AM/FM is opening in Dallas with early mornings, late nights, and a spirit that feels true to the city. Launching in January, the diner will open daily at 7 a.m., welcoming musicians coming off late sets, workers starting morning shifts, and neighbors looking for a place that feels familiar. Coffee refills come easily, the light is warm at sunrise, and as the day progresses, the room gradually shifts into a lounge with a pulse of its own.
Continue readingFiled under Crave
The Cottage is a straightforward neighborhood dive bar (and that’s a good thing) on Northwest Highway that draws a consistent crowd without relying on hype or reinvention. It’s a functional, lived-in space where the lights stay low, the patio stays busy, and the room adapts easily to whatever the night brings. People come here because it’s familiar, reliable, and social — not because it’s trying to make a statement. The atmosphere is casual and unforced, built for long evenings rather than quick stops.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
A weekend in Luckenbach, Texas doesn’t come with a packed itinerary—and that’s exactly why it works. About ten miles southeast of Fredericksburg, this tiny town isn’t much more than a dusty crossroads with a post office, a dance hall, and a general store. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. The pace is slower, the music is louder, and everything feels a little looser around the edges.
Luckenbach was established in the mid-1800s by German settlers in the Texas Hill Country, originally serving as a trading post and community hub for farmers and ranchers. Named after Carl Albert Luckenbach, the town remained small but steady, with a general store and post office at its center. By the 1970s, it had nearly faded into obscurity—until it was purchased by a group of music-loving Texans, including country songwriter Hondo Crouch, who reinvented the town as a quirky gathering place for musicians and misfits. Since then, Luckenbach has become known far and wide as a home for live country music, famously celebrated in the Waylon Jennings song that bears its name.
Continue readingFiled under Crave
There’s something electric in the air in Austin, Texas—part Southern charm, part renegade spirit, and entirely addictive. Whether you’re here for the live music, the smoky brisket, or the river-fed cool of Lady Bird Lake, Austin is a city that welcomes wanderers with open arms and a devil-may-care grin. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve rounded up the top hotels, restaurants, bars, music venues, and can’t-miss sights that show off the capital city’s one-of-a-kind vibe.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Texas-born band Shane Smith & The Saints are set to play two shows at the renowned Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on April 4th and 5th. The iconic venue, known for hosting some of the biggest names in country and rock music, will see the band perform on two distinct nights. The first night will be a seated show, while the second will feature a more energetic pit setup, offering fans the chance to experience their high-octane live performances up close.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
A new exhibit at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University transports visitors back to a time and place where one outsider artist captured the very essence of Texas. That artist was Jerry Jeff Walker, and the exhibit highlights the creation of his iconic album Viva Terlingua—a record that is considered by many to define Texas music.
In the opening track of Viva Terlingua, Jerry Jeff Walker introduces himself as “Scamp Walker,” a reference to a time in his life when he might have been a bit of a wanderer—a fitting moniker for a man known for his free-spirited ways. The song was recorded on August 18, 1973, not in a plush West Coast studio but in a sweltering 100-degree barn in downtown Luckenbach, Texas. The rustic, unpolished setting mirrored the spirit of the music itself.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
The Free Man is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience where the flavors of Creole cuisine blend seamlessly with the vibrant sounds of live music. This establishment has carved out a unique niche in the Dallas dining scene, offering a haven for those who crave authentic New Orleans flavors paired with the soulful rhythms of jazz, blues, and more.
John Jay reminds me that August 2024 first will be their 13th anniversary.
The Free Man’s menu is a love letter to Creole and Cajun cuisine, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ culinary traditions. Diners can indulge in classic dishes like Gumbo, where a rich, flavorful roux envelops a hearty mix of seafood, sausage, and spices. The Jambalaya is another favorite, a symphony of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection, embodying the bold, vibrant flavors that Louisiana is famous for.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
The Rayleigh Underground quietly opened right before the Christmas holiday and now that the New Year is here they are ready to officially throw open their doors and welcome guests to this stunning entertainment complex with a week full of exciting entertainment and sensational dining. The 38,000 square-foot venue has Las Vegas-inspired vibes and entertainment, and Pacific Rim-inspired dining – located in the heart of Las Colinas at Toyota Music Factory.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
