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Austin's South Congress Street excites, Saba Blue Water Cafe disappoints
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I love the open road, especially the one southbound that takes me the “back way” to Austin from Dallas – Highway 281. And while the back way is my preferred road to travel to and from the state capital, it isn’t the fastest, most direct way between the two cities (that would be I-35 south). The trip to Austin from Dallas on a good traffic day is 3 to 3.5 hours. Road construction along the strip of I-35 between Dallas and Austin is the norm – where you’ll run into it is the question. Be sure to check the Texas Department of Transportation Web site for current road conditions and closures.
On the way (down 281) stop for coffee at the Coffee Cup Café in Hico, pick up a cold, glass bottle of Dublin Dr. Pepper in Hamilton and see some of the best of Texas’ wild flowers road side in warmer months. In Marble Falls, stop in for peanut butter pie at the Bluebonnet Café.
If taking the road more traveled (down I-35), hit prime shopping in Hillsboro and Round Rock, grab a kolache at the famous Czech Stop north of Waco or travel deep into the center of the earth at Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown.
While you’re in Austin…
DO: Hit South Congress (or SoCo, if you’re trendy). Believe it or not, this area was a little on the shady side until recent years. This strip of Austin stretches from Town Lake south to Oltorf. Eclectic shops, street vendors and cafes dot both sides of the street. Pedestrian-friendly (parking’s a pain), I recommend renting a bike and enjoying the scenery.
Personal favorites in the area include Hotel San Jose for an overnight stay, brunch at South Congress Café (have a Bloody Mary and Carrot Cake French Toast – it’s serious) and check out the art work, jewelry and photography from local artisans. Don’t miss First Thursdays in SoCo which mark a local tradition when shops stay open late.
Hello? I love this area of town most. Period.
DON’T: Waste your time at Saba Blue Water Café, 208 W. 4th St.
(Scene: Buzzing restaurant, Saturday night, 9:30 p.m.) Just when I thought the Mother Queen of All Bad Words began with an “F,” I dined at Saba …
It wasn’t my first time at the rodeo, but it would be my last after my recent experience at the “award-winning” eatery. Nestled in a tiny, narrow spot in the Warehouse District next door to a live music venue waaaay too cool to be rubbing elbows with Saba, this 4th Street eatery gets my vote for Mother Queen of All Bad Restaurants.
From the owner’s (Joe Reynolds) flippant attitude (forgetting our party at the bar FOR AN HOUR), to his poor customer service (letting the waitress do his dirty work and apologize on his behalf), Saba has successfully been scratched off the to-do list. And the funny thing, if the owner hadn’t been such creech, we may have given it another chance. In my opinion, any establishment offering a service to the public and lacking in customer service cannot win me over on product alone.
My companions and I were so utterly displeased with our experience at Saba, that simply typing the four little letters to spell its name reminds my stomach of the spoiled lobster in the restaurant's empanadas.
Want to make it a day trip? Click here about travel in Texas. Don't miss other Dallas Day Trip ideas from Lea Lashley.
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