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2010 > August > 03 > Entry
By Matthew Odam
| Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 03:04 PM
Back when
Kerbey Lane Cafe first opened its doors in Central Austin in 1980, the area of its new location was mostly empty fields. How times have changed. Heading down William Cannon Drive last night, I discovered the amazing amount of recent retail development in the area. I was happy to see that among the throngs of stores, local business was well represented in the form of Torchy’s, P. Terry’s and My Fit Foods. You can now add the venerable 24-hour restaurant to the list.
After a couple of nights of free meals as part of a soft open, last night Kerbey Lane opened its Southwest location to the general public. Fittingly, the restaurant that never closes opened for business during its late-night shift around 11 p.m. The menu at the new location mirrors that of the other restaurants and reflects Kerbey’s commitment to fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Although I was tempted last night to try the Antonelli’s Salad (made with fresh mozzarella from the Hyde Park cheese shop) or the Savory Summer Chicken (a dish from the summer tomato menu suggested by executive chef Joel Welch), I had a taste for sweet and savory, and nobody does buttermilk pancakes and bacon better than Kerbey.
While the menu was familiar (in a good way), I was surprised and impressed with the look and feel of the new location, Kerbey’s fifth. The art deco starbursts on the tiled wall facing the bar struck a familiar chord, which made sense when I discovered the space had been
designed by Richard Weiss (The Highball, Alamo Ritz). The refreshing avocado colored trim contrasted nicely with the rich, eco-friendly plyboo wood throughout the space, which is accented by hanging architectural light fixtures. The counter, which faces the kitchen and expo line, features about a dozen mid-century shiny, bar stools, perfect for swiveling and syruping, and, in keeping with the diner feel, all of the walls are lined with booths that feature some of the longest benches I’ve ever seen at a restaurant — a family of eight can fit with ease. The overall effect is a fresh, modern update on the decades-old business.
I have no doubt the newest addition to the Kerbey Lane family will undoubtedly be a massive hit with the neighborhood crowd, as they get used to seeing more and more businesses born in the center of town stretch down south to their neck of the woods.
Images of the new Kerbey Lane Cafe from Weiss Architecture website.
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By AustinitesUnite
August 3, 2010 5:42 PM | Link to this
Great, another location with TERRIBLE SERVICE and lukewarm food!
By Bob
August 4, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this
Looks so much nicer than the generic new location they opened on 183N last year … hopefully the service at this location transcends the very much hit-and-miss variety at 183N.
By Val
August 4, 2010 10:54 AM | Link to this
Are you serious? Kerbey does the best pancakes in town? You are way off base with that declaration. They are, without a doubt, the most popular pancakes in town. They are not, however, anything outside the realm of ho-hum, everyday, bland pancakes. Go to The Omelettry or Austin Diner for some tasty diner pancakes. Try the Big Blue Banana at Perla’s for the most divine pancake you will ever eat.
By Denise Weitzel
August 4, 2010 12:26 PM | Link to this
What a welcome addition to SW Austin. The new Kerbey looks beautiful. I’m ready for some migas with queso…. mmmm….. migas
By Somebody
August 4, 2010 12:56 PM | Link to this
Wah wah wah. People are so jealous of Kerbey Lane that they have to bash it. Kerbey is a simple and affordable neighborhood cafe that everyone loves.They don’t try to come up with off the wall menu items, and that’s why they’re known to be the best and why my friends and family continue to dine there. Sweet potato fries….the best ever! Kerbey Queso….can’t be beat! Cobb Sandwich…One of my favorite sandwiches in Austin. The servers are everyday people who make their work day enjoyable for them and their customers.
Kerbey Lane is the best simple cafe in Austin, and we gladly welcome them into our part of town!
I say simple, because they are. You want over loaded, unhealthy non fresh foods, then don’t come in. You want someone to kiss you bum while waiting on you, then go back to “so-co” and let the waiters and waitresses keep it real.
We love Kerbey!
By patm
August 4, 2010 8:04 PM | Link to this
Just ate there tonight—the food was delicious and HOT, and the service was great! Don’t bash it until you try it.
By kb
August 8, 2010 9:02 PM | Link to this
The atmosphere a little modern, especially compared to other locations, which isn’t necessarily my taste, but it fits in well with the surrounding businesses.
The food is great I think. Lots of good veggie options. Prices are very reasonable.
Excited about having another good late night eatery down south.
Service tonight seemed a little rickety, but I think they’re still getting settled in over there.
By Girlstar24
August 9, 2010 4:06 PM | Link to this
We ate there the day it opened & it was great! Very fun decor & of course, delicious food!
By yofacedecor
August 24, 2010 11:43 AM | Link to this
OMG, they’ve gone corporate!! It’s just not the same.