Drop In, Have Drinks, Hang Out

One of the most interesting repercussions of the high cost of Downtown real estate is the migration of new independent bars and restaurants to the fringes of Central city neighborhoods. Everywhere from SoLa and SoCo to Burnet Road, North Loop, Manor Road, and Airport Boulevard, a new generation of entrepreneurs is turning old houses, auto parts stores, and warehouses into casual eateries and watering holes, offering neighborhoods walkable and bike-able spots for dining and socializing closer to home. Based on the recent investigations of three of these newish spots by Chronicle food writers Melanie Haupt, Anna Toon, and Jessi Cape, it's obvious they are already demonstrating an undeniable hang-out-ability factor. But we couldn't call any of them a dining destination just yet.