The Early Word on Barbecue and Booze Peddler EastSide Tavern

EastSide Tavern, the table-service barbecue and cocktail spot on East Cesar Chavez, opened in mid-November. The newcomer serves barbecue staples like brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, turkey, and chicken, as well as welcome additions like blackened Gulf seafood tacos, Frito pie, and smoked chicken wings. Thirsty? Chose from a couple dozen beers, wine, and specialty cocktails, including barrel-aged and tap cocktails. Here is the early word on East Austin’s newest barbecue spot.

The food — Executive chef Cade Mercer, former pitmaster from Lambert's, is running the smoker and turning out barbecue brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked poultry by the pound. CultureMap Austin pointed to the brisket-cheddar tater tots and Heartstopper Burger piled with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and bacon as standouts. Blogger Sertainly Sherrill credited the restaurant with delivering the “authentic Texas barbecue taste you’ve come to love.” Although, after getting an early look during the first week of service, The Daily Texas warned that some “sides and appetizers fall short of expectations.”

The drinks — EastSide Tavern earned a spot on Zagat’s list of the hottest bars in Austin. Zagat recommends the draft cocktails. For the indecisive, it pointed to the barrel-aged and draft cocktail flight, which comes with two selections.

The space — With plenty of rooftop space, patio, and “purposely rustic interior,” Zagat declared EastSide “a comfortable spot for meaty fare.” The patio features picnic tables, and the rooftop deck includes a dedicated bar.

The overall experience — “This will be your new go-to spot for barbecue, booze, and weekend brunch,” affirmed Culture Austin. The Daily Texan chimed in that EastSide Tavern “has all the essential tools to become one of the more popular barbecue stops in Austin.” While there are many accolades for the service, be warned that some Yelpers were concerned about the prices. “They definitely have upscale [barbecue] prices for both food and drinks,” cautioned Yelper Liz B.

• EastSide Tavern Brings Loads of Barbecue and Patio Space This Week [EATX]
• Hottest Bars in Austin [Zagat]
• EastSide Tavern [CultureMap Austin]
• EastSide Tavern brings barbecue to East Austin [The Daily Texan]
• Eastside Tavern: Brisket Wishes & Tater Tot Dreams [Sertainly Sherrill]