Cathi Rustmann

My family and I love to make dinner more exciting by trying new things. After two years in Austin, we’re still discovering new great places to eat and drink. A native Texan, I think that Austin is the greatest city in Texas because of its vibrant night life and endless options for daytime fun, not to mention its sheer natural beauty and famous live music culture. But my favorite thing about Austin is its variety of creative and thoughtfully inspired restaurants.
Going out to dinner can turn into an expensive luxury. As a former single mom, I know that finding a good deal is always a good thing! Being in the restaurant business ourselves, my husband Gary and I spend a lot of time scoping out Austin’s food and beverage offerings, often with our kids Blake Cunningham, Blake Rustmann, Taylore Cunningham, and Katie Rustmann. We look for good quality, good service, and even better prices. Discovering the best deals that Austin has to offer has allowed our party of five to dine out often, without breaking the bank.
We are so excited to bring you the best food and drink deals with Austinontherocks.com! With this site, you don’t just get a long list to muddle through on your own. We narrow down your options for you, based upon your own selected criteria. It’s a fun and unique way to find new dining and drinking spots! So feel free to get picky because there’s a place for everyone on AustinOnTheRocks.com!

Photography courtesy of Stephen DeMent Photography

Taylore Cunningham

Like most college students, I am no stranger to partying on a budget. Some might opt for the “always smooth” case of Keystone over the much preferred taste of Dos Equis, while others frequent 6th Street on Thursday nights for the infamous $1 beers and $2 “you call its”. However you may choose to cut corners, fun should never be a sacrifice.

I realized my calling shortly after I moved to Austin (more specifically after my 21st birthday). My part time job wasn’t funding my social hour quite like I had hoped, and I surely was not about to surrender my good times to the recession. However, as an aspiring food and restaurant critic, quality was not a factor I was willing to compromise. I had to find a way to enjoy the finer things in life without over indulging, and more importantly, over spending. The solution to my dismay was Happy Hour.

I discovered that the essence of happy hour is not where you go; it’s when you go, because there’s no need to downgrade or overspend when you can simply reschedule. I’ve found, that by following a strict happy-hour-only diet, students too can indulge without having to worry about those notorious overdraft fees.

Since my epiphany, I have become a self proclaimed “Happy Hour Connoisseur.” Happy hour hunting is not just a hobby of mine; it is now my job. I like to think of it as bargain shopping for a good time. And thanks to AustinOnTheRocks.com, we’ve done all of the rummaging for you.

Every week I highlight my favorite specials for students on a budget. Not only do I tell you where to go, I give you a play-by-play of the must have cocktails and snacks once you get there. Just follow my lead and you will never be “out-Whataburgered” again. So next time you’re having cocktails with friends or trying to impress a date, “Tayste This” at AustinOnTheRocks.com and prepare to indulge in a frugal yet fabulous experience.

Photography courtesy of Steve DeMent Photography

Mariam Parker

My passion for food began at a very young age when I started helping my mom in the kitchen. From the moment I could reach over the counter, I started creating and testing recipes. Since then, my love for food has brought me to the other side of the table where I appreciate the creations and presentations of others who share in my passion. I have always found food to be a common experience shared by everyone no matter where they are from and who they are with. After spending time in marketing and the financial industries, I decided to use my talents to further my passion and help others in the food and beverage industry and folks like me who appreciate a well cooked meal, a tasty concoction or a good glass of wine.

I write for AustinOnTheRocks.com because one of my favorite activities in Austin is sharing a good laugh and cocktail with my girlfriends.

Cheers!
Mariam Parker, MeFoodie
For the love of food and drink.