Hey Beauties! (Salivating over what we are about to get in to) I frequent Austin Texas A LOT, I am obsessed with the vibe and “care free” nature of the city and feel “at home” when I’m there. I decided to make the trip yet again for a weekend of tunes and cocktails.
Sunday Funday
After enjoying my Saturday, I was looking forward to my favorite weekend activity and that’s “Sunday Funday” because I mean… BRUNCH is LIFE! I must admit that I do have my preferences when I’m searching for a brunch spot, I want a lively crowd and bumpin tunes. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cocktail and listening to music around people who love and appreciate the same thing. I want that hidden gem of a place that the music can be heard from your parking spot and as you’re walking in you get that “this is it” feeling.
Don’t “Sleep” on East Austin
Cruising through E. 7th I noticed a place on the corner called “Gabriela’s Downtown” that caught my attention with its exterior and outdoor seating, it was literally a house turned restaurant and seemed very lively. I drove passed and decided to hop on Instagram and check it out. The pictures and atmosphere were super dope and when I saw the drinks, it was GAME OVER.. I did a u-turn and was headed back..(your gurl needed a little “hair of the dog”). As I got closer to the spot I could hear music and was already getting excited, this was looking good.
Parking was a little tricky, there was a small lot on the property (it was full) and a back-alley way. As I drove through the alley with intensions to whip around and check again, I noticed a sign that said, “additional parking for Gabriela’s Downtown available at Miller’s Printing”. “Miller’s Printing” was about a block and a half away from the restaurant (it wasn’t too far but definitely was a little walk) Luckily, I found a spot and “Sunday Funday” was in full effect.
Music To My Ears
Walking up I saw there was a DJ outside, and the vibe was already poppin. There were guests seated out front and they were enjoying themselves bouncing to the music and having their cocktails. There’s nothing that can set a tone better than that. Walking through the door was literally like walking into someone’s house, it was awesome and felt homey *pun*. I put my name down and obviously picked outside for seating since I was there to hear some tunes and that’s where the DJ was.
I was told I could grab a drink at the bar while I waited, as I passed the hostess stand there were multiple tables and chairs in different rooms per say but I found the bar in its own room with a few high-top tables and loved the vibe. The bartenders were working hard slanging drinks and were still quick to acknowledge me. Everyone on the planet knows or at least now they do haha.. I am a VODKA girl through and through (Mainly Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Tito’s) BUT I do love me some tequila (Don Julio *wink*) I saw a “Paloma” on the menu, and without any doubt in my mind, placed my drink order.
Click the link for the full drink menu
Remember The Name
My favorite tequila-based drink is the “Paloma” hands down! I love the way I personally discovered the drink that I now order anytime I see it on a menu. I was in Cancun Mexico years ago (I won’t say how many *wink*) and upon arriving to the resort, I asked for a “skinny-rita” and they looked at me like I was crazy, they do NOT I repeat do NOT believe in “skinny” anything on vacation. Hahaha.. I basically schooled them on what it was, and they were able to whip it together. I always end up having a “go-to” person at the bar and in Mexico their customer service is unparalleled. I wouldn’t even be halfway through a drink and a fresh one was being brought to me because he noticed it was getting “watered down” like… pshhh (mind blown).
Marga… What?
In chatting with my bartender, I was margarita-d out but wanted to try something else that was tequila based (Don Julio) and refreshing, he recommended a “Paloma” and proceeded to tell me that was the preferred drink in Mexico. That took me back a bit and made me realize that there is so much hype around margarita’s and some can call it a tourist drink. Haha.. Rant: people we need to get with the times, okkk… stop ordering those touristy a** glasses filled to the top with frozen slime that is more sugar than liquor! That’s not a margarita that’s a slushie! Always order on the rock’s ladies…End Rant.
Anywho, I am a huge fan of spicy margaritas and skinny margaritas so anytime I am in the mood for tequila, that’s where my brain naturally goes. He presented me with this tall glass with what appeared to be “sprite” and a grapefruit wedge as garnish. I asked him what it was, and he told me to try it first and then he’d share. I love when bartenders say that.. it’s like ok this person actually cares about their job and is genuine about my opinion on the drink. I had my first sip and it was life changing, a citrus dream, a drink that quenched my thirst in 100-degree heat, it was EVERYTHING.
I was told it was tequila (Don Julio) Squirt which is a carbonated grapefruit drink, and a twist of lime. Since then, that’s my favorite drink that calls for tequila. I’ve been several places, and most do offer different variations of the paloma, so I encourage you to try it. You won’t be disappointed. The indoor bar at Gabriela’s downtown really set that edgy, trendy vibe with the décor and overall casual appearance.
They Knew The Vibes
I scanned the area and noticed there was a back door that led outside to more tables and could hear music from out there as well. It was about 1:00pm and was already pretty busy. In all the nosiness, I looked over and saw my bartender grab the Don Julio and was stoked I didn’t miss the preparation. I saw him add my tequila (nice pour) and then right in front of my very eyes, I see him reach for “Squirt” and I got that flutter in my tummy and legit gave him some finger snaps (Snaps. Yes bi**h.. Snaps) he added a grapefruit wedge and sat it down in front of me. He dressed it with salt, lime, and chamoy which we all know that USUALLY the best drinks are dressed that way.
Nostalgia Sis
I took the first sip and GURL I was back in Cancun. It was just what I needed and really took a top spot on my Paloma list. I went outside to the back patio and there were even more tables and a DJ out there as well. The music was a reggaetón mix and I was living. My SundayFunday was really coming correct right now. I stood at the outdoor bar for a bit and to my surprise my table was ready, it was ready sooner than anticipated (YAY) and it was 5 steps away from where I was standing outside. I got the menu and decided to order a something to eat.
While I was peeping the menu I noticed they had a champagne bucket and juice for mixers in different flavors for $20.00 on the menu. I enjoyed my drink while I waited for my food and contemplated my next drink choice. The music was on point, the other customers were truly enjoying their time and the vibe was just THAT good. I decided I didn’t mind staying awhile longer to enjoy a bottle of champagne so I went for it, and ordered the bucket. I know we’re hear to talk cocktails but sis the food was bomb too. My champagne came out in all its glory and I decided on Pineapple as my mixer. My waiter set down a glass with a fresh slice of pineapple already inside and prepared a pineapple mimosa for me.
So Fresh & So Clean…Clean
Are you listening… are you sure… I took the first drink and it was FRESH the freshest to be exact. This took my experience to the next level and I was obsessed. I was at one point greeted by Gabriela (owner) herself and asked if I was doing o.k., she made her way to several tables to check on customers and actually took the time to chat with them.
The customer service was excellent, and I appreciated the entire experience. I give my waiter extra points for bringing me another full serving pitcher of pineapple juice. I was drinking it straight at one point… the pineapple juice, not the the champagne.. WAIT… I did at one point drink that straight too. Those who follow my Instagram story know *wink*
Cheers,
-Modish Champagne
