The Early Word on Mexican Restaurant Grizzelda's

Grizzelda's, with its mix of interior and coastal Mexican food as well touches of Tex-Mex, is the latest addition to the ever-growing dining scene on East Cesar Chavez. Opened by Adam Jacoby and his husband and creative director/designer Kris Swift (of nearby rustic restaurant Jacoby’s), the upscale eatery became an instant hot spot for dinner and drinks. Here is the early word on East Austin’s must-try destination.

The food — Executive chef Albert Gonzalez and chef de cuisine Austin Ewald run Grizzelda's kitchen, and, like Jacoby's, all the restaurant's beef is provided by the family farm in Melvin, Texas. The menu spans from tacos and ceviches to heartier dishes dry-aged steaks, short ribs, and roasted chicken. As Zagat’s Veronica Meewes wisely pointed out, “because the menu spans from Tex-Mex to interior Mexican cuisine, at Grizzelda's you can have your queso...and your queso fundido too! (Because really, why choose one?)”

Blogger Local Sugar exclaimed "far and away the winning bite we tried were the Deshabrada Tacos.” Sushi in the ATX agreed, and added, “I have the biggest crush on their tostadas de atun.” Yelper David S. advised: “Whatever you order, get the borracho beans as a side. They'll blow your mind.” There were also multiple accolades for the tres leches cake. Before you go, a warning: a handful of Yelpers were concerned about the steep prices.

The drinks — The bar emphasizes inventive agave-based cocktails and more. In fact, Meewes credited Grizzelda’s with mixing up some of the best margaritas in town. Looking for suggestions? She pointed to the St. Rueda (aged dark rum, light rum, orgeat, tepache) and the CDMX (mezcal, allspice dram, smoked rosemary) as standouts. Sushi in the ATX threw out a “huge shout out to the bar program for having a lovely rose wine on the menu.”

The space — Praise poured in for Grizzelda's beautiful atmosphere. Austin Tidbits called the decor “positively squeal-worthy,” and Local Sugar described it as “whimsically sleek.” Swift designed indoor and outdoor spaces, which radiate a Mexican beach vacation vibe, thanks to the pops of vibrant pink and green, from the drinking glasses and artwork to the botanical wallpaper and luxe velvet seating. Potted plants add a lush, natural feel. Many of the decorative elements and artwork were sourced in Mexico, and the vintage chandelier — hung at Jacoby and Swift's wedding at the flagship restaurant — is now the sparkling center of attention on the outdoor patio.

The overall experience — According to Sushi in the ATX, “the restaurant pops with exquisite design, vibrant decor, enchanting patio, thoughtful cocktail menu that pairs beautifully with the phenomenal Mexican inspired bites.” Tidbits summed it up by saying, “Consider Grizzelda's the restaurant equivalent to a hostess with the mostess...it's a dinner invite to brag about.”

• Embrace the Breezy Beach Vibes at Grizzelda's Mexican Restaurant [EATX]
• First Look: Adam Jacoby Opens Grizzelda's [Zagat]
• Grizzelda’s Serving Upscale Mexican Cuisine [Sushi in the ATX]
• Grizzelda's: Where Coastal and Interior Mexican Meet [Local Sugar]
• Now Open: Grizzelda's [Austin Tidbits]