Things We Lost
7 posts in this series
A running obituary for vanished Austin institutions, rituals, and neighborhoods that got priced out, paved over, or rebranded.
"For everyone still giving directions based on what's not there anymore."
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Latest Posts
Every entry in the Things We Lost collection, newest first.
The Zen of 24-Hour Parking Meters
The city's parking meters used to be a civic convenience, not a battle to be won. Remember when you could park for free, but still had to feed the meter every 20 minutes?
Condos are Replacing the Contagious Chaos of Red River Street
The city's soul is being sold to soulless investors, one condo at a time. Remember when Red River Street was a place to get weird, not a place to get a sweet deal on a one-bedroom apartment?
The Unmitigated Disaster that is South Congress Avenue's Transformation
The once-thriving hub of Austin's music scene has been reduced to a soulless strip of overpriced boutiques and mediocre restaurants. Where's the weird Bordeaux now?
The Great BBQ Apocalypse: A Rant About the End of the Line for the Best BBQ in Town
The line for Franklin Barbecue used to be a badge of honor, not a hostage situation. Now it's a metaphor for the soul-sucking, time-wasting, and wallet-draining experience that is modern Austin.
The Condo-ization of Red River: A Eulogy for the Music Scene
The last remnants of the East Side's raw, unbridled energy are being suffocated by condos and 'artisanal' coffee shops. Long live the memories of $1 beers and 3 a.m. karaoke.
The End of the Free BBQ Era: A Lament for the Lost Art of Short Lines
A nostalgic rant about the good old days of free BBQ and short lines.
The Tragic Demise of the 24-Hour Denny's: A Eulogy for the Soul of Austin
The city's last bastion of late-night, no-frills, affordable greatness has fallen to the forces of overpriced, artisanal everything.
Explore Another Series
Follow a different branch of the complaint tree when you’re done here.
Condos of Shame
Documenting the luxury boxes replacing everything you loved.
"Where your favorite taco truck used to be."
SXSW Ruin Counter
Tracking the annual corporate colonization of Austin's weirdest week.
"It used to be about the music. Now it's about the lanyard."
Things That Used to Cost $3
A eulogy for affordable Austin, one price tag at a time.
"Adjusting for inflation and broken dreams."
Comedic Austin nostalgia satire. We remember when this town was weird for free.
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