Muscle Maker Grill Opens on Congress at Former Site of Marakesh
Muscle Maker Grill is a small East Coast chain of upscale casual restaurants with a nod toward the healthy side of the dining scene founded in 1995 by body builder Rod Silva. Their first Austin (and Texas) restaurant opened on Congress at the site of the former Marakesh on 906 Congress.
Owner Matthew DeLeon discovered the restaurant on a recent visit to New York City and was knocked out. “This is about great-tasting food that people love to eat,” he said. And so he bought a franchise for Austin along, and allowed room for growth.
I concur with Matthew’s assessment of the food. On my visit, I tried several dishes that were healthy and relatively low in calories but did not at all compromise on flavor or taste.
The Arizona, for example, is a dish with turkey bacon and chicken served over brown rice with tomatoes and scallions with a gluten-free and zero-carb signature sauce. I loved it! Also great was the Cajun Chicken and whole wheat Penne Pasta in a red wine brown sauce. I think I could be a regular at this place.
They deliver downtown as well. (512) 457-9400
