Fresh-baked kolaches at Batch on Manor Road
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches opened its doors in early August 2017, filling the Manor neighborhood with the delicious smell of fresh-baked kolaches. Many Austinites take kolaches as seriously as breakfast tacos. The soft, puffy, sweet dough comes stuffed with a variety of fillings, ranging from fruit to meat. Though many argue the savory-filled ones should be called “klobasniky” (Czech for “little sausages”), it’s a mere technicality that falls away at the first bite.
With perfectly-baked kolaches and interesting fillings, Batch has quickly found a place in the east Austin community.
Kolaches, Beer, Coffee
Peanut butter and jelly, poppy seed, and seasonal fig and cream cheese kolaches at Batch
Batch’s menu features a wide range of sweet and savory kolache flavors. Some of the savory options include pepperoni, brisket and pickles, and sausage jalapeño. Micklethwait Craft Meats, a well-known Austin BBQ food trailer, supplies the delicious brisket and sausage fillings. The sweet kolache options include a beautifully rich chocolate pecan filling, poppy seed, and peanut butter and jelly. Locally-sourced seasonal fruit filling will be a regular fixture on the menu, as well.
Batch’s beer selection–featuring local, national, and international pours–will leave any beer enthusiast jelly-kneed. Twelve beers are on tap, available as the perfect accompaniment for kolaches. Batch also offers a staggering assortment of over 400 canned and bottled beers to choose from. This collection features local favorites like Austin Beerworks and Hops & Grain, along with finds from Belgium, Germany, and elsewhere. Customers can take home single bottles and cans, or mix and match a 6-pack, making it easy to try new beers.
Small part of the beer selection at Batch
In addition to the beer selection, Batch offers a fully-stocked coffee bar. The beans are sourced from Greater Goods Roasting, which is based in Dripping Springs, TX and run by a husband and wife team. A small but well-curated collection of cider and wine is available, as well. A minimum corkage fee of $2 is applicable, but waived during happy hour from 4-7 p.m. on weekdays.
The Atmosphere at Batch
Batch’s bright and cheerful interior
Overall, Batch feels comfortable and homey. It’s somewhere to do your work, go on a first date, hang out with your friends and family, or read a book. The open interior, with its high ceilings and natural light, is bright and cheerful with artistic accents. Mid-modern furniture with bright blue and red fabrics add to the cheeriness.
You’ll find ample indoor and outdoor seating. Musicians and artists have a home at Batch on a small indoor stage, while the spacious outdoor area is shaded with plenty of picnic tables for seating. The patio is family- and dog-friendly. The large yard is ideal for hosting craft fairs, community yoga, and other events.
Final Thoughts
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches won me over. The kitchen belts out kolaches that’ll leave you wanting more. The beer selection is nothing short of impressive. It’ll take anyone days to ponder and years to fully experience. Through its partnerships with local businesses like Micklethwait Craft Meats, Greater Goods Roasting, and beer from local to international breweries, I predict Batch will be a quick hit for many.
The eatery and taproom are open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekends. Happy hour goes from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your first impression of Batch?
Disclosure: I attended a media event at Batch where my food and drink was comped for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
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