Sips on SoCo
Far-out patio and bar opens at legendary Austin Motel
A fresh option for outdoor sips is now open on South Congress. Austin Motel hosts the grand opening of its new patio bar, Fine Foods, on Friday, April 28.
This is all part of a new era for the legendary motel. It was scooped up by Greenfield Partners LLC, which owns Hotel San Jose and several other SoCo spots, last year.
In March 2017, Austin Motel debuted a new look, courtesy of Liz Lambert and hospitality group Bunkhouse. The change in ownership led to the closure of Snack Bar, the kitschy restaurant attached to the property. That space is still being renovated, and a new restaurant is expected to open this summer.
Until then we can enjoy Fine Foods, the new patio bar, and its selection of beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Sips include Ann Richard's Revenge (rums, apricot syrup, pineapple juice, and lime juice); Cold Fashioned (frozen old fashioned with rye, citrus, and bitters); and Kinky's Pinky (tequila, lime, orange, and sangria).
"Like the Austin Motel itself, this menu is fun, new, fresh, and a little bit weird," says bar manager Breezy Mayo in a release. "Yet it still maintains the understanding of the importance of the city's history and the culture of never taking itself too seriously."
Food comes courtesy of Jo's Burger Box, a food truck situated in the parking lot next door. The menu from chef Lou Lambert, mastermind of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue and brother of Bunkhouse queen Liz, includes a hamburger, cheeseburger, and veggie burger. Sides are fries and beer-battered onion rings.
A grand opening party for Fine Foods is scheduled for April 28, with drink specials and live music from John Powell.
Hours are Monday through Thursday, 3 pm to midnight, and Friday through Sunday, 11 am to midnight. Jo's Burger Box is open daily from11 am to 10 pm.