Let’s Go to Electric Shuffle on Rainey Street!
I’m going to level with you: Rainey Street is not typically my cup of tea. When I first moved to Austin, it was such a trendy place to visit. Apartments and bungalows that had been converted into bars? Whoa! How cool! Then some of those bars got replaced by highrise apartment complexes, and today there’s a lot of construction going on, making it less charming and more…concrete. I don’t know if a street can sell out, but I imagine this is how people felt in 1994 when bands like Green Day and The Offspring went from underground punk shows to worldwide tours and appearances on MTV. Yet, there’s one place on Rainey that delivers a fabulous time — Electric Shuffle.
Technically, Electric Shuffle is just off Rainey Street. But still, it’s close enough that it counts. The premise is pretty simple: Shuffleboard and good times with friends. This isn’t your grandparents’ shuffleboard with those big sweeper things. We’re talking sleek tabletop boards with digital screens keeping score and a wide variety of games to try out. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knocking someone else off the board at the eleventh hour, then watching a replay of it happening onscreen while everyone laughs.
More Than Just Shuffleboard
I hear the potential protests: “Joey, I can barely keep my life together. How am I supposed to keep a small shuffleboard puck on a board?” And that’s the beauty of Electric Shuffle — even if you struggle with or don’t care for shuffleboard, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
Sip on quirky cocktails, from classics like Espresso Martinis to more unique spins on things. I personally enjoy the bourbon-based Bramblin’ Man or the Mambo No. 5, which is much more pleasing to the palate than the Lou Bega song of the same name.
And the food here is chef’s kiss. You know your boy cannot get enough pizza, and Electric Shuffle delivers on that front. If, for some reason, you don’t want pizza served on a charming wooden paddle, you’ve got plenty of other options for whatever you’re craving. Tasty sandwiches and small plates, from tacos to nachos to shishito peppers, will quench the savory mouths, while cake pops and chocolate chip cannolis are never a bad option for the sweet tooth.
Drag Brunch at Electric Shuffle
Even more bonuses: During Pride Month, Electric Shuffle is partnering with QWELL Community Foundation Austin. Every Sunday features a drag brunch, with 10% of brunch sales going to QWELL. There’s a live DJ, several impressive performers, a brunch board, and an entire bottle of bubbly per person. If you’re really feeling festive, grab one of the summer cocktails, an Aperol Spritz or Prickly Pear Margarita. Look at them below! They’re available through August, so don’t miss out.
Whether you’re popping by for a drag brunch, celebrating a birthday or bachelor(ette) party, or simply enjoying the company of friends (and possibly an enemy or two), you’ll be in good hands at Electric Shuffle. Just look away from the screen when it’s my turn since I’ll probably be gorging on food while throwing the shuffleboard puck.
Electric Shuffle
91 Red River St, Unit 102
Austin, TX 78701
Monday to Thursday: 11 AM to 12 AM
Friday: 11 AM to 2 AM
Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM
Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
