"If you live anywhere near East Austin and have been on a first date in the last five years, there's a good chance at least one of them was at Whisler's. This busy cocktail bar serves some of the best drinks on the East Side, in an old warehouse that feels like it belongs in Brooklyn. Grab an Old Fashioned, then make your way out to the massive patio where you can also get an excellent burger from Golden Tiger and kick off the conversation with whether or not smashburgers are overrated. " - chelsea bucklew, nicolai mccrary