[billybek]

I wasn't able to get out as much as I would have liked to while I was in Austin. I was at the NISOD conference and it kept me surprisingly busy.
I was able to get to Stubb's on the first night and found it to be a good experience but found the smoke a bit too creosote like. Maybe it was a little too early in the afternoon, but no bark on the ribs or brisket.
The pulled pork there was my favorite followed by the brisket.
Also went to the Boiling Pot (fun and tasty)(should post the before and after photos!), Manuels (Very good but small portions) and had a pretty good burger at Champions right by the convention center.

Austin is a pretty cool city and the quality of the music in the bars completely blew me away. I saw the Eric Tessimer band at Friends on 6th and was amazed by the guys skills. Not what I would call easy listening music by far but amazing live! I was out the night before last and lost the crowd of people I was with and listened to about 4 or 5 different bands and I can't say a bad thing about any of them.... Was a very cool experience.

Nice weather, no flying insects and pretty decent people.
Forgot beer.... I kind of like Shiner Bock. First beer I tried there and drank it most of the week!

Thanks for your help, I hope to be able to put your advice to better use next year!