a day or two – only for new stuff to appear.
23) The New Zach Theater
Sure, Austin's an arts-friendly city, but it didn't have a world-class theater of its own until the new Topfer opened up.
24) Texas Friendliness
A smile or a head nod from a stranger is pretty common in Austin.
Let us know: What did we – or Buzzfeed – miss?
