East of I-35 is a distinct neighborhood remarkably different from downtown Austin. East Austin was historically the Black and Hispanic neighborhood of Austin, not by chance but by city ordinance. Indeed, Austin law once forbade anyone not white from being west of Congress Avenue after nightfall. The eastside has struggled with a false perception that it is dangerous, and now it is beginning to suffer from gentrification. Still, it retains its bright, almost tropical mood and atmosphere with murals, buildings painted in bright colors, night clubs and cafes. The artists and hipsters who have moved into East Austin are the subject of some resentment from those who grew up in the area. Some anti-hipster leaflets and graffiti appear from time to time. But East Austin during SXSW has a unique charm, with plenty of outdoor patios and stages where music is playing, and plenty of food trucks. At least two of the Eastside’s legendary clubs, the
White Swan and the
Victory Grill have been restored and reopened as performing venues. At present, East Austin remains in strange transition, with a gourmet bistro across from a liquor store, or a housing project across the street from new condominiums. Only time will tell whether East Austin will maintain its charming diversity, or turn into an enclave for the wealthy.
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