A JOURNAL OF EAST AUSTIN RETAIL AND DINING

SPENDINGSHAPPY

NEIGH BOR HOOD

INTRO TO EAST CESAR CHAVEZ

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NEIGH BOR HOOD

The East Cesar Chavez neighborhood is diverse and dynamic, with a colorful history stretching back to the late-nine-teenth and early-twentieth centuries. As one of Austin’s first neighborhoods, a unique character developed over many years, incorporating social and cultural influences from African American, Hispanic and European-American residents. This character can still be found throughout the streets of East Cesar Chavez and is manifested through historic heritage, cultural landmarks and current social customs.

w w w . e a s t c e s a r c h a v e z . o r g

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This book serves as a travel journal of the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood. Rather than including every experience with the area, the journal focuses on the food and shopping options available. East Chavez offers a quirky variety of small businesses that deserve to be explored.

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SHOPPLACES TO SPEND SOME TIME & DROP SOME MONEY

Charm School Vintage

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EAST C

ESAR C

HAVEZ ST.

san marcos st.

waller st.

medina st.

navasota st.

attayac st.

comal st.

chalmers ave.

chicon st.

aransas st.

lynn st.

elkhart st.

anthony st.caney st.

robert martinez jr. st.

mildred st.

WILLO

W ST.

Big Red Sun

Domy Books

Charm School Vintage

Remar Thrift

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DOMY BOOKS

w w w . d o m y s t o r e . c o m

Domy is a bookstore with a focus on books, periodicals, and products that concentrate on national (and international) contemporary art, literature and culture.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

913 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$

parking

tues-sat: 12-8pm sun: 12-7pm

hipster

street

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Domy is a bookstore meets art gallery with four separate vendors calling one space home. I expected Domy to be a quirky bookstore in terms of fiction and non-fiction novels. However, I was pleas-antly surprised by the selection of artsy books and local zines. On top of that, the vinyl toy collection is a gem, especially when thinking of gifts for friends. Domy’s selection of books is an art gallery in itself; each book is beautiful in terms of design. Although this location is not the only one in existence, this bookstore still feels as Austin as could be.

MAGICAL.

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DOM

Y B

OOKS

My favorite part was the retail community Domy has created within one building (and yard). The newly added vendors:

Busy-Being: a gift shop with clothing, home goods and accessoriesSchmaltz: Jewish deli style food trailer with lunch, dinner and drinksOlive: vintage clothing and accessories Paper Party: stationary, party decorations, art and gifts

These mini-vendors successfully create Domy as a whole, contributing to the unique, artsy selection.

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BIG RED SUN

w w w . b i g r e d s u n . c o m

Big Red Sun is renowned for its dis-tinct ‘Modern yet Timeless; Organic but Structured’ use of restorative, native, and naturalized plantings combined with visually striking ves-sels and tailor-crafted hardscapes.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

1311 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$$$$

parking

weds-sat: 10am-6pm sun: 11am-5pm

hip

street

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Big Red Sun is a nursery and boutique offering everything your garden and home could ever want or need. At first, I felt a little intimidated walking into the store front, just because it is not clearly evident what the business is. After taking a quick stroll through the store and a peek at the perfectly manicured yard, it is quite evident they are in the landscape design and home treasure business.

GROOMED.

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BIG

RED

SUN

While Big Red Sun’s landscaping services, as well as some of the boutique items are out of my college student budget, there is no price for inspiration. Note to self: If I am ever a millionaire, this will be the first place to go for landscape design. BRS’s mod take on yards is classic and timeless.

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REMAR THRIFT STORE

w w w . r e m a r u s a . c o m

Remar Thrift is a nonprofit organiza-tion, dedicated to help people with problems that are disregarded by society through our long term Chris-tian rehabilitation program.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

1410 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$

parking

mon-sat: 9am-5pm

mom & pop

street

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Remar Thrift USA is a thrift store that employs people who have fallen on hard times, and helps them to turn their life around with a job. All of the items are locally donated to the store and are priced extremely low if you are in the market for furniture. I was excited to stop here because thrift stores house the random treasures that I like to decorate with.

USED.

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REM

AR T

HRIF

THowever, this store was set up differently than most, making me feel uncomfortable.The furniture and bigger items were outside the house storefront, making it an outdoor browsing experience. While this would normally be ok, some employees were just sitting around talking on a couch while I shopped, making me feel like I was being watched. Next I stepped inside the house and that’s where they are hiding all of those random knick knacks and home goods. While I enjoyed looking at what other people have cleaned out of their lives, this store’s set up was not my favorite in terms of leisure thrift shopping.

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CHARMSCHOOLVINTAGE

www.cha rmscho o l v in tage . com

Charm School Vintage is east Austin’s mecca for must-have ladies’ vintage clothing from the Victorian era to the 90s, handpicked with love and an eye towards wearabili-ty, timeless style, and affordability.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

2109 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$$

parking

tues-sat: 11am-7pm sun: 12-6pm

ecclectic

street

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Charm School Vintage is a collection of make-up, wigs, shoes, clothing accessories and everything beautiful and vintage. The little pop-up shops within Charm School embody every reason why this store is smart and beautiful at the same time. I had no hesitations going into Charm School. From all the buzz around Austin, as well as the eye candy pictures of clothing and accessories, my vintage-loving heart was about to explode with happiness. Sometimes places with so much good press tend to be overrated, but the exact opposite rings true for CSV.

WONDERFUL.

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CHARM

SCHOOL

My favorite part of CSV was the fact that all of the clothing over the span over sev-eral decades could be sold in one small house and not look out of place. The true love for vintage comes from the idea of a timelessly beautiful piece that looks rele-vant in modern day. Each piece in Charm School has a history that you can feel in every stitch of fabric. The owner Shari does a wonderful job of buying pieces and pricing them reasonably so you can leave with an entire outfit. Austin is the perfect home for this gem of a shop.

DINEPLACES TO GRAB SOME GRUB & DRINKS

Counter Culture

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EAST C

ESAR C

HAVEZ ST.

san marcos st.

waller st.

medina st.

navasota st.

attayac st.

comal st.

chalmers ave.

chicon st.

aransas st.

lynn st.

elkhart st.

anthony st.caney st.

robert martinez jr. st.

mildred st.

WILLO

W ST.

Counter Culture

Cenote Coffee

Juan in a Million

Cazamance Cafe

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CENOTE

w w w . c e n o t e a u s t i n . c o m

We strive to serve delicious food that is locally sourced as much as possible, utilizing Austin’s awesome local farms as well our own on-site garden (a work in progress), all the while providing our neighbors and friends with a comfortable and inviting space to meet and dine in.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

1010 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$

parking

mon-sat: 7:30-12am sun: 8:30am-8pm

hipster

street

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Cenote coffee is home to exceptional coffees and delectable treats. The menu is not extravagant, but the Pulled Pork sandwich is ridiculously delicious and the price is right. Not being a huge coffee fan, I was interested to see what other beverages they had to offer. With a decent wine and beer menu, Cenote is definitely a place worth venturing to with friends for a night out. Being 12 in the afternoon, I settled on a Cream Soda and a seat outside in the sun. Friendly, laid-back employees contribute to the chill atmosphere Cenote provides. The coffee house is settled in an 1887 home, complete with original, but restored, wood flooring. It is a versatile little spot, easily being able to transform from a study space to a gathering place. Also notable, Cenote is home to Rockstar Bagels, which accomodates to gluten sensitive bagel lovers.

CHILL.

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CEN

OTE

MENU PICKS:

Pullled Pork Sandwich $7 pulled pork, onions ciabatta bread

Stella Pinot Grigio $8

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JUAN IN A MILLION

w w w . j u a n i n a m i l l i o n . c o m

For 30 years, Juan in a Million has blended unique, authentic, and cre-ative food with great service and atmosphere. Enjoy our colorful food, warm service and quality spirits.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

2300 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$

parking

mon-sun: 7am-3pm

casual

street

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Juan in a Million is a traditional Mexican food restaurant that has been nationally recognized for TV appearances and deli-cious, belly warming food. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner has been their specialty since 1980. Usually with places like this that are so well-known, it is hard to get a table. To my surprise, it was quite the opposite during my visit. Upon entering the building, I was greeted by Juan himself. Although the restaurant was still packed, it did not take away from my dining experi-ence at all. Aside from the food, it is so important to note that the servers here are probably the hardest working individuals in the food business. Even though the entire place was stuffed with people, I was still treated like I was the only person in the place, receiving prompt service and attention. Juan in a Million is definitely an eatery worth adding to my favorites list.

FULL.

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JUAN IN

A M

ILLI

ON

MENU PICKS:

Don Juan $4.50 a secret combination of potato, egg, ba-con and cheese in a deliciously hot tortilla

Bottle Mexican Coke $2

CAZA- MANCE

w w w . c a z a m a n c e . c o m

The quality and nutritional value of the foods we serve are of major importance to us at Cazamance. We believe that healthy can absolutely be delicious and feel indulgent. As much as possible we shop locally for the freshest ingredients and concsiously prepare each meal.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

1101 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$

parking

tues-sat: 12-8pm sun: 12-7pm

hipster

street

35

Cazamance is an African inspired café food trailer that focuses on healthy, natural ingredients. They take time to hand select ingredients to ensure only the best food is being served on the plate. The open air atmosphere really makes you forget you are tucked into the city. All of the people there are so kind and welcoming; it only made the dining experience that much better. With all of the fresh ingredients used, I didn’t feel too full afterwards, but satisfied to say the least. Cazamance is the perfect place to spend some time with friends, or a quaint little date night away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

ETHNIC.

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CAZAM

ANCE

MENU PICKS:

Kermess Cathedral Wrap $4 black angus hot dog with grilled onions served on a bun or wrapped

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COUNTER CULTURE

www.coun te rcul t u reau s t in . com

Counter Culture offers meatless, dairy-free and raw foods - made from scratch - and offered at remarkably affordable prices. Whenever possible the restaurant procures organic, fair trade & locally grown food from area farmers.

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location

hours

price range

vibe

2337 e. cesar chavez austin, tx 78702

$$

parking

wed-sun: 11am-10pm

hipster

street

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Counter Culture is now a full service restaurant that opened in April 2012 after spending 3 years in a food trailer. Counter Culture focuses on vegan and raw food choices, which is an emerging genre in the food industry. While I don’t personally have dietary restrictions that stop me from consuming gluten, I think it is really important for restaurants to provide these options. Counter Culture succeeds at this, providing a casual environment and healthy food. One of my favorite additions to the restaurant is the vinyl jukebox for funky tunes.

HEALTHY.

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COUNTER

CULT

URE

MENU PICKS:

Spinach Citrus Salad $7 raw spinach, seasonal citrus & hemp seeds with a spicy tahini dressing Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice $4.50

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INDEX

Big Red Sun Cazamnce Cafe Cenote Coffee Charm School Vintage Counter Culture Domy Books Juan in a MillionRemar Thrift

12-15 34-37 26-29 20-23 38-41

8-11 30-3316-19

EAST C

ESAR C

HAVEZ ST.

san marcos st.

waller st.

medina st.

navasota st.

attayac st.

comal st.

chalmers ave.

chicon st.

aransas st.

lynn st.

elkhart st.

anthony st.caney st.

robert martinez jr. st.

mildred st.

WILLO

W ST.

Counter Culture

Cenote Coffee

Juan in a Million

Cazamance Cafe

Domy Books

Charm School Vintage

Big Red Sun

Remar Thrift

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