Salty Sow Restaurant in Austin, Tex.

Much like the city itself, the Salty Sow is a quirky joint that caters to those looking for a lively feel with a unique atmosphere. Like anything you’ll find in Austin, the somewhat goofy-sounding name belies a sophisticated, if not eclectic, atmosphere and menu.

The food here is distinctly American, but with a classier twist than what you’d expect in most regions of Texas. The wine selection is admirable, and there’s a good variety available for every price range. The beer selection is fantastic, as it is in most areas of Austin. I recommend the Austin Beer Works Fire Eagle.

For an appetizer, we started with the truffled deviled eggs. They’re perfectly creamy with a hint of horseradish, which is a different take on the traditional recipe. We were all big fans.

I ordered the slow-cooked beef shoulder for the main course and had absolutely no regrets! The Yukon Gold mashed potatoes on the side were just like my grandma used to make them, while the beef was cooked to perfection. I could’ve done without the fried egg on the side, but that’s just a personal taste as someone who’s not a big fan of eggs in general.

For dessert we shared the butterscotch budino and the bananas foster beignets. Both turned out to be superb choices. I ended up ordering a second butterscotch budino to take home as a late-night snack.

The ambience of the restaurant is extremely laid-back, with locals and tourists clearly frequenting the place on a regular basis. It’s a little more upscale than its appearance lets on, but casual enough that you can swing by in a pair of shorts and a hat without feeling out of place.

Overall, this might be my new favorite restaurant in Austin.

Salty Sow

1917 Manor Rd

Austin, Texas 78722

512 391 2337