Central Machine Works

By Kate Carpenter

East Cesar Chavez has become a new anchor for night life in Austin, and above the strongest of neighborhood party giants like De Nada, emerges Central Machine Works. The former WWII metal fabrication plant, Central Machine Works (CMW), is a brewery that dominates the East Cesar Chavez strip, as a nearly 10,000 square foot establishment.

CMW is as much a bar as it is a cultural hub that blends the interests of inter-generational Austinites. I met the event director, Justin, at the annual Prince birthday party this year after winning the costume contest and receiving the generous gift of an open bar for the night. Gleefully and drunkenly, I interrogated him about how he does it; throw the best parties in the city. Justin chuckled and gave me his card immediately, I guess the secret sauce is the networking.

CMW’s dedication to showstopping events shined through at the Austin Slam Portal emo-wrestling night in November. Costumed Macho Libre men descended upon the full-sized wrestling ring in the CMW backyard, participating in a 4-hour long "Intergalactic Wrestling Match”. Men jumped, tucked and rolled from the ropes. Children threw water bottles at the heels. Adults filmed their contestant friends. I stood mesmerized. Never had I seen something like that, and I don’t think I ever will again.

The Central Machine Works experience is one you can only describe with “You just had to be there.” The first place I go to plan my nightly outings is the Central Machine Works event calendar. Oh, and they sell great beer.