Austin, United States
Isaac, 29
see his Austin city guide

What do you do and why do you do it?

I play, record and perform music. I do this because its the only thing that still gives me chills. I do it because its the only thing I've found that truly communicates beyond the bullshit. It's affecting, its real, and I love it. I also build and install residential lighting, cause part time jobs are a necessity, and I would prefer to work with my hands if the wild musician life doesn't get the bills paid.


I'd rather be your enemy by Lee Hazlewood. Love by Kendrick Lamar. Blow away by George Harrison. What you wouldn't do for love by Bobby Caldwell. Best me by Sylvan LaCue. Think too much (a) by Paul Simon That's all for right now, I'll update as I think of a few more.

What are the best TV shows of all time?

I personally enjoy the half soap opera stuff. the O.C., One Tree Hill, etc... Also i do like stranger things and Master of none--thats late night not caring a whole lot about things... which I guess is a lot like the first 2 I mentioned. Not huge on watching TV, but catch me when I'm down and I'm all yours.


Tinder just isn't for me. I'd much rather go out somewhere and meet a real person.


In a lot of ways it's Nelly. And I would take Nelly to a place called Rio Rita's. It's kind of a bar, but a good place to chat and spend many hours if your very interested in your company.

Where do you buy those fabulous clothes of yours?

Blue hangar Goodwill outlet (in Austin) and any other thrift shops around town. Resale is consistently king. I buy 2 pairs of Wranglers a year at Cavenders Boot City. Hand me downs from buds. Anytime I'm in a different city or country I always make a point to stop in at a few thrift shops. Finally, every once and a while I'll buy a nice shirt (not t-shirt) or pair of good quality pants at a small fancy shop ($40-80 for shirt, $60-120 for pants)--I prefer to try on clothes in person.


Moose Knuckle bar on 6th st. Also anywhere on the outskirts of Austin city--Round rock, cedar park, really any suburb (not one for "culture" like that).


Climb onto the roof of this weird hotel condo thing on South Congress and just chill with a friend or love and look out at downtown Austin. It's very sketchy to get up because they barred off the easy way up to the roof... but if your up for an adventure, bring a 4ft wood plank and you can get from the top floor onto the roof overlooking downtown. For details and directions hit me up personally.


Juan and a Million for the "Don Juan". Eat it all, you'll feel largely extreme.


There are a lot. One of my favorites is a place called Skylark. In some ways it's a blues bar--but more a bar that serves cheap drinks, has some great music, and a staff and a collection of people who aren't looking for more than that. Mainly go see Mrs. Margaret Wright any Thursday or Friday night from 6pm-8pm. Most people wouldn't have heard of her, but listening to her play and laugh and drink Dos Equis gives me hope. She is old Austin--real Austin-- a person that has lived, and lived a lot. Listening to her makes me hopeful.


Go to Hotel San Jose, Hotel St. Cecelia, The W, South Congress Hotel, or the 4 Seasons and you'll get what your looking for. Somewhere between 350$ and 600$.

What restaurant in Austin looks crap, but the food’s amazing?

There are 2 you must go to. Taco Mex- theres a couple tiny window walk-ups around town. 2$ per taco. They are not small. My personal order - 1 migas with chorizo and cheese, and 1 bean, cheese, bacon and cactus. The second, and one of my personal favorites is Sazon. It's on south lamar, its a somewhat interior mexican place but no bells whistles or bullshit. The food is simple, the recipes are brilliant. There salsa is perfect... like literally the best salsa I've eaten. It's not going to blow your mind, but if you pay attention to the flavor you will eventually realize it's magnificence (styrofoam cups to go for $5).


Small Victory. Order the "Walter Long."


Gotta be Hotel St. Cecelia. I would recommend having an evening inside. Get together a wide mix of their favorite foods, snacks and drinks and make a picnic inside your room. I think it always speaks volumes to show your partner how much you know about what they like and love. A pampered evening catered by YOU.


I would highly recommend Gold Flake pork rinds. There soft, while crunchy and flakey. Can't go wrong.

What’s the one place you think is overrated in Austin?

Almost any place that has opened in the last 5 years. Don't be swayed by the bougie.

What’s the one place you think is underrated in Austin?

Quality Seafood. This place is an Austin staple. Most people don't know about the specials every night for cheap, fresh seafood. They also have a full bar and live music nearly every night. It's not pricy and the folks that work there are down to earth. Nothin fancy-- just shit loads of delicious seafood for cheap.


Skylark lounge Thursday and Friday nights from 6-8pm. Ginny's Little Longhorn Saloon for Chicken-Shit bingo on Sunday afternoons.


Eating Mexican food, swimming if it's hot (it usually is).

What’s your favorite vacation city in the world and why?

Currently I'd have to say San Diego. I'm particularly drawn to the "hammock" life style. Each time I've been I question whether anyone has a real job. Everyone seems to spend most of their time outside in the sun, or shade having drinks and cooking food with friends. That's a vacation to me.

instagram profile


photos by

Kenneth Brandon