Max’s Wine Dive, 6th Street-Uptown, And Hopdoddys Come To Town. Are The Park Cities The New Austin?
A year ago I left the grungy Austin scene to settle down in this swanky Dallas neighborhood. I went from frequenting crazy rock concerts and hipster hang outs, to lounging in beautiful restaurants and even sitting in on symphonies.
I traded in my dirty flannels for sharp blazers, and never looked back.
But just recently a few Austin establishments have opened (or are about to open) that remind me of my past, including 6th Street-Uptown, Max’s Wine Dive, Hopdoddy’s, and Kung Fu Saloon.
Click the jump to read all about ’em.
6th Street-Uptown: The bar’s official opening is today from 6 to 8 p.m. Located on Routh Street and Cedar Springs Road, 6th Street-Uptown will be a nightlife destination, but will also have a full lunch and dinner menu and will host a big Sunday Brunch.
Max’s Wine Dive: Yesterday was it’s official grand opening. It was one of my favorite restaurants from my Austin days, with its official motto being “Fried Chicken & Champagne… Why The Hell Not?!” I’m going to a birthday party there on Friday night, and can’t wait to try Chief Patrick Russell’s torchon foie gras sliders. Max’s is located in the former Borders across from West Village.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: I told you about this Austin-based burger joint a while back, but it is expected to open at the end of the month in Preston Center. Best. Burger. Ever.
Kung Fu Saloon: Another Austin favorite, and the adult version of Chucky Cheese. It opened last week on the 2900 block of Routh Street and has been packed ever since. To me, it feels just like the old Austin bar. So much in fact, that after a few beers one might stumble out thinking they were on 6th Street.
To answer your headline question, no. You can import the restaurants, but the Park Cities will never be Austin. We’re right-wing, conservative, Republican, devout, botoxed, well-coiffed, and kind of uptight. Austin is…not. God forbid anyone find a bat flying over their priority or a deer roaming around.
“Are The Park Cities The New Austin?”
Is the answer supposed to be “No”? They sound like interesting spots, but none of the four places you mention is located within the bounds of either HP or UP.
Until Uptown becomes part of the Park Cities, then no.
You kidding, right? Park Cities equals generic. No risks taken inside this bubble.