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      10-02-2018, 11:10 PM   #1
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COTA F1 - What to do while there - Any Tips?

Like the title states .... My wife and I are going to COTA for the USGP (our anniversary gift to ourselves - she's into F1 too). While we're there, what are some things to do when not at the track. We've never been to Austin. Local places you'd suggest to eat at that won't be packed with people? (I will be hitting IN-N-Out burger though ... so miss that place)

Also we're at Turn 9 ... I'd imagine bring sunscreen, pancho's (in case of rain) and a hat (figuring I'll be buying one at the race). Is there anything else you'd suggest. Are you allowed to bring in out side food and beverages?

Thanks!
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      10-02-2018, 11:35 PM   #2
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Go to 6th Street at night - also Congress Ave. downtown. Great restaurants and nightlife.

https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/nightlife/

Good COTA event info

http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/f1
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      10-02-2018, 11:44 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Go to 6th Street at night - also Congress Ave. downtown. Great restaurants and nightlife.

https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/nightlife/

Good COTA event info

http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/f1
Yup we got the 3 day pass so we get the concerts. The cool part is with Turn 9 tickets you can watch from there instead of the general admission area.
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      10-03-2018, 07:47 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Go to 6th Street at night - also Congress Ave. downtown. Great restaurants and nightlife.

https://www.austintexas.org/things-to-do/nightlife/

Good COTA event info

http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/f1
Please don't go to 6th street at night...
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      10-03-2018, 07:55 PM   #5
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Check out this website and make your own decisions.

https://6street.com/

I definitely like Congress Ave at night for the atmosphere and great restaurants and for the bats under the bridge.

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In the daytime, visit the capitol and the Bob Bullock museum.
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      10-04-2018, 02:31 AM   #6
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Eat lots of BBQ...go to Lockhart Texas and eat at the most amazing BBQ places on earth...��
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      10-04-2018, 08:59 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Check out this website and make your own decisions.
That's a bit uncalled for. Your previous one was better with 6th street restaurants.

Just because I didn't list what research I've done ... doesn't mean you should assume I haven't done any. The fact that I mentioned "local spots that won't be packed with people" should've been a bit of a clue that I wasn't looking for published tourist info or typical tourist spots.

I've been on the website. I've also spoken to relatives in Dallas who've been there .... but I was also looking for some other insights that aren't listed on an obvious search from folks who have gone to an F1 race at COTA.

Hell, you live in Austin and all you can say is that witty quip. Gee ... surprised you didn't state to check out ASL and what concerts they have at that time. Seriously ... what insight from a local ... and not one restaurant recommendation, just go to 6th St.
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      10-04-2018, 11:04 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N52UNED View Post
That's a bit uncalled for. Your previous one was better with 6th street restaurants.

Just because I didn't list what research I've done ... doesn't mean you should assume I haven't done any. The fact that I mentioned "local spots that won't be packed with people" should've been a bit of a clue that I wasn't looking for published tourist info or typical tourist spots.

I've been on the website. I've also spoken to relatives in Dallas who've been there .... but I was also looking for some other insights that aren't listed on an obvious search from folks who have gone to an F1 race at COTA.

Hell, you live in Austin and all you can say is that witty quip. Gee ... surprised you didn't state to check out ASL and what concerts they have at that time. Seriously ... what insight from a local ... and not one restaurant recommendation, just go to 6th St.
I don't know what you are talking about. My post had nothing to do with anything you posted. It was a comment to the post that said "don't go to 6th Street at night".

Make up your own mind was not even meant as a "witty quip". I have lots of restaurant recommendations, but everyone's taste is different. That's why I was trying to provide what is available. I apologize if I offended you. I said a lot more than "just go to 6th street" - even posted pictures. I was really trying to help. Sorry that I did. I didn't need to be insulted and chewed out for trying be of assistance.

Have a good time in Austin. I'm done.
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      10-04-2018, 11:32 AM   #9
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Quote:
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I'm done.
... and I'm done reading your Google search information. Great insights from a local. Your assistance was greatly diminished with your make your own decisions comment. Which made any other information condescending. And no you didn't say a lot besides 6th street. You actually gave me a link to COTA!!! ... Seriously?


It couldn't have killed you to say ... these are great off the beaten path places to eat.

* BJ's BBQ is really good local spot ... tender brisket but their ribs are great

* La Cantina has awesome taco's

* The Chop is a good place if you're looking for a nice steak that's under $20


OR

* The Austin Zoo or the Aquarium is a good way to kill time, neither are that expensive and can kill a few hours.




Indeed "Southern Hospitality" is dead ... and living their doesn't mean the folks that do ... are.

And without 1 mention of what else to bring to the track ... it would seem you haven't even gone to a F1 race at COTA.



Whatever ... move onto someone else's thread.
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      10-04-2018, 11:41 AM   #10
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Please don't go to 6th street at night...
Why is it tourist hell? OR are the restaurants mediocre and overpriced ... or both.

Thanks!
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      10-04-2018, 11:50 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Go to 6th Street at night - also Congress Ave. downtown. Great restaurants and nightlife.

I definitely like Congress Ave at night for the atmosphere and great restaurants and for the bats under the bridge.

In the daytime, visit the capitol and the Bob Bullock museum.
??
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      10-04-2018, 02:18 PM   #12
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Eat lots of BBQ...go to Lockhart Texas and eat at the most amazing BBQ places on earth...��
Stop. I see you are from Vegas so I’ll forgive you, but Lockhart hasn’t been good in years. The tourists overran it, and quality started slipping. Plenty of good BBQ in Austin.
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      10-04-2018, 02:20 PM   #13
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Why is it tourist hell? OR are the restaurants mediocre and overpriced ... or both.

Thanks!
There is Dirty Sixth and West Sixth. Congress divides them. Dirty Sixth at night is full of homeless bums and rowdy drunks. West Sixth is for college kids. Unless you fall in either bucket, take a stroll through it during the day and check it off your list.
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      10-04-2018, 02:26 PM   #14
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LOL @ butthurt feelings.

This is a public forum, if you dont like somebody's post whos trying to help, just move on.
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      10-04-2018, 05:47 PM   #15
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Stop. I see you are from Vegas so I’ll forgive you, but Lockhart hasn’t been good in years. The tourists overran it, and quality started slipping. Plenty of good BBQ in Austin.

LOL...oh man...look at his. So comparing Las Vegas BBQ to Lockhart BBQ is like comparing dog food to a nice filet. We dont have real BBQ anywhere close. So for me to go to Lockhart or even Stiles Switch, I'll tout it all day.
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      10-04-2018, 09:24 PM   #16
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LOL...oh man...look at his. So comparing Las Vegas BBQ to Lockhart BBQ is like comparing dog food to a nice filet. We dont have real BBQ anywhere close. So for me to go to Lockhart or even Stiles Switch, I'll tout it all day.
I get it chief, I get it! I suppose it’s all relative.
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      10-04-2018, 10:47 PM   #17
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There is Dirty Sixth and West Sixth. Congress divides them. Dirty Sixth at night is full of homeless bums and rowdy drunks. West Sixth is for college kids. Unless you fall in either bucket, take a stroll through it during the day and check it off your list.

Thanks for the heads up. Definitely a street I'd want to stay away from. Not our style.

No list to check off (except In-N-Out burger --- hooked on the Double Double Animal Style ... I can leave the fries though ).

Besides watching the bats ... not looking to do typical tourist things. Figuring we'll hit the Zoo and Aquarium. Hopefully Austin's aquarium is better than Dallas' (which is cool but not what I'd call an "aquarium")
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      10-04-2018, 11:44 PM   #18
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Thanks for the heads up. Definitely a street I'd want to stay away from. Not our style.

No list to check off (except In-N-Out burger --- hooked on the Double Double Animal Style ... I can leave the fries though ).

Besides watching the bats ... not looking to do typical tourist things. Figuring we'll hit the Zoo and Aquarium. Hopefully Austin's aquarium is better than Dallas' (which is cool but not what I'd call an "aquarium")
I have lived in Austin for over two decades. Don't go to the Austin aquarium. It's in a strip mall. The zoo is "OK" at best, but if I were to choose between the two, just do the zoo.

You want an Austin burger? Hit up Huts before they demolish it and build another nasty high rise.

What's wrong with just taking a lovely walk around town lake? I say keep it simple.
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      10-05-2018, 10:31 AM   #19
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Hike Mount Bonnell?

Oasis on Lake Travis - for view... i cant comment on food haven't been in years
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      10-05-2018, 01:35 PM   #20
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During the night, miss 6th. I'd recommend the Domain, Rock Rose to be exact. Plenty of shopping, restaurants, (rooftop) bars, in a clean, safe, environment. Decent police presence, no pan-handlers.

https://austin.eater.com/2016/1/11/1...main-rock-rose

If Ramen is your thing, Jinya (casual) is your place. They're open until 1am on Fri-Sat. Culinary Dropouts (casual) is good, as is 2nd Bar + Kitchen (a little less casual and a bit more intimate) and Yardhouse (casual). Most of these places are open until 1 am, and have a wide dearth of palatable options. Kung Fu Saloon is a great place to grab something to drink, and 77 rooftop lounge is a nice way to spend the night.

While you're here, if you're getting In-And-Out, try a Whataburger double meat-double cheese w/jalapenos. Get the onion rings, although you can't go wrong with the fries

Mt. Bonnell will offer some fantastic views of the city, especially @ night. Most people, when they climb to the top will keep going straight to the wooden trusses, and it's a nice view, but if you make a left, there's clearing you'll get to and the view of the city is awesome.

For something a little farther north that definitely won't be busy (or hot), try Innerspace Caverns https://innerspacecavern.com/

Round Rock honey offers tours and tastings and they have some open slots that Saturday https://roundrockhoney.com/honey-house-tours. I think the tixs are $20, but there was a Groupon for $10 that might still be active.

The F1 fan experience will be going on downtown race weekend, and it's fun, but PACKED.

Zilker Botanical gardens is another spot that you'll enjoy, especially the wife: http://www.zilkergarden.org/

Having visited Dallas' Aquarium last week and Austin's Aquarium prior, I can *definitely* say that the Dallas experience was better.

While the sunset view @ the Oasis is spectacular, the cuisine, sadly, is far from it.

There are plenty of places to rent a paddleboat, paddle board, or canoe on Ladybird Lake (formerly Town Lake.)

Hope you have great visit

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      10-05-2018, 06:51 PM   #21
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Oasis food is average, more about the ambience and the views over Lake Travis.

Whataburger...no thanks. I know it is a Texas staple, but I find it awful.

If you go to Lockhart for BBQ, Blacks would be my pick. They have a new satellite store in Austin on Guadalupe. Although fun to visit Lockhart to get the full small town TX experience and the 65+ year old restaurant.

Get some Tex-Mex.

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      10-06-2018, 09:07 AM   #22
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Oasis food is average, more about the ambience and the views over Lake Travis.

Thanks for chiming in about Oasis. If we go, I'll just make sure to get something basic. It's good to know not to get my expectations up.

Whataburger...no thanks. I know it is a Texas staple, but I find it awful.

If you go to Lockhart for BBQ, Blacks would be my pick. They have a new satellite store in Austin on Guadalupe. Although fun to visit Lockhart to get the full small town TX experience and the 65+ year old restaurant.

Get some Tex-Mex.

Thanks for the info.

Whataburger ... I've been to a couple. Mainly because they're a Texas staple. Not a bad burger joint ... but that's possibly because we don't have any where I'm at in Florida. The burgers remind me of Jack In The Box. Quite a few popped up in the Jacksonville area.

We're definately looking for some BBQ ... how's Black's brisket (it's the Mrs' favorite)
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