Revelry on the Boulevard has barely been open for a couple of months, but it’s been a long time in the making. The space, which was converted from an old auto shop, now serves as the sister restaurant to Revelry Kitchen + Bar on Austin’s east side. The new location seats 250 and has 13 TVs, two dog-friendly patios, and a huge selection of local beer and wine.
Thank you to Revelry on the Boulevard for hosting me for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
High-end Food, Laid-back Environment
The main two differences between Revelry on the Boulevard and its east side counterpart is the former focuses on an expanded food menu and offers table service. Therefore, Revelry on the Boulevard welcome all ages, while Revelry Kitchen + Bar remains 21 and up.
Chef Dominique Lebeaud, originally from Los Angeles, is the culinary director at Revelry on the Boulevard. He’s worked for José Andrés, Wolfgang Puck, and Paul Martin’s in Austin. Half Creole (his mother hails from Louisiana), Chef Lebeaud’s vision is greatly inspired by the cuisine from that region.
Boudin balls are a delicious Creole standard Revelry on the Boulevard prepares to the nines. They’re made with heritage pork, chicken, and rice, rolled in panko, and fried to be crispy-crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Heritage pork has a higher fat content than average, and is gloriously marbled in texture. When I tried these boudin balls, the flavor reminded me of a very rich salami. Dijon mayo is the perfect dipping sauce to pair with this appetizer.
If veggie is more your mood, Revelry on the Boulevard has an array of hearty salads to choose from. Another must-try are the flash-fried Brussels sprouts–so crispy, they’ll satisfy your chip craving. They’re made with maple-balsamic vinaigrette, and garnished with candied walnuts and green onions. The spice blend gives them a little kick.
Have a taste for Vietnamese food? You better believe Revelry on the Boulevard has an incredible short rib Banh Mi sandwich, complete with pho on the side to dip it in.
Drinks and More Drinks
While Revelry Kitchen + Bar is more of a bar that serves food, and Revelry on the Boulevard is more of a restaurant that serves drinks, don’t be fooled. With a shiny, brand new, 50-foot bar, Revelry on the Boulevard is still a place where you can enjoy a bar environment and catch your favorite game.
Alana Zenello is the beverage director and aims to bring an approachable air to the cocktail selection. The drinks are delicious–with ingredients that aren’t intimidating.
The Pups of Revelry
In a collaboration with Austin Animal Center and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the draft cocktail endearingly called @thepupsofrevelry contains Tito’s, peach puree, lemonade, and coconut La Croix. Friends of Austin Animal Center receives $1 from each cocktail purchased.
If you’re a fan of dog Instagram accounts (and who isn’t), then @thepupsofrevelry is one to follow. It features all the sweet pups that hang out on the patios of both Revelry locations!
Coming Soon
In the coming weeks, Revelry on the Boulevard will launch a brunch menu and a food truck. Revelry on the Truck will be stationed at Corner Bar on South Lamar and will serve classic bar food, like burgers and wings.
And then (as if you needed more proof Revelry loves its pups), the eatery will be participating in Dog Restaurant Week from July 22-28, 2019. Proceeds will benefit Friends of Austin Animal Center.
6215 N. Lamar Blvd. — Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Have you been to either Revelry location yet?
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