🤩 Matt's El Rancho is getting an upgrade

Matt’s El Rancho Is Getting a New Patio

Construction on a new, $100,000 covered patio at Matt’s El Rancho is expected to start this fall. The patio will have a 781-square-foot cover and will be completed in April. [mySA]

Ken Paxton May Have Committed Voter Fraud

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears to have voted in six elections over the last two years using an address where he does not live, an investigation from The Texas Tribune and ProPublica found. Paxton voted from that address in the May runoff, where he was chosen as the Republican nominee for U.S. senator. [The Texas Tribune]

Rainbow Crosswalks To Be Removed by July’s End

Rainbow crosswalks on Fourth Street downtown are expected to be removed by the end of the month. This decision from city officials comes after two other street murals were paved over this month following a state directive. [CBS Austin]

Austin’s Art and Music Grant Applications Now Open

Applications for $23 million in arts and music grants are open through Aug. 18 at 6:59 p.m. Grants range from $5,000 and $250,000 and come from the city’s hotel occupancy taxes. [KUT]

Austin’s Govalle neighborhood is one of the best parts of the city. It’s in East Austin and has enough to do and eat and drink that you could spend weeks getting through it all.

Here’s your checklist:

Boggy Creek Farm

In my humble opinion, Boggy Creek Farm is the best place in town to get fresh produce. The market is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and every time I’ve popped in, I’ve been greeted with bright and beautiful fruits and vegetables at nice prices.

Justine’s Brasserie

Justine’s Brasserie is a French restaurant that will have you feeling transported. It’s cozy and dark inside, has a nice outdoor area, and the food is delicious. I especially recommend getting to Justine’s during the winter months — the restaurant does up the decor in a new theme every year.

Holiday on 7th

I really love Holiday on 7th. It’s wonderful for a birthday party, a happy hour hang, or a first date. The restaurant does a $15 happy meal special on Wednesdays that includes a burger, fries, and mini cocktail. If burgers aren’t your jam, try whatever pasta is on the menu and thank me later.

Cabana Club

Whether you need a place to work, swim, drink, or gather with a bunch of friends, Cabana Club is the spot for you. The venue is perfect if you want to start your day with coffee and emails and end it in a pool with a cocktail.

Flitch Coffee

Flitch Coffee is such a treat. The truck is located on a lot that includes Pueblo Viejo, making for a perfect one-two punch of great coffee and tasty tacos. Try to avoid Flitch on weekends if you can — it can get packed!

Central Machine Works Brewery

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been to a birthday party at Central Machine Works Brewery! I assume every single one of you has your hand up! It’s a classic Austin birthday spot and for good reason: It’s huge, the pizzas are yummy, and lots of beer and frozen drinks are available.