Parkside

2 years ago when we first arrived in Austin, Jessica listed Parkside as one of the first restaurant that we should visit. For whatever reason we never went, … until 2 weeks ago!

I decided to invite her on a date and selected Parkside remembering that she wanted to go. We arrived and were greeted by a somewhat provocative but not attractive hostess which should seek a dress coach. The atmosphere is “industrial” in the positive sense of the term, faux brick wall, big pipes rugged floors. I liked it.

We ordered drinks and had to send back the blackberry puree cocktail as it was extremely bitter. Drink are very personal and I will not comment, you might like it.

We decided to splurge and sampled a few items on the menu ranging from refined to comfort food. We started we the Oyster platter, they were fresh and served with 3 different condiments: traditional vinegar and shallot, cocktail sauce (really, who would want that, don’t answer!) and finally home made horse radish. This last sauce was delicious!

We ordered calamari as a second appetizer, the dish was slightly over salted but tasted fresh. I wish that they had been served with the famous chipotle mayonnaise from La Fonda San Miguel (review to come).

Jessica then order the burger (for a reason that to this day I cannot begin to understand). The burger was well executed if not very creative. The fries were excellent! I decided to try my luck by ordering the Berkshire Pork Shoulder. It is served with Spatzle which is a german type of fresh pasta that my grand-ma used to make and that I absolutely love. I make it sometimes but long for my grand-ma’s, I was therefore curious to taste what the chef would be able to produce. It turned out that the spatzle were well executed, by no means as good as grand-ma’s but good nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised. The pork shoulder melted in my mouth, it has been months if not more since I last had so much pleasure eating in a restaurant. The meat was perfectly cooked and served in its juice with seasonal vegetable including some radish. A very Autumnal/Winter plate that I recommend.

Finally we settle on tasting the restaurant’s famous mini cinnamon doughnuts. Served warm with brown sugar ice cream and ginger creme fresh, the desert was interesting, pretty good and surprisingly light (a plate for 2 is sufficient though). The ice cream is hopefully made on the premises and if so is mastered by the chef. Doughnuts were dry!

In all a great experience but do not expect great drinks or outstanding wines.

Address:

301 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701

map