Parkside Brings Delectable Sophistication to Dirty Sixth

Parkside holds a special place in my heart. Over the last several years, my wife and I have shared anniversaries, birthdays and many other special moments there, and the memories flood back every time I visit.

We’ve often sat in the same booth, overlooking the Sixth Street sidewalk and the passers-by who provide such quality entertainment throughout our meal.

Our repeated visits have proven that Parkside is able to deliver something rare and important: consistency. I’m always satisfied when I leave because the service, food and drinks are always top notch, no matter the day of the week or time.

Shawn Cirkiel has become one of Austin’s most beloved restaurateurs, and it all started when he opened Parkside years ago. He went on to launch The Backspace, Olive & June and Chavez. Cirkiel grew up on a farm and has worked everywhere from Napa Valley to New York, so it’s no wonder he has produced success after success in the culinary world.

Hot Happy Hour

Parkside boasts one of Austin’s hottest happy hours, with half off the bar menu, beers and cocktails from 5-6:30 PM every day. My wife and I made sure to slide in between these hours last time we visited, and our jaws dropped when we received our bill ($69 bucks for stuffing our faces for two hours with countless appetizers, dessert and cocktails…are you kidding me?!).

Their cocktail menu is rock solid (you can’t go wrong with the Siberian Donkey or the Sage Blossom) and the bar menu offers up some of Austin’s most wonderful cooking. We ordered the fried okra (a favorite of mine) and crab fritters. Between the housemade ranch dressing and light, crispy breading, there was no going wrong.

The Bar Steak was cooked perfectly and the fries were so delicious and well-seasoned that we had to order more. The ceviche was wonderfully tart and the Caesar Salad was a perfect starter – my wife gladly gave me the anchovies (mmmmm).

We finished with the Coconut Mousse, which was (as expected) INCREDIBLE. Creamy, rich and harmoniously tart, this dessert provided a perfect endpoint for our happy hour feast.

Parkside is located at 301 E Sixth Street with San Jacinto as the cross street. It’s surrounded by bars and clubs, but seems to consistently stand up on its own regardless of the Dirty Sixth environment. If you haven’t eaten there, you must. If you have, go again. Like I said before, consistency is one of Parkside’s greatest strengths.

 

@mattchampionatx asks:

What is your favorite among Shawn Cirkiel’s many Austin restaurants?