Restaurant Review: Revelry Kitchen + Bar

In this week's restaurant review, we're looking at Revelry Kitchen + Bar, located on E. 6th St. in downtown Austin. 

After opening in August of 2016, Revelry has rooted itself as a pinnacle drink stop for guests enjoying the festivities of 6th St. With it's street-facing outdoor patio resting under the shaded umbrella of a grand live oak tree, it's easy to see why. 

But what we're here to find out is not how good are the drinks, but how good is the food? Luckily for us, Revelry reached out to the Austin Food Bloggers Alliance and asked if we would like to come in for a food and beverage tasting. And, of course, we were happy to oblige.

It is important to note, dear reader, that my review will be based off of the experience had during this tasting session. It will not reflect the daily dining experience if you were to walk in. Also, know that I did not receive any form of payment to produce this blog, therefore the opinions provided here are true to my personal experience.

Now that we have the formalities out of the way, let's talk Revelry Kitchen + Bar!

About Revelry Kitchen + Bar

Revelry is the passion project of Jonathan Lochrie, who you may know from the happening spot (and my previous haunt) on South Lamar, Corner Bar. This passion shows through the moment you arrive at the restaurant where you're visually assaulted by some delightfully Austin graffiti along with a bright and quirky welcome sign complete with pun-rich prose. 

Once you cross the beautiful outdoor patio space and enter the restaurant, your hit again with rich art, fun signage, and an infectious energy that's only tempered by the rich wood grains, black tones, and amber lighting. 

This aesthetic provides a great balance of culture, whimsy, and a "come stay awhile" vibe. And if you're not awed by the wall sized elephant mural, than there's just no pleasing you.

Drinks

Let's just get this out of the way. Revelry knows what they're doing in the cocktail department. They don't claim to be cutting edge mixologists, and their menu reflects this with creative takes on familiar favorites at a good price. This is a cozy, neighborhood bar for everyone, regardless whether or not you wear a vest to drink (and yes, I've done this...).

Overall, the drinks I tasted tended to fall on the sweet side. That being said, the watermelon margarita was fresh and vibrant, while the Come Hither was smoky, balanced, and well-executed. The bar staff definitely seems to take pride in their craft, showing confidence and creativity. 

Food at Revelry

On to the important part. 

Revelry sports a surprisingly mature menu, mixing bar classics like Bavarian pretzels and chili cheese fries with inventive bites such as Portabello fries and Togarashi seasoned fried Brussels sprouts.

Two plates in particular stood apart from the rest. The Watermelon Salad was fresh, intensely flavorful, and garnished with addictive little bits of briny dehydrated olive. Great touch there. 

Second were the Beyond Meat sliders. Yes, if you don't like Beyond Meat than you probably won't care for these. But, if you do, you'll love these spicy, nutty, umami packed little sammies made with a craveable "Angry Mayo' and a buttery challah roll.

The only dish that fell flat in my view was the Brisket Banh Mi. I'm a big fan of both of these foods independently, and I could see this potentially working. But the smokiness of the brisket washed out all other the other delicate flavors (cilantro, jalapeno, etc.), leaving only the fatty taste of the mayo. But credit where it's due, the pho broth served with the Banh Mi for dipping was flavorful and aromatic. 

Close

Altogether, the character, energy, and good quality food and drink at Revelry Kitchen + Bar make it a great place to not only have a cocktail, but enjoy a flavorful meal. 

With a new location opening at 6215 N. Lamar Blvd. in the near future, I think I'll have to make a stop in for brunch. something about the idea of a Chorizo Hash Skillet with Sweet Potato Tots that catches my fancy. 

Hope you enjoyed reading along. Please share our blog with you friends and comment below if you have something to say about Revelry. 

Cheers!

Revelry Kitchen + Bar
1410 E 6th St.
Austin, TX 78702
512-322-5223
revelryatx.com