My Camden team here in Austin has a wide variety of interests.  For this reason, I recently asked a couple of them to help contribute to the blog by providing me with information about cool places here in Austin they like to frequent.  The following are their suggestions:     Ray:  Alamo Drafthouse  

The Alamo Drafthouse is a chain of movie theaters that traces its origins right here in Austin, Texas. It is known for providing a pub-like dining experience, where you can order draft beer and burgers and fries, among other things, while watching a movie. The menu offers gluten-free alternatives as well. The chain began life as a second-run movie house, a tradition that continues to this day with screenings of special programming such as Sing-alongs (recent example being Pitch Perfect), Quote-alongs (Spaceballs, The Princess Bride)  and an audience favorite called the Master Pancake Theater (Con Air, Jurassic Park), in which a comedian will critique a ‘classic’ movie as it is playing. What’s unique about the Ritz location on 6th St. is that it started life as a movie theater during the depression era, and it has the distinction of being the first one specifically built to screen talkies here in Austin. The building itself opened in 1929 and it was designed by Hugo Kuehne, who founded the UT School of Architecture, and it is still owned by the Hegman family to this day. The staff was friendly and courteous and the decor was very old-timey, which made the establishment feel like a proper theater. Although there are only two screens, reservations can be made online in advance and they will refund your ticket in exchange for another showing if you can’t make it in time. The sound was immersive and just the right volume, and the projectionist did not skimp on picture quality. All in all, you are guaranteed a one-of-kind movie experience.     Dean:  Chavez  

As a self-proclaimed foodie, one of my favorite social activities is checking out the plethora of restaurants Austin has to offer.  One of my new favs is Chavez located in the Radisson Hotel downtown.  This venue was recently completely overhauled by Chef Shawn Cirkiel, the critic-acclaimed chef behind Parkside, Backspace and Olive & June.  In addition to the very chic interior, Chavez offers stellar views of Lady Bird Lake as well as the perfect vantage of our famous bats from departing the Congress Avenue Bridge.  The food is amazing as well with offerings such as the tostaditas de cangrejo (lump crab, mango and avocado served on fresh tostadita chips), the blackened pineapple and cucumber salad and the blade steak al pastor with charred tomato, radish and onion.  They also have a raw bar including fresh oysters and several different ceviche options.  Don’t forget dessert – the café con leche is not to be missed! You can make it a whole evening affair if you want to enjoy their daily happy hour giving you ½ off all adult beverages or join them for Sunday Brunch.  If you are looking for a new, hip place to be, add this one to your list for summer 2014.