The Austinot

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Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole Collaborate on Loro, Asian Smokehouse and Bar

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Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole Launch Loro

Preeminent pitmaster Aaron Franklin and Chef Tyson Cole (Credit: Logan Crable)

In a crowded local arena of barbecuing legends, make way for Loro: Asian smokehouse and bar. The tour de force fusion is led by a supergroup of food masters, including two James Beard Foundation awardees for Best Chef: Southwest–Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi Austin (now part of Hai Hospitality).

Loro is the first venture Franklin has undertaken since establishing Franklin Barbecue a decade ago, an eatery which has earned international acclaim. Is it the best barbecue in the world? Ask Jimmy Kimmel, Anthony Bourdain, and President Obama. They’ll vouch for the droves of meat-lovers who wait hours every day for a bite of brisket.

And don’t forget about Chef Tyson Cole, the man behind the “perfect bite” and founder of Hai Hospitality. Hai is the umbrella under which all beloved Uchi restaurants (Austin, Houston, Dallas, Denver), Uchiko, Uchibā in Dallas, and now Loro operate.

Understandably, the anticipation for Loro was massive. Less than a week after opening, the new Austin restaurant was already generating plates for 1,000 people per day, which is 400 more than what the partners hoped to reach within a month-long period. And the numbers have only increased. As of this writing, Loro is servicing over 1,400 empty-bellied guests on any given Saturday. [Read more…]

Enjoy Comfort Food, Craft Beer, Good Times at Red’s Porch

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Red's Porch South Lamar Entrance

Welcome to Red’s Porch (Credit: Bill Tucker)

Editor’s Note: Red’s Porch closed its Braker Lane location in August 2019 and South Lamar location in October 2019. We’ll miss you, Red’s.

Red’s Porch and I have a history. When my wife and I moved to Austin, our first goal was to find a craft beer joint. After sampling a few spots close to our Westlake apartment, we landed on a two-story bar/grill/hangout with a westerly view into the Greenbelt. The beer list rocked; the grub was downhome Southern comfort, and the vibe was laid-back and chill.

By ticking all our check boxes for what a local hangout should be, Red’s Porch has survived and thrived in the ever-expanding world of Austin eateries. And with a second location on Quarry Lake and a third in the works, Red’s is poised to expand their special brand of ATX good times. [Read more…]

Childhood Hobby Leads Noah Marion to Leather-making Mastery

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Noah Marion Quality Goods Austin

Espresso and leather at Noah Marion Quality Goods

When you first step foot into Noah Marion Quality Goods on South Lamar, it’s evident that every detail of the space has been thoughtfully crafted, from start to finish. Most everything you see was made by Marion himself, whose true passions are building and creating things.

He built the 16-foot counter he stands behind, ready to talk about his leather goods, or whip up the caffeinated beverage of your choice. As soon as you start talking to him about his passions, you can tell he wholeheartedly puts himself into everything he sets his mind to. [Read more…]

No More Waiting Until the Weekend Because El Burro Serves Brunch Daily

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El Burro Seating Austin

El Burro is now open for lunch and brunch (Credit: Jessica Pino)

Editor’s Note: El Burro closed suddenly in July 2017.

I love checking out new restaurants because I like to experience a restaurant in its infancy stage, when it’s still learning to “walk.” It can be rewarding to watch a local restaurant come into its own. I find that younger restaurants are also more likely to take risks and experiment, as they figure out their style and role in the community they serve.

El Burro, located in the Lamar Union, is one of Austin’s infant restaurants I recently checked out. From the owners of VOX Table, El Burro opened its doors in December 2016. When they started serving brunch and lunch, I couldn’t stay away. [Read more…]

History Drenched Eberly Serves Reimagined Classics in a Dazzling Space

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Eberly Restaurant Austin

Credit: Andrew Bennett Photography

One of Austin’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the year, Eberly was unveiled on Oct. 15, 2016 as the newest restaurant addition on South Lamar, serving contemporary American cuisine.

Developed from what was an old print shop into what stands out as one of our city’s most dazzling spaces–a mix of Victorian and midcentury design aesthetics–Eberly aims to preserve the soul of Austin amid a growing population and changing landscape. As stated on their website, “Austin has always been a gathering place for risk takers, creative types and liberated thinkers. We’ve distilled that spirit into one distinctively authentic place.” [Read more…]

Crepe Crazy Provides Opportunities to Austin’s Deaf Community

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Crepe Crazy Counter

Crepe Crazy customers order by pointing to large menu posted on the main counter (Credit: Jaclyn Hubersberger)

Upon entering Crêpe Crazy’s South Austin location, I was transported to a quaint European cafe. My senses were delighted by the scent of freshly-made crêpes, melted cheese and the occasional waft of espresso. The mid-century modern inspired decor boasted sleek lines, a warm color palette of mustard yellow and orange hues, marble white table tops, and spherical copper pendant lighting. At this point I was already smitten…and I hadn’t even ordered yet.

It doesn’t take long to realize there’s something unique about Crêpe Crazy, beyond the sophisticated decor and carefully-curated menu featuring a number of tantalizing options to satisfy cravings of both savory and sweet. As I glanced across the counter into the open kitchen, I noticed the kitchen staff was silent. Their preferred method of communication? Sign language. [Read more…]

3 New South Austin Hangouts That Capture the Classic Vibe

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South Austin Hangouts

Enjoying the outdoor seating at South Austin’s The Little Darlin’

Guest article by Joleen Jernigan

If the one constant in life is change (to loosely paraphrase Heraclitus), then Austin is as constant as they come, changing monthly to accommodate rapid growth. So it’s a genuine pleasure to find three shiny, new South Austin hangouts that honor the laid-back feel of old Austin. At least in this case, change is good. [Read more…]

Barlata Brings Spain’s Regional Tastes to Austin

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Olives, Simple Spanish ingredient

Spanish Olives at Barlata

Austin doesn’t have enough Spanish food. Sure, there are a couple of tapas restaurants, but even though Austin is known as a foodie city, authentic Spanish cuisine seems to be a needle in the haystack of Tex-Mex, BBQ and kimchi fries. If there are any restaurateurs reading this post, heed my cry! Please make Spanish tapas the new ramen. [Read more…]

OPA! Experience a Greek Cafe That Defies Labels

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OPA! Greek Cafe in Austin

OPA archway in Austin

South Lamar spotted through the archway of OPA! on a rainy day in Austin

My title may say this café defies labels, but perhaps it’s more accurate to say that OPA! on South Lamar invites many descriptions – wine bar, café, restaurant, student study haven, happy hour spot and casual hangout.

Stone walls outline an extensive front porch perfect for basking in the Saturday sun with a discounted cocktail. Deep in the café, however, are rich wooden tables, couches and red paneled walls where both heavy studiers and intimate chatters can find a haven.

Meanwhile, solo visitors perch at the coffee bar under strings of hanging pots and cups, watching the barkeep sling drinks and take orders with practiced skill. [Read more…]

5 Places to Find East Side King in Austin

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East Side King street sign

Follow this strange creature to East Side King

East Side King was created by Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya as a side project when the chefs worked together at Uchi and Uchiko. Since that time, the number of East Side King food trucks has multiplied, and two brick and mortar locations have opened up as well.

Paul Qui is perhaps best known for winning Top Chef Texas in 2012. To the advantage of Austin foodies, he has continued to dig his creative roots deep into Austin’s food scene.

Additional media exposure has spread the word about East Side King, benefiting the business itself and Austin’s reputation as a foodie attraction. The trailer empire was featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. One of the newest trailers, dubbed Thai-Kun after chef Thai Changthong, was ranked 8th on a national list of best new restaurants in 2014 by Bon Appetit.

However you heard of it, there are now 5 places in Austin to experience the Asian-inspired street food of East Side King. [Read more…]

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