I've heard that Salt Lick is quite good if you make it over that way. If I was going to Austin for anything, I would try to score tickets to an Austin City Limits taping. That is on my bucket list! I hope you have an awesome time. I think the restaurants that are doing things right are thriving. I was in one the other day getting some takeout and it was so loud I was about to have a mental breakdown. It wasn't great for me, but it was great for the owners as that means they are likely thriving. As for the other stuff! I'd be worried about the directions my mind would go. I was talking to my brother in law the other day about how I need to listen to more podcasts....