Dive into Weather Up’s delicious whitefish pate and champagne cocktail combo during Eat East (Credit: Eat East)
East Austin is in the midst of a renaissance. What was once the wrong side of the tracks has blossomed into a hip place to eat, drink and be merry. Fantastic restaurants and a lively bar scene have given the area a new energy.
To celebrate and educate Austinites on this resurgence, a group of neighborhood eateries is taking part in Eat East, a summer long tribute to the foodie paradise growing east of Route 35.
Good Eats, Great Price
On Tuesday nights through Labor Day, participating restaurants are offering a delicious yet discounted cocktail and appetizer special. The price for these fantastic dishes that showcase the best of the East Austin scene runs from $8-10.
Mmmm…queso at Tamale House (Credit: Eat East)
The epicenter of the series is The Hightower, an East 7th staple that specializes in gourmet comfort food. It all started when Chad Dolezal (chef/co-owner) and Victor Farnsworth (general manager/co-owner) decided to raise awareness about this growing foodie neighborhood.
According to Victor, it was also about building a restaurant community. “We’ve enjoyed getting to know our neighbors on East 6th and 7th Streets and believe this summer dining series will further develop the food scene in the area.”
Participating Restaurants
Reading like a “who’s who” of East Austin’s best eateries, there’s alot to love about the Eat East lineup.
Jacoby’s exceptional Melvin Mule begs to be sipped (Credit: Eat East)
- The Hightower: The originators of the event are offering The High Tail (Bulleit rye, honey syrup, house made allspice dram, lemon) paired with brussels sprouts for $8.
- Tamale House East: This trendy Mexican joint is serving up two margaritas and a small queso for $10.
- Gardner Austin: An upscale eatery with a focus on local vegetables, Gardner pairs their fried sweet potatoes dressed in urfa mayo with their Kalimotxo, a Basque combination of red wine and soda.
- Gelateria Gemelli: Satiate your sweet tooth with a small gelato and an amaro for $10.
- Spartan Pizza: A local pizza favorite, Spartan is serving up their signature jalapeno dip with a premium beer (draft or bottle/can) for $8.
- Silo on 7th: Casual and welcoming, The Silo is offering their fried deviled eggs paired with a frozen margarita for $9.
- Buenos Aires Café: This Argentinean wonder serves up a fresh empanada paired with red or white sangria for $9.
- Weather Up: This NYC transplant promises to tantalize with their smoked whitefish pate paired with a champagne cocktail for $10.
- Jacoby’s: Quickly becoming Austin’s “it” restaurant, Jacoby’s is offering their onion ring appetizer and a Melvin Mule for $10. A must visit.
From tamales to ice cream to Argentinian empanadas, there’s a flavor for every palate.
And It Keeps Getting Better
In keeping with the dynamic energy of East Austin, more restaurants and cafes are being added to Eat East every week. Sagra, an Italian trattoria, and the decadent Maggie Louise Confections have recently joined the party. Check out Eat East’s Facebook page for up to the minute additions and specials.
In the ever competitive world of Austin dining, it’s refreshing to see a community come together for a common goal. Thanks to the Eat East dining series, you can discover East Austin best nibbles and drinks at a great price. Show up, dig in and support this growing foodie neighborhood.
Eat East runs through Labor Day. A full list of participating restaurants and events can be found at the Eat East Facebook page.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What’s your favorite East Austin eatery?
