[macallan25]

Rudy's BBQ is horrible, not even counting the fact that it is a chain. If you want to eat good bbq around Austin and San Antonio, go to Coopers BBQ in Llano....about an hour outside of Austin, very famous and definitely worth the drive.

Originally posted by docetboy
Ahh, so you're coming down here for a graduation! First thing I can suggest is to read this article, it'll prepare you for what to expect during the graduation weekend itself.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airfo...fbasicgrad.htm

Airmen get town passes on Friday afternoon after graduation, Saturday, and in some cases Sunday also. There's a lot to do in/around town, especially depending on exactly when you are visiting, but keep in mind there are rules while you are with your new airman...you can't leave the city limits (outside the 1604 Loop, with the exception of Six Flags), there's no hand-holding or PDA, he must remain in uniform at all times unless at a private hotel, etc.

The most popular things to do involve going downtown to the river (seeing the alamo, taking a boatride, etc.), going to Six Flags (open march-october), or going to Sea World (open march-october). There's also NBA and WNBA Basketball, AHL Hockey, AA Baseball, various special events (Alamobowl, Army Football, etc.). One thing to keep in mind is that the Thursday night before graduating, the Air Force gets together with the local sportsteams and tries to arrange a free trip for the airmen and their families (they get bussed, you have to find your own way, but can spend the entire time together at the event, extending long past the regular time you have to be back) - what sport depends on what season it is and who's playing - in the summer it's often baseball, the winter it's often Spurs Basketball, etc.

Now of course, you want to know what to do after he's back on base, since you don't want to do touristy things...Going back downtown is often fun, Pat O'Briens, Howl at the Moon, etc. are all fun clubs. If you're into sports, Fatso's Sports Garden can't be beat. Cowboy's dance hall is popular if you're into country music, there's a ton of clubs in Austin up on 6th street (about a 1.5 hour drive from Lackland). If you like watching movies, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is unique - they took a regular theatre, took every other row out and put tables in, and you can order real food and beer/wine from your seat. Prices are very reasonable. Getting some mexican food is a must, but I recommend staying away from downtown for it. If you like BBQ, Rudy's is the "wurst" in TX (as there own sign says!