clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Early Word on Old Thousand, East Side’s Chinese Spot

Read on for the good and bad news on the food, cocktails, and the atmosphere

If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Old Thousand
Old Thousand
Julia Keim

Old Thousand is East Side’s much-awaited restaurant dishing out playful and modern interpretations of American-Chinese classics for dine-in and takeout. The casual spot is the first project for SMGB Hospitality, a group made up largely of chefs and restaurateurs. Here is the early word on Austin’s fun, new destination for Chinese food.

The food — CultureMap’s Claudia Alarcon pointed to the kung pao cauliflower, pork ribs, and jellyfish salad as standouts from the menu. Zagat Austin editor Veronica Meewes added the hot pot, dan dan noodles, and the brisket fried rice (“chock full of tender La Barbecue brisket”) as others to add to any order. There were lots of accolades for the pickles, including blogger Chekmark Eats, who exclaimed: “Who knew pickles could be so memorable.” If you leave room for dessert, both Alarcon and Girl Eat World recommended the egg custard. Looking for more good news? All the shareable plates are just the thing for group dining, and Austinot also pointed out that “vegetarians will find plenty to celebrate here,” too.

The space — Claudia found the former home of a Tex-Mex restaurant “expertly refurbished to give it a cozy yet vibrant look that incorporates an Asian aesthetic without the usual kitschy traps.” The space decked with floral wallpaper boosts an open kitchen and expansive bar perfect for solo dining or drinking. Meewes explained how the space is welcoming with “gold Buddha statues, playful panda prints, vintage tin ceiling tiles, brass lighting fixtures and lucky red seating (plus 8 gold chairs, also significant for good luck).”

Girl Eats World added a note of warning: don’t come to Old Thousand for a quiet dinner or important chats. “Please know that they strive to make music a part of the dining experience,” she wrote.

The overall experience — Although some Yelpers warned of long waits, it’s worth it. Austinot summed it up this way, while the name stems from the Chinese word for gambler, “if you’re looking for a great night out at a modern and eclectic Chinese brasserie, Old Thousand is anything but a gamble.”

Old Thousand

1000 East 11th Street, , TX 78702 (737) 222-6637 Visit Website