Escape City Bustle with Charming Krave Wine Bar in Round Rock

Take a trip to see our northern neighbors, down the humble, brick lined Main Street of Round Rock’s up and coming town center. There you’ll find Krave Wine Bar & Bistro on a bustling block of inviting, dimly lit picture windows overflowing with the warmth and charm you would expect from one of America’s safest and fastest growing cities.

Sister act Susan Mendenhall and Kim Hiler began scouting for this perfectly placed gem in 2011 with visions of a pastry shop venture.

Instead, the two conjured up a different kind of sweet spot. Krave Wine Bar & Bistro offers quality cuisine and a thoughtful menu of wine and craft beers that challenge downtown Austin wine rooms and leave the commute and overzealous crowds behind.

The visionary duo spied a shabby, boarded up corner lot and took action. The historic venue, located at 121 East Main Street and built in 1877, took on major renovations to its interior in time to open in January of 2012. Krave has wrapped the historic integrity of the building around its little finger. By leveraging the hefty pieces of the original brick and lumber and surrounding them with creative curves and savvy design, this wine bar appeals to just about everyone.

Mendenhall has taken a quick grasp onto the importance of community and allows guests to bend her ear to chat about what they want to see more of. Featuring Texas crafted wines and brews, Krave has its dwellers regularly raising their glasses to local viticulturists and brewers. Mendenhall and Chef Dustin have introduced themed wine and beer dinners, such as Luau and Backyard BBQ. These creatively designed food and beverage pairings allow casual fun for all levels of epicureans.

Beginning November of 2013, Austin festival goers can pack up and venture north to Main Street Round Rock where Krave, along with other local businesses, will host the Corks and Kegs inaugural benefit for the Round Rock American Legion. All are welcome to get to know the community and the business that support the growing area, while tasting local delectables, brews and wines.

Local beverages, along with wine selections plucked from boutique portfolios, are paired well with the diverse and balanced menu the Krave kitchen plates up. Want to know what the locals crave? Mendenhall and Chef Dustin let two locals add their favorites to the pizza menu and now Joni’s Margherita and Chris’ Cali Chicken are on the list. Try one of more than twenty of the $13 wine flights and a do-it-yourself Krave Board.

Fill up on your own custom choices of the following for just $20:

• Meat (2) – Prosciutto, Dry Salami, Hot Capicola, Smoked Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef
• Cheeses (2) – Gruyere, Herbed Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese, Fontina, Smoked Sharp Cheddar, Fresh Mozzerella
• Fruits/Veggies (1) – Grapes, Apples, Strawberries, Pears, Cucumbers, Carrots, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Seasonal
• Nuts (1) – Walnuts, Toasted Pecans, Cashews, Roasted Almonds
• Olives (1) – Garlic Stuffed, Blue Cheese Stuffed, Pimento, Kalamata
• Chocolates (1) – Dark, Milk, Caramel, Chocolate with nuts

On my first visit, I went straight to the source and tried Chef Dustin’s favorite menu item. His recommendation was one which stirred up memories of his childhood in Hawaii – the Seared Ahi.

Wine priced from $5-15 by the glass, add a shared plate or entrée into the mix, and Krave is a moderately priced opportunity for a night with friends or date night for roughly $75 for two people. Plenty of nearby parking, live music and a delicate, outdoor dining space make this northside venue a refreshing change of pace. Open Monday–Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday at 4 PM.

 

Photos courtesy of the Krave Wine Bar Facebook page.