Pastries at Nougatine Bakery

New Austin bakery location alert! Nougatine Bakery now has a storefront inside The Austin Winery in the St Elmo Yard. I tried the Tomato Pie, Kouign Amann, Za’taar Labneh Cruffin, and Pain au Chocolat. You can also find them at the Barton Creek Farmers Market.

Thai Food at Kiin Di

Kiin Di means “eating good” in Thai, and I’m glad I finally got to try this spot. They were previously a food truck and opened their brick-and-mortar last December. I went for the khao soi, my favorite Thai noodle curry dish, and it did not disappoint!

Cocktails at Nickel City

If you’re looking for a tasty cocktail, Nickel City is the spot. It’s more divey, but the cocktails are great. I had the Green Flash (gin, kiwi, cucumber, lemon), and it’s the best cocktail I’ve had in a while.

Soft Serve at Somi Somi

Cool off this summer with a cold treat! Somi Somi is a new franchise spot serving a Korean dessert called “ah-boong.” It’s a fish shaped waffle cone filled with soft serve. Here you can choose a filling like black sesame paste or Nutella, soft serve flavor, and toppings.

Latte at Black Fox Coffee

This is a new coffee shop downtown! If you find yourself at 6th and Guadalupe, this classy spot is the place to pop in. [Media]

Cocktails Papercut and Sushi at Konbini

I’ve heard a lot about this new cocktail bar. Their cocktails are creative, and their sushi is served by the team from Tare – wins all around. We enjoyed a few nigiri bites, their egg sandwich, and a hot dog.

Ice Cream at Kilwins

Kilwins has a new, locally-owned franchise location in Austin! Located in North Austin, this sweets shop is known for its chocolates, caramels, and ice cream. Their boxed and bagged items are great for gifts, and they have lots of unique ice cream flavors. [Media]

Vietnamese Soup at Vua Bun Bo

Bookmark this new-ish Vietnamese restaurant for rich and hearty soups. I liked the Hu Tieu Bo Kho – beef stew with rice noodles.

Drink from Mori Matcha

You can find this pop-up matcha stand at events around Austin. They’re highly regarded as one of the best matchas in town.

Lunch at ThoroughFare

I’m a fan of ThoroughBread’s cookies, and this is an expanded iteration of its bakery that serves a casual menu and offers grocery items. I ordered the Signature Turkey Sandwich served on their housemade Wheat Sourdough, Daily Greens Juice (Cucumber + Celery + Green Apple + Kale + Lemon Juice + Fresh Ginger), and a Chocolate Chip Cookie. All of this was $32 before tip, which makes me pause.

Happy Hour at Boni’s Bar Next Door

Lenoir’s new bar next door is a cute spot for happy hour. They have $9 spritzes and complimentary bites with every drink. For food, they have a menu of light bar snacks like meatballs and shrimp.

Cookies from Brown Sugar Bake Shop

I recently tried some cookies from this food truck and wow! I had the Butter Crunch (browned butter and toffee) and the strawberry oatmeal (a seasonal flavor).

Hot Dogs at Saturn

Some friends and I went on a hot dog crawl with a stop at Saturn. This cocktail bar is lovely, with some interesting hot dogs on the menu. We enjoyed these 1/4lb beef dogs fried in beef tallow:

• Japanese Dog: topped with Kewpie Mayo, House Teriyaki Sauce, Nori Flakes, and Crispy Onion
• Buff Dog: topped with Pickled Celery, Blue Cheese, Buffalo Sauce, and a Crispy Carrot Crumble
• Feta Dog: red bell peppers, hot honey, herbed whipped feta, crispy onions

Lunch at Anh Em

We have plenty of Vietnamese restaurants in Austin. This one opened recently, and it features the classics – banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and pho.

Need more Austin restaurant recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Indian Tasting Menu at Electric Gravy in Austin, TX
• Best Things I Ate in 2025

The post Flavors of the Month Q2 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

My mom gave me my love of pastries. When I was a kid, we regularly visited a French bakery on Saturdays and came home with a box of pastries. Sometimes, half of the box’s contents were already gone by the time we arrived home. I loved them all, but my favorites were croissants and palmiers, a heart-shaped pastry that was crunchy, caramelized, and sweet. As an adult, I discovered the kouign amann, and it is a combination of my favorite pastries!

What is Kouign Amann?

First, you’re probably wondering how to pronounce the name: queen ah-mahn.

I love the crisp flakiness of the pastry, the buttery layers, and the sweet, caramelized crisp on the outside. Like puff pastry or a croissant, the kouign amann is light and fluffy with many layers. Kouign amann has layers of butter and sugar on the inside and caramelized sugar on the outside. The flavor is similar to a palmier, but it’s a little fluffier.

Where to Find Kouign Amann in Austin, TX

Kouign Amann isn’t as readily available as a variety of croissants, cinnamon rolls, and other pastries. No matter which restaurant or café you visit, be sure to go early because the kouign amann is bound to sell out!

Here are 10 bakeries where you can find a kouign amann in Austin.

Baguette et Chocolat

This bakery and cafe in Bee Cave has some amazing pastries! Their kouign amann is more like a palmier because it is less fluffy, more crispy, and flatter. A popular choice in the area, Baguette et Chocolat also has a menu of French cafe eats.

Address: 12101 FM 2244, Bldg 6, Bee Cave, Texas, 78738
Website: https://www.baguetteetchocolat.com/

Bakery Lorraine

This pastry shop, led by chefs who met while working at Bouchon Bakery, originated in San Antonio and expanded to Austin with a location at the Domain on Rock Rose. Their delicious kouign amann is filled with lemon curd. I also love Bakery Lorraine for brunch.

Address: 11600 Rock Rose, Ste #110, Austin, TX 78758
Website: https://www.bakerylorraine.com/

Epicerie

Curious about a savory kouign amann? Epicerie’s kouign amann combines the sweet and butter caramelized pastry with hints of rosemary, which makes it a unique offering. This restaurant gets very busy for weekend brunch so be sure to arrive early.

Address: 2307 Hancock Drive, Austin, Texas 78756
Website: http://epicerieaustin.com/

La Patisserie

With two locations in Austin (north and south), you can pick up this kouign amann on the weekends. It is many times filled with seasonal fruit, so it tastes similar to a pie or pastry tart.

Address: 602 W. Annie St., Austin, Texas 78704 or 7301 Burnet Road Ste 102, Austin, Texas 78757 
Website: https://www.lpaustin.com/

Nougatine Bakery

This bakery first existed at the Barton Creek Farmers Market, but they now also have a brick-and-mortar bakery at The Austin Winery. You’ll find plenty of delicious pastries here, including a kouign amann.

Address: 440 E St Elmo Rd A1, Austin, TX 78745
Website: https://nougatinebakery.com/

Pieous

While Pieous is famous for its pizza and pastrami, its bakery has created its own following for its pastries. Their kouign amann has all the crispy layers you’re looking for!

Address: 166 Hargraves Drive, Bldg H, Austin, TX 78737 (in the Belterra Village Shopping Center)
Website: https://www.pieous.com/

Rocheli Patisserie

In East Austin, Rocheli Patisserie is a cute bakery with a pastry case full of pretty treats. They also serve high tea. Their kouign amann is more bready inside and has fewer caramelized bits on the outside.

Address: 1212 Chicon St #102, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://rocheli-patisserie.square.site/

Sour Duck Market

The littlest sister of Barley Swine and Odd Duck, Sour Duck Market has many pastries on their menu, including the kouign amann. The Eastside bakery (and restaurant) has a spacious patio for dining in.

Address: 1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://www.sourduckmarket.com/

Swedish Hill Bakery

This popular bakery and cafe on West 6th is a busy spot full of pastry options, including a kouign amann. Enjoy pastries and coffee, and grab some grocery items on the way out.

Address:

• 1128 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
• 1804 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
• 415 Colorado St Unit 102, Austin, TX 78701
• 3663 Bee Caves Rd #4A, West Lake Hills, TX 78746

Website: https://www.swedishhillbakery.com/

Ti Amann

This cottage baker specializes in kouign amnn, so there are big expectations! These kouign amann were very crispy and had a little less butter than I expected. Pre-orders open every Monday at 5 pm.

Address: Pick-up locations
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tiamannbakery/

Know any other bakeries or restaurants in Austin where I could find kouign amann? I’d love to know!

Save this post on Pinterest for later!

P.S. See where I go for the best pastries in Austin in this post.

The post Where to Find Kouign Amann in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

We’re lucky to have a handful of chocolate makers and chocolatiers in Austin that share their craft. These are great options for picking up a gift or discovering somewhere new in your neighborhood.

Listed in alphabetical order, here are six companies to find chocolate in and around Austin!

Delysia Chocolatier

Specializing in chocolate truffles, Delysia Chocolatier’s elegant boxed sets feature fun flavors and colorful designs. Their seasonal collections help you celebrate the holidays.

Shop: 2000 Windy Terrace #2c, Austin, TX 78726, United States

Website

Edis Chocolate

This chocolate shop and bakery is a sweet treat, and you’ll want to visit in person to see the full selection. Choose from chocolate truffles and chocolate desserts like flourless cake and hazelnut amaretto torte. I had the best chocolate cupcake I’ve ever eaten, and the torte and truffles were delicious.

Shop: 3808 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759

Website

Ecuadorian Chocolate Factory

This is a full bean-to-bar production, founded and owned by locals. The beans come from the family farm in Ecuador, and in-store, you’ll be able to see how the cacao nibs transform into chocolate bars, chocolate bark, truffles, and more. I recommend the 85% chocolate bar and the toffee bark.

Shop: 251 N Bell Blvd #110, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Website

Kilwins

Founded in Michigan in 1947, Kilwins focuses on hand-crafted chocolates and sweets. Fudge and caramel are made on-site, and they also sell the brand’s ice cream. This franchise location is the only store in Austin, and one of 11 stores in Texas.

Shop: 3500 E Parmer Ln Ste. 3120, Austin, TX 78754

Website

KESSHŌ Chocolate

For a variety of craft chocolate goodies and to support an Asian-owned business, KESSHŌ is a great option. This Austin-based company makes single-origin bean-to-bar chocolate bars, some with Asian ingredients like hojicha, yuzu, and black sesame. At their trailer, you can also get gelato and baked goods made with their chocolate.

Shop: 603 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 and 6726 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

Website

SRSLY chocolate

While the company has changed owners since its founding, this bean-to-bar chocolate company has dazzled the Austin area for years, selling its chocolate bars at farmers markets and pop-up markets.

Shop: Online and in local stores like Central Market

Website

Pick up a sweet treat and enjoy!

Want to learn more about chocolate?

• See this post about bean-to-bar chocolate
• Read this post about my chocolate tour in Belize

Looking for more dessert? Check out these posts:

• 30 Best Cold Treats in Austin – Ice Cream, Soft Serve, and More
• Where to Get Mochi Donuts in Austin
• 11 Best Desserts in The Domain Austin Area
• Best Asian Desserts in Austin

The post Best Chocolate Shops in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: Electric Gravy provided a complimentary tasting. All opinions in this post are my own! Thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog.

Electric Gravy

Created by the founders of Old Thousand, a modern Chinese restaurant celebrating a decade in Austin, Electric Gravy uses the same eclectic vibe to create a restaurant with Indian ingredients and recipes tinged with Texan expectations. Here you’ll find familiar favorites of an Indian menu like chicken tikka masala and Texan fusion like curry queso. But the fun of exploring a cuisine is trying new dishes, so venture into some different gravies.

A quick word about gravy, seen in the name and on the menu – what is typically on menus in the U.S., as curry is called gravy in India. Gravy comes in different flavors depending on the spice mix used. You’ll be able to taste multiple versions here.

One thing I loved about dining at Electric Gravy was the sense of community. The founder’s grandmother’s portrait on the wall, smiling and attentive team members, and a corner space that encourages an intimate meal. The restaurant also has a rack of Indian clothing at the entrance to help locals find an outfit for their next Indian event.

Indian Tasting Menu

You know I love tasting menus. This is a way to try different dishes and flavors, and for the chef to showcase their favorite dishes or seasonal specials. Electric Gravy has a tasting menu called Never Empty Stomach. The tasting includes: papadom, chutneys, indian pickles, kachumber salad, naan, rice, and curries. It’s a hearty selection with a seemingly never-ending parade of dishes, but if you’re still hungry, the dishes are refillable! I’ve featured the selection of delicious dishes in this post.

The name “Never Empty Stomach” has a double meaning as well. A portion of the proceeds from this $37.99 per person tasting is donated to charities to help local Austinites, so enjoying this menu ensures others have a never empty stomach as well. 

I also enjoyed a Pudina Pani Marg – Fiero Serrano Tequila, mint, cilantro, lime, and chaat masala. It was a great example of how their cocktail menu adds a twist through spices.

Of course, a great meal ends with dessert, and here it was, gulab jamun paired with a cup of warm chai. This traditional dessert is deep-fried dough soaked in a sweet syrup.

If you’re looking for Indian food in Austin, try out Electric Gravy!

Electric Gravy
1050 E 11th St #100, Austin, TX 78702
https://www.electricgravyatx.com

Looking for more tasting menus in Austin? Check out these restaurants:

• Why Craft Omakase’s Sushi Tasting Became the Best in Austin
• Masa Omakase at Nixta Taqueria is a Tasting Menu Must-Try
• Michelin Guide is in Austin, Texas – What It Means + 2025 Winners

The post Indian Tasting Menu at Electric Gravy in Austin, TX appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 12 places I ate at in January, February, and March.

Lunch at DEE DEE

DEE DEE is back! This Thai restaurant started as a food truck and recently evolved into a window counter at the new Leona Botanical Cafe and Bar in South Austin. The space is focused on outdoor seating, and there are a few other restaurants there. We enjoyed some of their favorites: som tom (papaya salad), fried chicken, and stir-fried vegetables.

Bread Boat

My first time trying Georgian food, and WOW! Khachapuri is the name of this traditional dish. It is bread filled with lots of cheese and butter, and, in this case, topped with an egg yolk that cooks as you mix it. You can also get versions with cooked meat included.

Dessert at Amy’s Ice Cream

Did you know Amy’s Ice Cream opened in 1984? I think that makes this ice cream shop an Austin classic. They feature seasonal specials, like their Valentine’s charcuterie dessert board I got to try. They also have blind pints where a vague description of the flavors is on the outside of the bag. If you’re feeling adventurous, try this out!

Dinner at Aburi TORA Sushi

A new sushi spot opened in Northeast Austin, a revolving sushi restaurant! Order on the tablet at your table, and the dishes fly to your table on a conveyor belt. This chain is known for its aburi, flame-seared style sushi, and they also have nigiri and a few other types of Japanese dishes.

Dubai Cookie at Whipped

The Dubai cookie has been trending, and you’ll be surprised that it is called a cookie. It is more of a cake ball and almost a mochi ball. It includes the typical Dubai chocolate ingredients: cacao, pistachio-kataifi mix, cream, and butter. It’s crunchy and decadent!

Quesadilla at La Santa Barbacha

I had the joy of joining EASTside’s Locals Know ATX Taco Tour and revisited La Santa Barbacha on the tour. Their barbacoa quesadilla is still delicious!

Burger from That Burger

One of my favorite burgers in town – the French Burger has brie, grilled mushrooms, berry jam, arugula, and black truffle mayo.

Matcha at Lau Lau

This coffee shop, rooted in Asian American culture, is a jewel. Their drinks have Asian flavors. Their Thai tea matcha is perfectly flavored.

Dinner at Electric Gravy

Electric Gravy invited me in to try their Texas-inspired Indian dishes. They have a tasting menu called Never Empty Stomach, where you can try chutneys, curries, naan, and more for $37.99 a person. This is a great way to taste different flavors. A portion of the proceeds from this meal helps feed the community.

Matcha and Croffle at Cafe du Bliss

This Korean-style cafe is a great spot, tucked in the Arboretum. The strawberry matcha and strawberry and banana croffle are my recommendations, but they have coffee options too.

Hot Dog at Yellow Ranger

Mapo Tofu Chili Cheese Dog is a winner at Yellow Ranger, a casual, counter restaurant inside two Austin bars.

Korean Food at An Nyeong K-Tofu & BBQ

This is quite possible my favorite Korean restaurant in Austin. While I tend to order the same things when I visit, I can confirm those dishes are excellent! My go-to dishes are the original tofu soup with added ramen and the beef short ribs (galbi).

Where should I eat next?

The post Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: EASTside provided a complimentary tour. All opinions in this post are my own! Thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog.

Locals Know ATX

EASTside ATX is an independent, locally-owned and operated media company in Austin, publishing a physical magazine distributed around the city and featuring the stories on their website for over 10 years. East Austin is a rapidly growing and evolving area of Austin. The community-oriented publication focuses on the best of East Austin, from restaurants and businesses to stories about how city services impact the neighborhood.

As experts in the community, it makes sense that EASTside ATX found another way to share the East Side’s goodness. Through its Locals Know ATX Food Tour, guests visit and taste the best barbecue or taco spots in Austin while learning more about the businesses and the city. EASTside ATX’s relationships with these businesses give guests insight into their stories and what makes them special to the city.

Austin Taco Tour

The newly launched taco tour is a fun one! This walking tour takes you to four taco spots in East Austin, along with mural stops along the way. The tour is about 2.5 hours, and you’ll walk about a mile.

We met our tour guide Cori at The Long Goodbye, a bar with several food trucks where we enjoyed our first tacos from Granny’s Tacos. Their food truck location is about an 8-minute drive away. I had previously had their breakfast tacos, which were good, but the Rico (chicken, rice, Granny’s signature mole) and the shrimp (with cabbage, Granny’s chipotle dressing, avocado) were next-level!

At The Long Goodbye is food truck La Santa Barbacha, known for its barbacoa. It’s another family-owned business with passed-down recipes and traditions. You might have heard they earned a Bib Gourmand honor from the Michelin Guide for the last two years. Here we enjoyed a few noteworthy things: the strawberry horchata, melon agua fresca, and quesabarbacha – a quesadilla with barbacoa, cheese, cilantro, and onions. So good!

Two spots and tacos down, it was time to take a little walk. Our next/third taco stop was El Chilito, little brother to our final/fourth stop. This restaurant is fast casual, with an ordering window and plenty of outdoor seating. Here we enjoyed a tender al pastor taco and very fresh guacamole, both excellent!

Ok, now we really need a break! We walked over to Este, a Mexican seafood restaurant that is sister restaurant to Suerte, to check out their garden. They grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers for both restaurants here. Did you know you can volunteer here?

We continued to the Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Art Exhibit. This duplex was a multi-artist project, featuring murals on the outside and eight rooms on the inside. While the indoor exhibits closed in 2023, you can still enjoy the murals on the outside.

We also stopped by the You’re My Butter Half mural on the side of the United Way for Greater Austin building. This mural has been an Austin favorite since 2012.

Our final stop and taco spot was El Chile, the big brother to our previous spot El Chilito. Here we enjoyed chips and salsa, birria taco, and churro donut. A great way to end the tour!

Take Your Tour

I really enjoyed this experience! This East Austin tour ($85 per person) had a variety of delicious tacos, art breaks, and dessert. We learned a lot about these local businesses and got our fill of great eats; it was plenty to eat! While the walking tour can be a little warm, depending on the temperature outside, there’s plenty of hydration along the way, and you move at a leisurely pace. There’s the option of a $35 additional (alcoholic) drink package if you need more drinks.

Taking a food tour isn’t just for those visiting Austin. This tour would be great for a date, birthday party, or a fun progressive meal with friends. I hope you check it out!

Book here: eastsideatx.com/tacotours
Instagram: @eastsideatxmag

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I am a mini-golf enthusiast. I love the low-stakes fun and attainable challenge of the game. It’s easy to play, which makes it good for groups of all ages. You’ll also find some fun, themed decor. Plus, the feeling of getting a hole-in-one is priceless. You’d never see me doing that on an actual golf course!

In the last few years, I made it a goal to try all the putt-putt spots in Austin, which is the best kind of research. This post features 10 Austin mini-golf courses, so check out this list and pick one (or all) to try!

Quick Notes

• While outdoor courses tend to be more spacious, they typically are not shaded, so plan accordingly.
• You’ll typically get a paper scorecard at the entrance to keep track.
• The course difficulty rating I used is out of 3: 1 = easy, 2 = slightly challenging, 3 = challenging.
• The Dirdie Birdie and Holey Moley are the busiest courses, but you can make reservations. Popstroke is also one of the busiest but does not have reservations.

Austin’s / Putt Vegas at REVL (Pflugerville)

I love that Austin’s has multiple course options. With two outdoor courses and one indoor course, you’ll get your fill of putt putt. The outdoor courses are spacious and varied.

The REVL area is more upscale and adult-oriented, with a bar and big-screen TVs for sports, but it is part of Austin’s complex. This is where you’ll find Putt Vegas. Each hole is on a platform, and you’ll keep score on the touchscreen monitors at each hole, the only spot in Austin with a digital scorecard!

• Setting: Outdoor and indoor
• Number of holes: Two 18-hole courses outdoors, One 12-hole course indoors – Putt Vegas
• Par: Not noted but I would guess each hole is 2
• Course difficulty: 2
• Mini-golf cost per person: $8 for outdoor courses, $12 for the indoor course (pricing varies if you get an unlimited attractions wristband)
• Other amenities: Venue also has arcade games, carnival rides, laser tag, bowling, and more
• Food: bar, grill, and weekend buffet
• Parking: Large free parking lot
• Address: 16231 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660

The Dirdie Birdie

The Dirdie Birdie is a fun, interactive course. Each hole has its gimmick, from putting past a windmill on a replica of the Texas Capitol to a Rube Goldberg hole. The course is a bit challenging, but I love the creativity. This spot at the Domain has a bar and restaurant attached.

• Setting: Indoor
• Number of holes: 12
• Par: 31ish
• Course difficulty: 3
• Mini-golf cost per person: $18
• Food: Restaurant and bar attached
• Parking: Free garage
• Address: 10910 Domain Dr, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78758

Duke’s Adventure Golf

When I think of a classic course, Duke’s Adventure Golf is what I envision. A spacious course with water features and just enough difficulty to make you feel accomplished and challenged.

• Setting: Outdoor
• Number of holes: 18
• Par: 36
• Course difficulty: 2
• Mini-golf cost per person: $9 for adults, $6 for kids 5 and under
• Food: Food truck next door serving tacos and shaved ice
• Parking: Free parking lot
• Address: 1716 E Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78747

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley Golf Club comes from Australia and has quickly opened several locations in the U.S. Each hole has a theme, like grandma’s house, complete with a wallpapered restroom or the space hole that feels like you’re putting on the moon.

• Setting: Indoor
• Number of holes: Three 9-hole courses
• Par: Each course is 27
• Course difficulty: 3
• Mini-golf cost per person: Mon-Thurs: $14 for one course, $22 for two courses, $26 for three courses; Fri-Sun: $15 for one course, $27 for two courses, $36 for three courses
• Kid note: Under 21 allowed until 8 pm daily
• Other amenities: Karaoke, live music, space for big groups
• Food: In-house bar and restaurant
• Parking: Street
• Address: 807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702

Main Event

If you’re looking for something easy, Main Event is the choice. This indoor course feels a bit narrow at some holes, but the black lights and glowing features are cool. However, the course feels low-budget. Even in the glow, you can tell pieces of the course have fallen apart.

• Setting: Indoor
• Number of holes: 18
• Par: 40
• Course difficulty: 1
• Mini-golf cost per person: $10
• Other amenities: Venue also has arcade games, laser tag, and billiards
• Food: In-house bar and restaurant
• Parking: Free parking lot
• Address: 13301 US-183 Hwy, Austin, TX 78750

Memorial Miniture Golf (Buda)

If you like military history, you’ll enjoy the special plaques and iconic war images at each hole. This is a hard course due to the many random slopes and bumps. The holes could be a little more interesting, and the slopes add a little excitement/frustration.

• Setting: Outdoor
• Number of holes: 18
• Par: 60
• Course difficulty: 3
• Mini-golf cost per person: $14 for adults; $10 for veterans, military, seniors, and kids 4-12 years old; free for kids 3 years old and under
• Other amenities: Each hole has a plaque that gives more information on a significant military event
• Food: None
• Parking: Free parking lot
• Address: 1710 N Farm to Market 1626, Buda, TX 78610

Monster Mini Golf (Round Rock)

This chain has locations all over the U.S. and Canada. Their glow-in-the-dark course has spooky decor.

• Setting: Indoor
• Number of holes: 18
• Course difficulty: 2
• Mini-golf cost per person: $13 for adults; $11 for kids, seniors, military, and college students
• Other amenities: Arcade games, laser tag, and bowling
• Food: None
• Parking: Free parking lot
• Address: 3916 Gattis School Rd, Round Rock, TX 78664

Peter Pan Mini Golf

An Austin classic, Peter Pan Mini Golf has been open since 1948. Here you’ll find many fun sculptures. The east course is supposed to be easier than the west course. Because of its central location, this course gets a bit busier than the others.

• Setting: Outdoor
• Number of holes: Two 18-hole courses
• Course difficulty: 2
• Mini-golf cost per person: $11 for one course or $17 for two courses per adult, $8 for one course or $14 for two courses for kids 5 and younger
• Other amenities: BYOB
• Food: None
• Parking: Free parking lot but small and gets full quickly
• Address: 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Popstroke

This national mini-golf chain, co-owned by Tiger Woods, opened its Austin location in 2025. Unlike the others on this list, there are no gimmicks or obstacles, and it visually mimics a golf course. The challenge is provided through hills and “sand pits.”

Popstroke does not have reservations, and the pace can be slow during a busy time. It was busy on a Saturday night; it took 3.5 hours to play both courses.

• Setting: Outdoor
• Number of holes: Two 18-hole courses
• Par: Both courses are 41
• Course difficulty: 4
• Mini-golf cost per person: $30 for adults, $20 for kids, $24 for seniors and military
• Other amenities: Venue also has pickleball, table tennis, sand volleyball, and lots of seating and big screens for watching sports
• Food: In-house restaurant and ice cream window
• Parking: Free parking lot
• Address: 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

The farthest spots on this list are in Buda and Round Rock, and farther out, Centex Mini Golf is in Georgetown if you want another option.

Looking for more fun activities in Austin? Check out these posts:

• Best Places for Creative Classes and Art Workshops in Austin
• How to Host a Fabulous Wig Party at Coco Coquette
• 10 Fun Austin Bachelorette Party Activities

The post Best Spots to Play Mini-Golf in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

It’s hard to think of a time when volunteering wasn’t part of my life. There were regular volunteer opportunities at church as a child, I did service work in high school for academic organizations, and I volunteered as an intern for various organizations in college. I had the time and capabilities, so why not? I found (and still find) it educational, enriching, and necessary.

Nonprofit organizations regularly count on volunteers to accomplish their mission, and it’s easy to see the impact the work has on the people they help and the community around them.

I hope this post encourages you to start a regular volunteer routine by giving you some recommendations.

Why Volunteer?

These are the places we live, work, and play. These are our neighbors. It’s my duty as a member of my community, and it’s an honor to be able to give my time and energy to help others in my community and to help create a community where we can all thrive. Can you imagine a place where people are fed, supported, and living their best lives? Or an environment that is clean and healthy? 

These are some of the ways volunteering has a deep impact. By volunteering, you:

• Change lives in your community
• Support the growth and wellness of your community
• Improve your mental and physical health
• Gain new skills and experiences
• Support conservation efforts
• Build social connections
• Create ripples for future generations

Volunteer at These Austin Non-Profits

A fraction of the 700+ nonprofit organizations in the Austin area are featured in this post. These are places I’ve volunteered before or am familiar with.

*Sometimes the volunteer task doesn’t have you working directly with those the organization aids. For example, you may end up painting an office or organizing a room. Tasks vary, and finding one that matches your interests and capabilities takes a little effort!

If you want to: help our outdoor spaces thrive by working in the dirt

• Austin Parks Foundation
• Green Corn Project
• Festival Beach Food Forest
• Keep Austin Beautiful
• Treefolks
• Urban Roots
• Waterloo Greenway Conservancy

Looking for ways to help animals

• Austin Animal Center
• Austin Humane Society
• Austin Pets Alive!
• Austin Wildlife Rescue
• Safe in Austin – rescues animals who suffer from abuse or neglect and introduces them to people with similar backgrounds

If you want to: support the well-being of your neighbors

• Austin Marathon, Cap10K, Spurs Austin International Half – support runners as they go through race day (these are 3 of the biggest races in Austin)
• Austin Creative Reuse – promotes conservation and reuse by selling gently-used creative materials
• Casa Marianella – provides shelter and support to displaced immigrants and asylum seekers
• Central Texas Food Bank – largest hunger relief charity in Central Texas
• Community First! Village – provides affordable, permanent housing to formerly unhoused neighbors
• Heartening – puts clothing back into the community as cheaply and efficiently as possible
• Meals on Wheels – provides meals and services to older adults and people with disabilities
• Mobile Loaves & Fishes – provides food, clothing, and other life-sustaining items to the homeless 

Opportunities to support kids in Austin

• BookSpring – ignites the love of reading and builds literacy skills in kids
• Center for Child Protection – reduces trauma for children during the investigation and prosecution of crimes against children
• GirlForward – serves girls in grades 9-12 who identify as refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers
• Girlstart – empowers girls in grades 4-8 in STEM
• HopeAustin – provides food security

How to Start Volunteering

First, narrow down what type of organization would be a fit for you.

What do you enjoy doing?

• Would you rather be inside or outside? Do you want to be around people or animals?

What causes are you passionate about?

• The above list gives you an idea of the causes – environment, animals, education, homelessness, senior adults, and basic needs (like hunger).

How much time can you commit?

• Some volunteer programs are more in-depth, with an orientation session and a minimum hour requirement. Consistency is very helpful for organizations to plan. Once a month is a great place to start!

Explore 700+ nonprofits in Austin/Central Texas on AmplifyATX.org. Here you can view organizations by their cause category. Consider the organization’s location relative to your home to help with consistency.

I volunteer every 2nd Saturday with Volunteering Untapped (VU). It’s a good organization if you just want to get started. We volunteer with a different organization every month, so it’s an opportunity to have variety and to learn more about an organization before becoming a regular volunteer. VU also focuses on community and encourages volunteers to join in their social time (“volunbeering”) after the event. Learn more on the website.

Need more volunteer ideas? Check out this post about food-related volunteer opportunities.

The post Where to Volunteer in Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

This annual “best things I ate” list is always a fun one to put together. Not only is it looking back at memorable bites, but it’s fun remembering the occasion or who I was dining with. As I always say, the food and environment have a big impact on your experience, but so do your dining companions!

A very interesting stat – I dined at 197 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, food trucks, etc in 2024. That number dropped significantly to 140 in 2025! I think it was a combination of reasons. I was a little uninspired, and I was trying to save money. You take a risk dining out at places you haven’t been before (and even places recommended by others).

Most of these things should not come as a surprise if you read my quarterly flavor posts. Here are 15 memorable eats!

Chicken Sandwich at Dang Hot

This is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town! I got the mild, and it definitely has some heat. Perfectly crispy and good flavor, this food truck is a must-try.

Key Lime Pie from Lulu’s Pie Shoppe

This pie changed key lime pie for me, and I’m awaiting my next opportunity to enjoy this!

Rajasthani Tawa Paratha with Aloo at Paratha Rollers

You get two hits and lots of flavor with this dish – the soft paratha bread and the potato masala.

Masu at Craft Omakase

We got to return to Craft Omakas (my top choice for omakase in Austin), and it was once again a fantastic meal. This ocean trout bite was one of my favorites. Read more about Craft here.

Matcha at Dam Coffee Bar

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and you have to go try their matcha. I’ve had their coconut water matcha and mango matcha, and both were strong and flavorful. They also have Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee that I want to try one day.

Dinner at Kane Sushi

I would love it if Kane Sushi were in Austin (it’s in Cedar Park) because their bites were delicious and huge!

Brunch at Ladino (San Antonio)

We took a weekend trip to San Antonio and had my dream brunch at Ladino. It’s part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality restaurant group and one of my favorites. The cuisine is modern Mediterranean, and their Turkish brunch includes a variety of side dishes like seared halloumi, marinated olives, sourdough flatbread, and housemade jams. You can choose an entree, and I highly recommend the Turkish eggs.

Soup Dumplings at Mian & Bao

Mian & Bao has been a favorite spot for many this year, and I agree. These are some of the best soup dumplings in town!

Vanilla Chantilly Cake at Rockman Coffee and Bakery

Rockman officially turned one this past October, and they are offering some delicious pastries! The vanilla chantilly cake was one of my favorite things I tried. See my feature post on Rockman here.

Fried Chicken Sandwich at Teddy’s

This fried chicken sandwich seems to only be available during happy hour, and it was delicious!

Matcha at CaPhe.in

Ok, I’ve been drinking a lot of matcha. And this is another good one! I tried their ube previously, and I liked their banana matcha more. Creamy banana flavor, and the bruleed banana slice on top is a nice touch.

Italian Sub at Handsome Dan’s

The spontaneous meals can be the best, as evidenced by this sandwich and beer at Handsome Dan’s. This sandwich reminded me that I love a good sandwich and that I should go seek these out more. It’s also very satisfying to see these sandwich layers. I also enjoyed the IPA, which they brew in-house.

Otoro with Caviar and Truffle at Tare

I returned to Tare for an omakase meal and again loved it. Of course, the matcha tres leches is still great, but you can’t beat how delicious this tuna belly bite is. See the feature post on Tare here.

Breakfast at Phoebe’s Diner

This Austin spot is known for its breakfast and brunch. Their bananas foster French toast is heavenly! It’s banana walnut bread topped with whipped cream, fresh bananas, and more.

Brisket Burger at la Barbecue

I went to a media dinner with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, an award-winning (Michelin-starred) vineyard in Paso Robles, California, making Bordeaux-style blends. They paired their wines with the barbecue of Jess Pryles, a local BBQ expert, and la Barbecue, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant in Austin. My favorite pairing was the Candied Jalapeno Brisket Burger with the 2022 JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet.

What’s the best thing you ate this year?

Look back at my flavors posts this year:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q4 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try

See my recaps from past years here:

• Best Things I Ate This Year – 2024
• 12 Best Things I Ate and Drank in 2023
• 10 Best Things I Ate in 2022

The post Best Things I Ate in 2025 appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Crafting has long been a favorite hobby of mine. In fact, some of my first posts on this blog are about hosting DIY parties and partnering with a company called Brit + Co to test their craft kits. I took a pottery class a few years ago and did a few crafts as new things I did last year. It reminded me of the many crafty things I wanted to try and the tools I had already bought and were waiting for me to use. 

So, one of my goals this year was to finally use the supplies I had and try crafts I have wanted to for a long time! Austin has a lot of options when it comes to creative classes, so throughout the year, I worked my way through my list.

Here are the crafty things I tried!

DIY Miniature Kit

This DIY kit was gifted to me and is a good introduction to miniatures and building dollhouses. Every part of this diorama was put together by me, minus some of the plastic food. It included gluing together the shelves, folding the pastry boxes, and even installing the real light! I spent 7 straight hours putting this together from start to finish.

I was gifted another DIY kit recently, so I’m excited to do that one in the new year. The company is called Rolife. This is the bakery kit, and this is the greenhouse kit I’ll be doing.

Custom dollhouses, like the ones by Geneva who is a DIYer, are so impressive to me, and this seems like a gateway to that.

Candle Making

I first tried candle-making years ago at a place that has since closed. 7th Street Candle Co invited me in for their candle workshop, which included creating a custom scent for the candle. Not only is the candle aesthetically cute since it’s in a wood bowl, but it’s also a special scent that I made drop by drop. Their candle workshop is beginner-friendly, and I had a fun time trying it out!

See the full candle-making experience in this post.

Embroidery Kit

I’m embarrassed to say this embroidery kit was bought almost two years ago (at Blue Genie), and I finally opened it and completed it! When I started, it took about an hour. This was my first time trying embroidery, and I know it’s a craft I want to try again. Embroidery can be done on clothes, which is my ultimate goal.

Mountains of Thread is an Austin-area company, and she also sells her embroidery kits on Etsy.

Silversmithing Jewelry

A new silversmithing studio – Sisu Studio – opened in Austin, and I was excited to try it. We got to design our pieces (a ring for me) from picking the stone to the type of band, all while being led by an expert silversmith. It was fun to create something that I’ll wear often and be able to share that I made it!

See the silversmithing experience in this post.

Stained Glass Class

Stained glass has been another craft that I’ve been wanting to try for a long time! (This experience was much different than the glassblowing class for my bachelorette party.) This was another great beginner class, and we got to pick our favorite colors for our sunbeam.

See the stained glass class in this post.

Perfume Making

Did you know there is a walk-in perfume bar in Austin? My candle-making class included creating a custom scent with essential oils, so it makes sense that you can do the same process to make a custom perfume! I went back to 7th Street Candle Co for their drop-in perfume-making bar, this time creating a scent that is more floral.

See the full experience in this post.

Tortilla Making

Can you believe only one of these crafty classes this year is food-related?! I wanted to go to this workshop because I had never seen the process from corn kernel to tortilla. (Where are my food nerds at?) I love that fresh tortillas are a tradition in many kitchens around the world and that we could honor that in this workshop. So, it’s a little different, but I did make a tortilla!

See my experience making tortillas in this post.

Mosaic Making

I won a visit to The Mosaic Workshop in a charity raffle and was excited to try this medium again. (I made a mosaic on a glass bowl last year.) This time around, there were more tile and color options. It’s also a little easier to mosaic on a flat surface. What do you think of my finished piece?

See the mosaic-making process in this post.

Gem Kit

I spotted this craft kit at the store, and sometimes, that’s how it starts. These are called diamond gems or diamond/gem painting. The surface of your print is sticky and color-coded. You’ll use a tool to stick each color gem onto the labeled color. This wood plaque is 8 inches in diameter, and the project took about six hours.

Block Printing

For my final workshop of the year, I went back to 7th Street Candle Co for a block printing workshop. Audrey, one of the owners of 7th Street Candle Co, studied this craft in college, so she walked us through picking a design, carving the linoleum, inking, and printing. I picked a cute mushroom pattern, and it took a few prints to perfect the block. Finally, we printed on notecards and napkins. Yes, I have a print-making kit on my wishlist so that I can keep experimenting with this craft!

See the full experience in this post.

As you read, so many of the crafts I tried were things I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m so glad I got to try them. I know I’ll be crafting in the new year, though maybe not new mediums. I’m looking forward to exploring some of these further and finally working on all my sewing goals.

If you want to be more creative, there are lots of ways and tools to do it. You’ll find inspiration and even relaxation in the tasks. I hope this post inspires you to try something new!

Want more DIY inspiration? Check out these posts:

• From Clay to Pot: Where to Take a Pottery Class in Austin
• DIY Marbling-Themed Party
• Best Places for Creative Classes and Art Workshops in Austin

The post I Made This! – My Year of Crafting appeared first on Fearless Captivations.