Pretty as a pitcher
New family-friendly beer garden pours into way South Austin
An abandoned home in far South Austin is on tap to become the South Austin Beer Garden, a family-friendly spot hoping to welcome its first customers in April. The opening will be the culmination of a five-year process for the SABG team, which includes hospitality industry vets David Pearce, Ryan Thomas, and Christopher Cantu.
The home at 10700 Manchaca Rd. is somewhat famous — or perhaps infamous — in the area. The structure was originally built in downtown Austin, and then moved from its original lot to its current location in the 1970s. Following the move, the two-story house fell into disrepair and required major structural and cosmetic repairs.
“The blue house is very well known in the area, and it is an honor to have been able to restore it back to something special that the entire community can enjoy,” said Pearce in the release.
While the bones of the structure remains the same, the team has added a sprawling 3,000-square-foot deck, complete with an outdoor cantina. As an ode to the house's history, the upper part of the building was kept the signature light blue.
Once open, SABG will boast a massive 62-tap wall. Fifty-three of those taps will be devoted to beer ranging from domestics to Texas craft brews with the other nine pouring out two wines, five craft cocktails, and two nonalcoholic options.
In addition, the bar will offer a selection of bottled wine, packaged beer, and a full liquor setup. Frozen drinks will be available for kids, though adults can also enjoy them spiked with their favorite spirit.
Although SABG will not have a dedicated kitchen, the site will be the home to several food trucks.
The first to sign on is Cluck-N-Burger from husband-and-wife team Aaron and Kassandra Esserman. The menu of loaded fries, wings, burgers, and sandwiches is classic pub grub with a few twists. Jalapeño poppers have a sweet/tart burst of dried cranberries, a sweet potato and rice veggie burger used Texas chévre, and wing flavors run the gamut from Thai buffalo to beer barbecue.
For the SABG owners, the truck is a perfect match. “We met, interviewed, and tasted food at a variety of food trucks,” said Thomas via release. “We were impressed with the overall taste, quality, and variety available from such a small kitchen.”
Once permitting and last-minute construction subsides, the beer garden will have an approximately one-month soft opening to ensure every server is well-versed on the beers. An official opening date will be announced in a couple of weeks.
There were burnt orange accents in outfits everywhere.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
Some team members from the Jerk Shack came all the way from San Antonio to share their food.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya “Tako” Matsumoto celebrate their well-earned win.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy's shiny helmet looked magnificent on the table.Photo by Guillermo Rosas
