Almost a year after Parkside Project’s Bullfight shuttered with a promise that it would reopen as a new neighborhood concept, that concept has arrived. On April 15, Vamonos debuted in the 4807 Airport Blvd. space with cuisine that moves on from Spain to find inspiration much closer to home.
The Tex-Mex spot is a partnership between Chris Martinez, a vet of Austin faves like Mi Cocina, El Arroyo, and Taco Diner, and Parkside Projects’s Shawn Cirkiel. According to a release, the name was inspired by Martinez’s memories of his parents calling out “vamonos!” or "let's go" when headed out to eat.
“As a child, when it was time to eat, we would all gather around the table and have a great conversation and great food,” says Martinez in a release. The new restaurant hopes to be a reflection of that sharing spirit.
With a commitment to “getting back to basics,” Martinez mines the the traditions and techniques of Rio Grande Valley ranch cooking for the menu. Naturally, the restaurant makes heavy use of live fire. The menu is anchored by grilled meats and vegetables grilled on Texas oak like Gulf redfish with crispy garlic and onions, skirt steak with poblano rajas, adobo marinated chicken, and a medley of locally sourced produce — all served with warm tortillas.
The offerings also include plenty of Tex-Mex favorites. Starters like queso blanco with picadillo, loaded nachos, and quesadillas join more substantial entrees like taco plates, a nostalgic taco salad, and three types of enchiladas stuffed with choice of beef, chicken, or jack and Oaxaca cheese. Tuesdays may be the best day to go, however. In addition to its regular menu, Vamonos fries up puffy tacos once a week for only $11.
Like the food, the agave-based cocktail program is pure Texas. The state’s most hallowed drinks are represented including the margarita, Paloma, Ranch Water, Mexican Martini, and El Camino, a mezcal-based cousin to New Orleans’ legendary Vieux Carré. Mexican beers and a large selection of tequilas, mezcals, and sotols round off the menu.
Vamonos is now open for Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Hours are 11 am to 10 pm daily.
Vamanos' enchiladas come in beef, chicken, or cheese.
The closing note.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The recognizable sign on the drive to Barton Springs.Photo by Brianna Caleri