The team behind Old Thousand, an Austin favorite for inventive and fun Chinese cuisine, have shifted their attention west for a concept open now. ElectricGravy Mumbai Bar and Canteen brings the same energy to 1050 E. 11th St., the spot next to its sister restaurant.

As the name suggests, the new restaurant is inspired by eateries in Mumbai; but a press release also offers "laid-back Austin charm." It deals in street foods and cocktails, and despite some boisterous marketing, a colorful-yet-serene interior.

“Electric Gravy is more than just a place to eat—it’s a sensory experience,” said Chef Brendan Nomura in the release. “We’re focusing on a tighter menu with dishes that reflect bold, soulful flavors and the vibrancy of Mumbai.”

It doesn't get more Austin-Indian than this.Photo courtesy of Electric Gravy

Like Old Thousand, Electric Gravy blends Texas and more Eastern influences. Whereas Old Thousand is famous for its smoked brisket fried rice, Electric Gravy presents "electric poutine," curry queso, a Mumbai-inspired twist on fried chicken, and a variety of pressed sandwiches.

Someone looking for more expected Indian dishes on the menu will be pleased as long as they're flexible: tikka masala and vindaloo appear, and perhaps most important, most dishes don't look experimental. Open-minded eaters won't have to beg pragmatic friends and family to try something avant garde, but they can still enjoy basmati rice krispies and sweet chaat.

The release calls Electric Gravy "decidedly bar-forward." Offerings include a Mumbai 75 with gin, rosewater, cardamom, lemon and sparkling wine; a frozen Lassi Painkiller with with rum, mango, yogurt, coconut, lime, and nutmeg; and a Pudina Pani Marg with spicy tequila, mint, cilantro, lime, and chaat masala. Four of the eight cocktails on the menu can be made with nonalcoholic spirits, and all are designed to pair well with spices used on the food menu.

Electric Gravy wants to fill a gap in the Indian restaurant scene with creative cocktails.Photo courtesy of Electric Gravy

The cozy, semi-eclectic space is unpretentious and uncluttered, bringing in the obligatory bright colors alongside tufted couches, coffee tables, and bar seating. Guests can revel there in "desi beats with Austin’s own special groove."

“We wanted to create something that captures the chaos and magnetism of Mumbai’s streets, but relaxed and welcoming like Austin," said co-founder Peter D’Souza, who is originally from Mumbai. "And of course, full of flavor.”

Besides Old Thousand, Austinites are probably familiar with a number of the team's past efforts. D'Souza has worked with Sway Thai and New Waterloo (a hospitality group whose restaurants include La Condesa, Maie Day, and Il Brutto). Plus, he helped open the casual Cajun eatery Lil' Easy. Chef Nomura, with Old Thousand, has also worked at Tilly’s in Dripping Springs, Ramen Tatsuya, and South Congress Hotel.

They're joined by a third partner, Ben Cachila, who was a founder at Old Thousand and is the last remaining original partner. He's worked as a director at Uchi Restaurants and was CEO of Happy Goods Inc. (which helped launch Lil' Easy.) His current partnerships include Tokyo Cowboy in San Antonio and Oakwood Public Market in Dripping Springs, and he's working on bringing in new partners at Old Thousand.

“We want to create places that bring joy and foster community—where people can have an experience that feels authentic and meaningful,” said Cachila.

Different types of seating make it easy for guests to control how social they want to be.Photo courtesy of Electric Gravy

Electric Gravy is serving dinner now from 5-10 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 5-11 pm Fridays and Saturdays. It will add a brunch service "in the coming months."