Ah, sweet nostalgia. Some things come and go, but the comforting memories remain. If you’ve lived in a Austin for a while, you probably think fondly on some of the unique stores and venues that shaped this city. These are 10 places that anyone who grew up in Austin will undoubtedly remember.
- Yarings Department Store
Alyson Hurt/Flickr Whether you went to the store on The Drag or the one off Burnet Road, Yarings Department Store was probably a staple in your day-to-day life. Sadly, these stores only exist in old photographs and fond memories now.
- I Luv Video
Business Owner/Yelp Blockbuster is long gone, but I Luv Video remains. This movie rental store has been going strong since 1984, and they’re still as movie-obsessed as ever. You can check them out at 4803 Airport Blvd.
- Nau’s Enfield Drug
Nau’s Enfield Drug/Facebook Since 1951, Nau’s Enfield Drug has served up delicious eats and much-needed medicine. You can still dine on their classic hamburgers at 1115 W Lynn St.
- Liberty Lunch
.imelda/Flickr The loss of this iconic venue hit Austinites hard. Established in the ’70s, Liberty Lunch hosted a slew of iconic musicians. Maybe you saw the original Esther’s Follies perform there or witnessed Sonic Youth’s memorable 1988 concert. Several music venues have taken root since Liberty Lunch’s demolition in 1999, but none of them compare to this true Austin gem.
- The Skating Palace
Armadillo World Headquarters/Facebook The 1970s saw lots of fabulous hangout spots, but none of them got your adrenaline rushing like the Skating Palace. This exhilarating hot spot sat right next to The Armadillo World Headquarters, making it a perfect date night destination.
- Les Amis Cafe
Les Amis Cafe the documentary/Facebook In 1970, Les Amis Cafe opened on 24th street and Nueces. Loads of juicy stories surrounded this place. From Art Garfunkel and Jack Nicholson’s impulsive dates with the waitresses to the Vietnam War riots, there was always something happening at Les Amis Cafe. Due to the city’s changing economic landscape, this cafe closed in 1997. One year later, a Starbucks took its place.
- The Armadillo World Headquarters
Armadillo World Headquarters/Facebook The Armadillo World Headquarters is arguably the most iconic spot in Austin’s history. People attribute this venue with the birthplace of Austin’s live music scene, and the number of artists who got their start here is mind-boggling.
- Lammes Candies
Boston Public Library/Flickr Whether it’s for a birthday or a holiday celebration, Lammes Candies is always there to strengthen your sweet tooth. Today, Lammes has five Austin-area locations, so it’s never been easier to sink your teeth into a sweet, chewy praline.
- Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery
Texas G./Yelp Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery has been serving up fresh, sugary donuts since 1948. Open late and always accessible, Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery is located at 4909 Airport Blvd.
- Fran’s Hamburgers
vjlawson2001/Flickr Fran’s Hamburgers closed in 2013 after 40 delicious years. Sure, you can find a hamburger on almost every block in Austin, but none have that authentic, rich taste of a Fran’s burger.
What are some things that you miss from your childhood in Austin?
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Whether you went to the store on The Drag or the one off Burnet Road, Yarings Department Store was probably a staple in your day-to-day life. Sadly, these stores only exist in old photographs and fond memories now.
Business Owner/Yelp
Blockbuster is long gone, but I Luv Video remains. This movie rental store has been going strong since 1984, and they’re still as movie-obsessed as ever. You can check them out at 4803 Airport Blvd.
Nau’s Enfield Drug/Facebook
Since 1951, Nau’s Enfield Drug has served up delicious eats and much-needed medicine. You can still dine on their classic hamburgers at 1115 W Lynn St.
.imelda/Flickr
The loss of this iconic venue hit Austinites hard. Established in the ’70s, Liberty Lunch hosted a slew of iconic musicians. Maybe you saw the original Esther’s Follies perform there or witnessed Sonic Youth’s memorable 1988 concert. Several music venues have taken root since Liberty Lunch’s demolition in 1999, but none of them compare to this true Austin gem.
Armadillo World Headquarters/Facebook
The 1970s saw lots of fabulous hangout spots, but none of them got your adrenaline rushing like the Skating Palace. This exhilarating hot spot sat right next to The Armadillo World Headquarters, making it a perfect date night destination.
Les Amis Cafe the documentary/Facebook
In 1970, Les Amis Cafe opened on 24th street and Nueces. Loads of juicy stories surrounded this place. From Art Garfunkel and Jack Nicholson’s impulsive dates with the waitresses to the Vietnam War riots, there was always something happening at Les Amis Cafe. Due to the city’s changing economic landscape, this cafe closed in 1997. One year later, a Starbucks took its place.
The Armadillo World Headquarters is arguably the most iconic spot in Austin’s history. People attribute this venue with the birthplace of Austin’s live music scene, and the number of artists who got their start here is mind-boggling.
Boston Public Library/Flickr
Whether it’s for a birthday or a holiday celebration, Lammes Candies is always there to strengthen your sweet tooth. Today, Lammes has five Austin-area locations, so it’s never been easier to sink your teeth into a sweet, chewy praline.
Texas G./Yelp
Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery has been serving up fresh, sugary donuts since 1948. Open late and always accessible, Mrs. Johnson’s Bakery is located at 4909 Airport Blvd.
vjlawson2001/Flickr
Fran’s Hamburgers closed in 2013 after 40 delicious years. Sure, you can find a hamburger on almost every block in Austin, but none have that authentic, rich taste of a Fran’s burger.
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