The Early Word on Green Pastures’ Reimagined Restaurant Mattie’s

The lauded South Austin icon Green Pastures returned in the form of Mattie’s, a restaurant with an updated look and new name that pays homage to one of its original owners. Under the new ownership of Austin developer Greg Porter and partner Jeff Trigger, the president of La Corsha Hospitality Group, the charmingly restored 1893 Victorian home off South First hits a thoughtful balance between historic charm and sophistication — a theme that’s echoed on its food and drink menus. Here is the early word on this Southern charmer.

The food — Le Bernardin alum and former owner and operator of the now-defunct Chaat Shop food truck, Joshua Thomas helms the kitchen as executive chef and has put together a menu based on thoughtfully sourced ingredients and dishes that underscore the restaurant’s sense of place. Zagat’s Veronica Meewes explained: “With the help of sourcing specialist Valerie Broussard, Thomas uses all natural meats, sustainable seafood, local produce and hormone-free dairy to craft a menu that exudes the soul of the South while maintaining a vibrant balance.” CultureMap’s Claudia Alarcon interpreted the menu’s influences beyond the South, stating, “the menu seems to lean on global flavors with intense seasoning.”

Tasting Table pointed to standout items as the “fried chicken with potato purée and chipotle-yogurt dressing, as well as crispy cauliflower with spicy Thai bird chiles and a tangy tamarind barbecue sauce.” Chronicle’s Thea Newell added, “Thomas also shows his finesse with Indian cuisine through a basmati rice bowl with a coconut curry and roasted vegetables.”

The drinks — The beverage selection spans both wine and craft cocktails, including a seasonal punch and the signature bourbon and rum milk punch. Alarcon recommended the Green Pastures julep and the choose-your-own-spirit Bacchus Cup, from beverage director Jason Stevens’ cocktail menu.

The space — Of the renovation, “the stunning Victorian home was refurbished to its original grandeur, and each room as been reimagined with carefully curated colors and textures,” stated Meewes. The music, which covers the ‘40s through ‘60s, completes the experience, though Alarcon hoped, “they’ll turn down the volume on their well-curated playlist to highlight the peaceful surrounds”.

The overall experience — Loyal Green Pasture enthusiasts should be pleased: Mattie’s “strives to stay true to Green Pastures’ values of southern hospitality and mindfully sourced ingredients,” reported Newell. Yelper Dennis S. chimed in: “I don't know I've seen a place that's any more conducive to just hanging around and relaxing over drinks, biscuits, or whatever.” And fear not, the same iconic peacocks still wander around the oak-shaded yard.

• Behold Green Pastures’ Exquisite New Restaurant Mattie’s [EATX]
• First Look: Mattie's [Chronicle]
• First Look: Mattie's Grows New South Austin Roots [Zagat]
• Reimagined Green Pastures restaurant emerges as welcoming Austin destination [CultureMap]
• 16 Brand-New Restaurants to Try This Week [Tasting Table]