East Side Showroom recently popped up on Austin’s east side and I have been hearing great things since their opening day.  Whether it be the food, the cocktails, or the space itself, this is the most raved about place in Austin these days.  I had to visit!  There is something about this place that makes you feel like you are in another country and just taking in your surroundings make you feel cultured.  Who knows, coulda been the drinks talking!  They have a full menu and specials daily are listed in chalk on the door frame.  The drinks include specialty draft beer, wine, and a cocktail menu on par with Fino’s and Annie’s.  I love how they go to great lengths to support local farms as they have a list on every table outlining where every meat/vegetable/cheese is sourced from locally in Austin.  I had a fantastic waiter who also works at Lamberts.  Side note: He tells me Lambert’s has been opened a few years now and Larry is changing up the menu to spice things up while still keeping old classics for the regulars.  This should be finalized end of October.  Okay, back to East Side Showroom, tables fill up fast here on weekends so be prepared to wait.  In the meantime, enjoy a drink at the bar or on the patio out back, there are worse ways to spend a night!  Open daily at 5.

Gulf Shrimp & Curry Grits

To see pictures of East Side Showroom:

Look for this building on E. 6th

I love how every inch of this place is decorated, this is truely a showroom where furniture, lights, decor, and art are for sale.

I liked my penny table

First things first, order drinks!  While East Side Showroom is already famous for their cocktail menu, sometimes you just want a beer or glass of wine.

I’m not sure if it’s only offered from 5-7 but this is The Showroom, and consists of:

A chilled shot of vodka & Krogstad Aquavit, which either is made of anise or tastes like it, aka black licorice

A plate of charcuterie and local cheeses

And lastly, accompanying bread.  Not bad for $14!

Next up, more drinks!  They have many special beers on tap, specials are listed on a chalkboard with price and ounces.  You’ll notice this beer is 6 ounces while the earlier one was i think 12.  Can’t remember what this one was but tasted like a fresh orange, delicious!

Lamb & Goat Burger Brioche w/ a fried farm egg added.  This was unbelievable, definitely order this on your visit.  There is a bun, you just can’t see it.

As this is a performance space, live music was a must.  On other nights, expect to maybe see theatre, dance, puppetry, poetry, lectures, recitals, film screenings, and readings.

There is a really pretty patio out back where people eat, drink, smoke cigarettes.  Watch out for the birds, they leave little presents.

East Side Showroom 1100 E. 6th St. Austin, TX 78702 www.eastsideshowroom.com 512-467-4280