Aimless in Austin, Day 3: Driskill Hotel, Gypsies Antiques, Cenote, Whisler’s, and Ramen Tatsu-Ya

Started our morning by driving in to downtown Austin, and had breakfast at 1886 Cafe and Bakery, located inside the Driskill Hotel.

We wandered around the hotel for a bit first, before settling in to our meal. Liz spotted this old bank vault…

that has since been converted into what looked like mail slots. Assuming they aren’t lock boxes, as no one raised much of a fuss when we walked in here.

After breakfast, we went to get… more breakfast, at Voodoo Donuts. I know it’s more of a Portland thing, but this was so close by… we had to.

Our first stop: Gypsies Antiques.

An old stamp. I was reminded of my time working at my elementary school library. I remember stamping the due date of books, when other students would check them out.

An old typewriter, and a letter moistener (on the right). I also remember using one of these guys, to affix those pockets onto the insides of books (where the card containing all the stamped dates resided).

A game of chess.

Phrenology and a ship in a bottle.

Another ship in a bottle. Would be cool to watch one of these being constructed.

A lot of vintage clothes in the back room. On seeing this back room, I relized why this place was on Liz’s list.

A dancing figurine that Liz liked.

Next up: Room Service Vintage.

Feed Me (a martini), Seymour.

Why hello there, 1982.

Steps ‘n Chutes, by the same company that brought you “Fightboat.”

A Norman Rockwell puzzle sounds boring. And an M.C. Escher puzzle just sounds cruel.

Another typewriter (not a toy).

I’m always interested to see what people type on these things. The words here are mostly on the other side of the paper.

Here’s a view of the other side. I increased the contrast so the words are easier to make out.

Chrome Ghandi?

I found a small stash of mailed postcards, with writing on the back.

Love, Elizabeth.

There was a whole row of them, and it was everything I could do to not camp out here and read every blessed one.

Another postcard…

written by the same Elizabeth? And Antoine.

Finding this made me imagine I could piece together Elizabeth’s life, by looking at all her postcards. I’m sure there were more to be found.

Seriously had to pull myself away from here.

We decided to take a break for a while, and holed up at Cenote for some coffee.

Liz worked on her knitting, while I worked on a little coding project.

Graffiti inside the bathroom.

Austin: home of the politest graffiti ever.

Unable to un-see the drunk octopus that wants to fight you.

Glad I turned down the fight, because his big brother was right outside.

Again, polite graffiti.

We drove over to Whislers for some pre-dinner drinks.

I’m not sure what this flower was, but it was amazing looking.

Welcome

A view of the outside patio.

At the main bar, indoors.

A food truck, parked conveniently nearby.

Looking out over the back patio.

I had The Pipsqueak (gin, genepy, basil, celery, lime, black pepper). Liz had the Josephine Baker (tangerine infused vodka, poppy flower liquor, tangerine, honey, burlesque bitters).

On our way to dinner, we spotted the Batmobile. Kinda.

Despite a line out the door, we got seated fairly quickly at Ramen Tatsuya.

A bowl of ramen and some gyoza.

View of the interior. They had a really great system of letting people in and seating them. I never felt rushed or crowded with people nearby. Not sure how they did it, but it seemed very impressive.

After hanging out at the hotel for a bit after dinner, we walked across the street to Amy’s Ice Creams.

“These has got yer alcohol”

Taking a late snack back to the hotel room.

Related:
Aimless in Austin, Day 1: Driving from Houston, Stopping at Buc-ee’s, and Arriving at the Hotel San Jose
Aimless in Austin, Day 2: Gordough’s Donuts, Austin Antique Mall, and Dinner at Contigo