Vegan Goodies
New vegan gastropub opening in Tarrytown promises hearty meals and craft brews
Step aside, carnivores. A vegan gastropub is entering the Austin scene. Vegans and veggie-lovers will have an entire menu of sips and eats to choose from when The Beer Plant comes to Tarrytown later this year.
The new gastropub, which is slated to open at 3110 Windsor Rd. in late summer, touts that every dish and beverage will be 100 percent plant-based. "We wanted to create a place where craft beer and vegetables could share the spotlight. A place where folks can eat clean and drink clean," said co-owner Ray McMackin in a press release. "Austin is the ideal spot for a concept like this."
In addition to an emphasis on craft beer, the gastropub will have a full bar, a cocktail menu and a large wine selection, including certain wines on tap. Owners say the menu will focus on typical pub fare like bar snacks, pot pies and stews in addition to Indian-inspired options like a curry bowl. "We're thinking hearty, really flavorful and a big focus on sauces," Sarah McMackin tells CultureMap. Dishes will center around real plants rather than fake meat.
"The doors are open to everyone — it's not just for vegans," says The Beer Plant co-owner Sarah McMackin.
Husband and wife duo, Ray and Sarach McMackin, are spearheading the project, along with Blaise McMackin and partner Steve Cogswell. The McMackins are all longtime vegans, and Blaise has experience opening a successful craft beer joint and a vegan restaurant in Florida.
The Beer Plant will offer like-minded Austinites a chance to be healthy, vegan and full. "I feel like anyone can eat at this place," says Sarah. "We like the universal appeal. The doors are open to everyone — it's not just for vegans."
Ray says the gastropub is as much about the beer selection and atmosphere as it is about the vegan concept. "[The Beer Plant will be] a laid-back, sophisticated place to eat and drink on the west side, which is kind of lacking in options at this time," explains Ray. "But at the same time, we want to be a destination for craft beer aficionados."
The McMackins are big craft beer fans themselves, which is why The Beer Plant hopes to have a collection of 35-40 different brews. The couple wants to add sours, farmhouse ales and prairie ales to the lineup, which tend to be sparse throughout the city. "I think we'll have a very adventurous section as well as some regulars," Ray says.
If great craft beers and delicious vegan-friendly food aren't enough, Sarah says there's one more thing that is sure to bring Austinites to The Beer Plant. "We've got endless parking."
