Whip it real good.
I did.
It's a beer store. It's a concert venue. It's a convenience store. It's a restaurant. And best of all, it's a bar.
What better way to spend the time mulling over the hundreds of beers they have for sale, than with a fresh draft beer in your hand?
Chances are, if you don't have one in your hand, someone will find you and make sure you get one. This is a convenience store on steroids, and an incredible one at that, with a concept that I can't believe hasn't been replicated a thousand times over.
We're not talking about getting a Bud Light or Miller Lite while you shop either. This place has between 50 and 60 beers on tap behind a long and deep bar, ranging from the basics to local brews, to microbrews, to Belgians, to imports, and the people working there know their stuff, so let them guide you. I didn't get one today, as I just stopped in to pick up a couple bottles of wine and a sandwich, but the last time I was in there, Dipak was incredibly excited about having just gotten some of Real Ale's Devil's Backbone Tripel on tap, and convinced me (not difficult) to have one. Glad he did, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as I glanced over the Belgium section of the store for a good, new beer to take home with me.
This place is a beer and wine store first and foremost, but nearly equally as much a restaurant and bar specializing in draft beers and Indian food. Nestled between the register and one of the coolers is a sleek polished wood bar behind which tower taps from brews all over the world. Choose from the taps or choose from the chalkboard which changes daily and is arranged by beer type, and pull up a stool, but don't take your cell phone out, they are forbidden at the bar. Somewhat annoying in today's age, but truly captures the historic spirit of a bar, where you and the bartender strike up a conversation and a relationship taking you away from the problems of the world for a few minutes at least.
The food, also on chalkboards above the bar, is Indian based, with Austin twists incorporating local meats, chili, and sandwich combinations, some of which change daily and weekly, with some constant staples that keep people coming back. As tempting as it was today, I opted not to go with the lamb beeryani, made with mushrooms, carrots, and both Saison and Abbey Brown ales, and instead opted for one of their hot sandwiches, the SoCo. House made gingered roast beef, pepper chutney, and gorgonzola, folded up in fresh naan bread and grilled.
Doesn't look like much, I know, but it was good, with my only knocks being that it was a little on the dry side, and I wish it had been oozing with gorgonzola, which was only sparingly used. The beef had a great fresh roasted flavor, the gorgonzola added a little flavor and salt, and the pepper chutney added a nice sting to the tongue.
As I waited, I took a look at the wines, and picked out a Sardinian and a Tuscan white to take home to My Lovely Wife Mrs. Gordo, and I took a deeper look at the menu, which will have me coming back. A few of the highlights that I'd like to try include that lamb, the Woodland naan sandwich with tequila pulled pork, spicy mango chutney, and feta cheese, the "Whip In-dianized" Beef and Beer Chili Curry, the Indjun gingered chicken fried steak with garlic gravy (dinner only), and the bison and porkbelly meatloaf (dinner only).
Though it's a beer store, the bar is a comfortable place to sit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, as is the small indoor dining area and the picnic tables in an enclosed courtyard next to the parking lot, which is where the stage is, featuring local music most days of the week. If you're a beer connoisseur, this is your place to shop, second to none, and if you're hungry, it's a great spot to pick up lunch or dinner, or dine there with a recommended beer pairing.
Summary
Atmosphere: bar, beer and wine store, outdoor seating, good if you're flying solo, good for a group on a nice afternoon or evening, fantastic beer selection, for drinking there or taking home, great wine selection, tv behind the bar, and friendly staff
Food: Austin Indian
Dog Friendly: yes
When to Go: breakfast, lunch or dinner
Crowd: locals, singles, hipsters, beatniks, me
What to Order for the First Timer: pending
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