South of the River: New Restaurants Taking Off

Until very recently, South Austin has been a bit sparse on the food scene. But that has changed quite a bit in the past 3-4 years. Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Oak Hill really got things started as Jack Gillmore’s upscale comfort food really struck a chord. Son Bryce got things rolling on South Lamar, first with the Odd Duck Trailer, and then with the overnight success of Barley Swine. Then Pieous totally blew the lid off of Pizza and Pastrami (and of course pies) on 290 (just north of area original Nutty Brown Cafe).

Cafe Malta at William Cannon and Brodie introduced a light Mediterranean concept to the area, and Tyson Cole (of Uchi/Uchiko fame) and his crew brought his St. Philip Pizza Parlor & Bakeshop spot to Sunset Valley. Then Homespun Kitchen surfaced in Dripping Springs at the site of the former 131 Cafe on Mercer. Great food at this spot including killer deviled eggs. And what a pleasant addition District Kitchen has been for the Circle C area. At Slaughter and Escarpment, it offers a wide range from Mediterranean to American dishes. One of my new favs.

Back to South Lamar, the Catalonian-styled Barlata reintroduced the conept of real Barcelonian paella to the area. And Chef Tatsu-san Aikawa opened a second Ramen Tatsuya on South Lamar (this is slurper’s paradise).

The newest openings feature Cuban food (man do we need that) at Guantanamera (and no one sings that damned song). This is at 6800 Westgate. And Pflugerville’s Taste of Ethiopia is opening a second location at 3801 South Congress. Alright,alright, alright! Bring on the injera! And as if Ramen Tatsu-ya wasn’t enough, Michi Ramen (which has graduated, as so many in this area did, from food truck to brick and mortar) will open soon at 3005 South Lamar. More noodles!

And watch out Pieous, the popular Via 313 is going to launch a pizza restaurant on 290 south of Oak Hill.

Amidst all this craziness, I almost neglected to offer up a moment of silence for the departed and wildly eclectic Bake House on Manchaca. They are gone after 30+ years, but not forgotten.