Little-known Foxhole Culinary Tavern Serves Up Texas Flair in North Austin

 

There are several hidden food gems waiting in north Austin for those who take the time to find them. Foxhole Culinary Tavern is no exception. The restaurant’s unassuming  façade is often overlooked by passing drivers, who might think it’s just another chain restaurant. Don’t let appearances fool you. The cozy atmosphere inside and the creative, Texas-inspired menu turn first-timers into regulars.

The owners of Foxhole, Trey and Ryan Wolslager, recognized the northern part of Austin was lacking in quality restaurants. They were tired of driving into central Austin to find good dining.

The brothers, who reside nearby, thought the Lakeline Mall area would be a good location for a new eatery. When an old Bennigan’s building went up for sale, the duo jumped on the opportunity. In 2014, Foxhole Culinary Tavern came to life.

Foxhole’s Concept

Foxhole takes pride in sourcing ingredients locally. The menu concept is farm-to-table with a Texas flair. Many of the dishes have a touch of spice or are cooked on the wood-fired grill. Foxhole uses a combination of hickory, oak, and pecan wood to give grilled dishes a unique flavor.

The menu changes twice a year to allow the chefs to stay creative, and to highlight seasonal ingredients. Depending on when you visit, you’ll find fall/winter or spring/summer fare.

Foxhole Menu Highlights

The menu ranges from small plates meant for sharing to signature entrees. Here are some of the highlights right now:

• Crisped Brussels sprouts with goji berry gastrique, fuji apple, candy cane beets, candied cashews, and gruyere
• Lobster risotto tots with lemonette baby arugula and pancetta mornay
• Smoked jalapeño sausage sliders with smoked gouda potato salad, pickled red onion, and horseradish BBQ
• Stuffed Lockhart quail breast with applewood smoked bacon, peppered cream cheese, and red pepper jelly

Even the dessert menu is impressive. Be sure to try Foxhole’s version of a pineapple upside down cake, Pineapple Delight. The vanilla cake is topped with a caramelized pineapple slice, cinnamon caramel, feuilletine flakes, Chantilly cream, and vanilla ice cream.

Beer, Cocktails, and More

Foxhole has an extensive bar menu which includes local craft brews like Austin Eastciders, Live Oak Hefeweizen, and 512 Pecan Porter.

The cocktail menu features classic spirits, plus Foxhole’s own signature cocktails such as the Prickly Pear Mojito and the Foxhole Frose.

Warm, Inviting Space

Foxhole is the perfect setting for a casual lunch or happy hour with friends, yet intimate enough for an anniversary dinner. The dim lighting and wood features create a warm and inviting space for diners. Relaxing at one of Foxhole’s corner booths is like sitting in front of a warm fire.

There is a large, covered patio out back. The restaurant can also be utilized to host your next event.

Social Hour

Foxhole’s social hour is all night on Sunday and Monday, and from 3-7 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday. During social hour, there are discounted prices on spirits, beer, and wine. The food options vary, but a large selection of signature items are offered at a discount:

• $4 Tavern Tacos – Your choice of grilled steak, pulled pork, BBQ chicken thighs, or shrimp
• $6 Social Snacks – 8 different options such as Point Judith calamari, grilled Caesar salad, and tempura green beans
• $8 Flatbreads
• $10 Social Snacks – Includes Foxhole’s house burger and wild boar queso fundido
• $1.50 Oysters

Wine lovers can enjoy Wine Down Wednesday with wine specials and 20 percent off artisan cheese plates.  If dinner and music are what you’re in the mood for, Foxhole has live music every Saturday and Sunday night starting at 8:30 p.m.

Foxhole Culinary Tavern has a friendly, neighborhood vibe and is serving up some of the tastiest treats in the area. I was beyond excited when I first heard about Foxhole’s grand opening and I hope it sticks around for a long while. If you don’t live in the area, it’s well worth the drive into north Austin.

13995 N. Highway 183 – Website

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

What is your favorite local restaurant in north Austin?