I went on a date night here and we had so much fun! The staff was so kind, patient, and attentive…read more They play a nice back ground music through the whole store and have amazing lighting and vibes. I love how we both got to pick completely different projects that had detailed instructions. It was nice to be left with our own devices and not walked through all the steps by a person.

I came here for my sister's birthday because we wanted to do something a little more interactive…read morethan just going out to dinner. Funny enough, even though it's called Upstairs Circus, I kept calling it "Uptown Circus" for some reason and still do. My sister had been here once when she first moved to Austin, but it had been a while, so she was happy to go again. We tried to make a reservation for a Monday but found out they're closed that day unless it's a private event. So we ended up booking a Sunday evening during their Sangria Sundays event. Signing up online was quick and easy--no payment required upfront. When we arrived, we were seated at a table and given the option to sit side by side or across from each other. They handed us a laminated flyer with all the available project options, ranging from easy (about an hour) to more challenging projects that can take the full three-hour session. There was a good mix of household items (like coasters and magnetic shelves), jewelry, handbags, clutches, accessories, and even a pricier custom Nike shoe painting project. The sample projects looked very professional, but the final result really depends on your artistic skills and how focused you are during the session. My sister and I decided to pick different projects--she chose a handbag clutch, and I went with coasters. We got all our materials and instructions. One thing I noticed: this kind of activity is probably better suited for people who don't have a ton to catch up on while working. Since my sister and I hadn't seen each other for weeks, we were trying to talk and catch up, which made it harder for me to focus on the project. Some steps were time-sensitive, so juggling both conversation and crafting was a bit stressful. For my coaster project, I initially planned to use a stencil and transfer paper to trace a design, but it didn't work very well. I ended up switching to a simple two-color block design just to make sure I could finish in time. My sister's project was a bit more advanced--she had to do leather hole punching and threading--but she managed to finish and loved how her clutch turned out. Since it was Sangria Sunday, you get one complimentary sangria or mocktail with your reservation, and they keep a card on file if you want to order more drinks. I got a spicy cocktail that actually had really good flavor, even though I didn't finish it. Overall, this is a fun and unique activity if you want to do something creative with a friend or group. I'd recommend it more if you're looking to spend quality time doing something together rather than having a deep conversation--because focusing on the project definitely takes some attention. My sister was happy with her finished product, and I liked mine even if it turned out simpler than planned. It's a cool idea for a birthday, date night, or just a different kind of outing.

I moved here two years ago. I don't know anyone and I thought this was a great way to get out and…read moremeet people. I didn't want to do dating apps, I wanted something more organic. Now in the loop is NOT a dating service. It brings single people together to do fun things. Its up to each individual to build an organic relationship with someone in the group. It may not even happen but it gives you the opportunity to try and have fun doing it. Kara who owns in the loop is amazing. I have been a member for over a year and still love it. The vacations they plan are so much fun as well.

Just went on the trip to Ireland and had a great time. Everything was planed and even a free day I…read morecouldn't have asked for more. I personally love the social events and wish I had more time to do more of them. Hope to hang out in the future with you.

Just had a negative experience here. I signed up for a football watch party through Eventbrite…read more They had several events like this before where I could attend without being a UT club member. I got 3 tickets and when I arrived I was told that the cost was $35 a person for the buffet to be allowed entry even though there was no mention of this in the event info. This was not communicated on the event page and my guests were not interested in eating. I drove in traffic 30 minutes to get there and then walked over a mile to avoid paying for parking only to be turned away. Even asked if we could just stay and watch the game based on the miscommunication and was told no. I support the UT club all the time for their pep rallies and am disappointed in how this was handled. Seems like there could have been an exception made based on the miscommunication. It was an embarrassment for my guests and didn't reflect well on the club. I was informed that the Club had no control over the info put on Eventbrite and the only accommodation made was a free lunch voucher which does not address the impact to my self or guests for watching the game. For full disclosure, attaching the link to the event and for the verbiage. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ut-club-watch-party-texas-vs-kentucky-tickets-1797142815539?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=a809b3f26d39f787453f24c37cd1e8699bda95ef3a3b044426c8024546acbf53340bd0e59d3601341612d45b3e4e882f4575187876804fd0f24d03ca498b2dc38d2c44a7a6fb9c2597777c5c

Terrible experience and terrible customer service. I made NUMEROUS attempts to call Sarah about my…read moremembership and left multiple messages, but she never returned my calls. Sarah was rude, dismissive, and seemed like she did not care about helping me or even doing the basic part of her job--returning important calls. If you are considering signing up for a membership, stay away from this place and especially avoid dealing with Sarah Baughn. Based on my experience, you cannot rely on what you are told. I would not recommend this club to anyone. Terrible Service!

Having just come home, fresh off our first win, I'm giddy like a little girl…read more Maybe it was tonight's pouring rain? Or perhaps, it was the kegger at home plate? Or possibly, it was a combination of all these things complete with the new friends we've made thanks to this journey. Old friends, new friends. Young friends, Old friends. Whatever the case, Monday night's have never been so much fun! Team IcyHots started out a smattering of friends, acquaintances, yelpers, complete strangers....a few short weeks later, we're teammates, friends, WINNERS! But to tell you the truth, even if we'd lost every single game, it wouldn't have made a bit of difference. WAKA rules!

I love WAKA. I love kickball. I love it so much I showed up last night after a Yelp event dressed…read moreas a tipsy French maid. (The tipsy part is DEFINITELY part of the costume....)They have great parties, and I love parties. Almost everybody is friendly (if you think you're not in this category, start being friendlier, please. I would love to edit this review.) I love Tom. He's a handsome fella who has big plans for Trapped in the Closet. (I also love R. Kelly). I love being catcher (not a euphemism), because I love chatting with all of the other kickball players that I love. There's nothing not to love about WAKA.

I will never forget the random party I somehow ended up at at this place. Definitely one of my…read morefavorite speakeasies in Austin. I've always wanted to go back but it never seems to be open. Cool ass venue.

Great networking in downtown Austin! Good Breakfast spread…read moreand early morning conversation along with very interesting guest speakers in the posh UT club. Membership has it's perks.

Great speakers and rewarding networking with fellow entrepreneurs and business executives.read more

There is not a lot to say about this program. I have tried to use it for networking, but the fact…read moreof the matter is that every networking event will require you to either purchase a ticket or drinks (or both). There is not a lot of real networking done. The most correspondence I get from them is either them asking me for me money or them asking me to attend an event and pay money. I guess the only real benefit is the ability to use UT libraries, but I can already use the Austin Public library which is already fantastic. I feel bad because my mom paid money for this thinking it would provide a lot of networking opportunities for me, but ultimately I think we were just scammed. It's a shame that they are using predatory practices to target good parents who just want to set their kids up for success. To parents still reading this, please consider just giving your child the cash amount for the alumni membership. As a recent grad, it would have helped immensely compared to the "support" and "resources" offered by Texas exes.

They have picked up the pace before games with frito pie, burgers, tacos, barbecue, beer and more…read more It took minutes for me to get a frito pie (which was not really that impressive but what's a girl to do if she's hungry) and bottle of water in the "plaza" area. Fans have the option of watching any of one hundred (it seemed like that many but really probably a dozen) big screen or mid-screen televisions and just skip the stadium. Especially if it's raining! Belly up to one of the numerous bars for a Bloody Mary, beer or glass of wine.

If you like dancing, you MUST check out the Austin Swing Syndicate! This place is just so good…read more Every Thursday the Fed transforms into swing central with multiple dance lessons and lots of dancing to big band tunes. The instructors for the classes are phenomenal and teach at just the right level (free beginner classes start at 8:15 pm!); and, you can satisfy your dance needs for many dance styles: Lindy hop, balboa, shag, solo jazz... Most highly recommend signing up for the monthly dance class series! The social dancing afterwards is always a great time, whether it's a DJed party or a live music event. The great hall of the Fed is filled with more than hundred folks of all ages (15 through 70+) who want to bust a move. You don't need to come with a partner or a friend, but you can also make it a great outing with your friends, if that's more your jam. The live music events that occur once a month feature great local bands and make the whole evening a whole lot more special and fun. Bring your water bottle! Lots of dancing means lots of sweating. They also sell water in plastic bottles, but we don't want to pollute our planet, do we? Free parking is available a few short blocks away (check their website for details). And, they offer two tiers of membership to cut down the cover fees. Both are a great deal, but if you are committed to weekly dancing, the sustaining membership is an awesome deal. You get a free tshirt, three passes for guests per year, and free admission to all weekly dances among other benefits.

The Syndicate dances are an institution of the Austin swing/lindy scene. They've been going since…read more1999, and are still growing. I started going to the Thursday night dances at The Fed almost as soon as they started, though I took a hiatus for several years when I moved away to go to college. Now that I'm back, I go out almost every week! It's a great group of people and an easy place to make friends. There's a fantastic system in place for processing beginner dancers... and the consistency of this system over the past 10 years is definitely a major reason why swing dancing survived its "fad" status in Austin, and continues to attract new dancers. People hear about the Thursday dance, come early for the 8:15 beginner's lesson, get hooked, and everyone tells them to take lessons from Four on the Floor (classes are conveniently held at The Fed on Tuesday nights). There are several great options in town for learning how to dance, but Four on the Floor has been going since 1997 (yes, I took their early classes in the Starlite Gallery), and is definitely a crowd favorite. There's also The Lindy Project, Go Dance, not to mention tons of private instructors. The Thursday night dances are all-ages, smoke and alcohol-free, set in a beautiful historic mansion. No partner necessary! Cheap to get in, especially if you pay for a yearly membership. The Fed has a small private lot on 24th St., as well as some street parking, but most people try to park across the street at the bike shop's parking lot. There's usually a DJ, but sometimes there's a live band for special events. There's also a side room for dances other than swing/lindy, usually balboa, blues, or west coast swing. Variety is the spice of life, after all! There's a beginner lesson for these alternate dances at 8:15, at the same time as the beginner swing lesson (in another room). Austin Swing Syndicate is involved in more than just the weekly dance. Special events like The Austin Lindy Exchange, workshops, competitions, and more bring dancers from around the world to Austin. I gave them a four out of five stars primarily because the very consistency which makes them such a great avenue for getting new dancers dancing, means that it can also be a rut, and people sometimes forget that Austin is the Live Music Capitol of the World. So many people only go to the Thursday night dance, which is safe, but sometimes boring. Please, visit www.austindance.net and go dance to some live music!