New to Austin: April 2017
Mattie’s
811 W. Live Oak St., Austin, TX 78704
Iconic Austin landmark, Green Pastures, has become home to a vibrant new restaurant, Mattie’s. Paying homage to one if its original owners, Martha “Mattie” Miner Faulk, the restaurant is presented in the same charmingly restored home where Faulk’s daughter, Mary Faulk Koock, opened the Green Pastures restaurant in 1946. After an extensive 13-month restoration to restore the property to its original elegance, Mattie’s focuses on a simple and elegant dining experience with the approachable Texas hospitality the Faulks were known for. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef Joshua Thomas, highlights thoughtfully-sourced ingredients with subtle nods to the restaurant’s regional and culinary heritage. And in case you were wondering—yes, the beloved peacocks still wander around this property.
Velvet Taco
11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste 160, Austin, TX 78758
It’s no secret that Austinites are crazy about tacos, so they’re sure to embrace this new joint. After seeing much success in Dallas, Fort Worth, Chicago, and Houston, Velvet Taco has set up shop in Austin. Although they’re a national franchise, they still make their own tortillas, slow roast their own chicken and corn, and make everything from scratch. Don’t expect to get your average bacon and egg breakfast taco here, though. Velvet Taco sets itself apart with a menu that takes on unique and global flavors—from a bacon burger taco to a take on fish ‘n’ chips, you’re bound to find something new and delicious.
Barrr
220 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
After spending years officing in South Austin, the famed cooler company Yeti is relocating to the heart of downtown. What better way to promote the integrity of your coolers than by offering up cold drinks at a bar? The new aptly named Barrr is attached to the Yeti space, and with a bright neon sign of a cowboy riding a fish, it’ll be no time before local flock to it like a moth to light. And with warmer weather upon us, the timing of this patio bar couldn’t be better.
