Big splash
Anticipated seafood restaurant finally anchors in South Austin

The wait is over for one of Austin’s most anticipated restaurants. The Zilker location of Salt Traders Coastal Cooking quietly debuted on September 23 at 1101 S. Mopac Expy. in Barton Oaks Plaza.
The restaurant is currently only open for dinner, but lunch service will kick off sometime near the first of October, according to the PR representative for the project.
The Zilker Salt Traders will be the first outpost within the Austin city limits. Chef Jack Gilmore and business partner Tom Kamm, who also own Jack Allen’s Kitchen, opened the first location in Round Rock in September 2016.
The kitchen is helmed by culinary director Chris Ten Eyck. Salt Traders previously revealed that the menu will be similar but not identical to the original, with a focus of sustainable seafood and approachable fare like cioppino and shrimp and grits.
Salt Traders also has a full bar with cocktails created by beverage director David Toby. A curated selection of wines and draft, bottled, and canned beers round off the drink selection.
The team tasked Austin’s Levy Architects with lightening up the space, which was formerly occupied by Texas Land & Cattle. The former’s faux log walls and Western kitsch has given way to a crisp contemporary interior done in blues, grays, and whites.
Now in soft opening, the Salt Traders rep says the restaurant will release its full menu and more details early next week.