Elaine Martin, owner of Eastside Cafe and Elaine’s, said her cooking is like her straightforward personality.[/caption]

Three friends who worked together at a Barton Springs Road restaurant decided 27 years ago to turn a failing restaurant on Manor Road into Eastside Cafe.

Elaine Martin, one of the original three and now the sole owner, said starting a business was not an easy venture.

“It was challenging, and it was stressful,” Martin said. “You think people are just going to come. You think you’re going to just put your little shingle out, and they’re just going to flock to you. Although that happens sometimes, it’s pretty rare.”

Eastside Cafe’s menu is not complicated by a long list of ingredients, said Martin, who said she prefers practical, simple and straightforward cooking.

The restaurant has operated for almost three decades, with only a few menu changes occurring during that time.

“Any time I try to change things, people get upset,” Martin said. “One particularly labor-intensive item is the stuffed shrimp, so I thought we’ll just stop doing it. On a Saturday night two people ordered it, and the server said, ‘We don’t have that anymore,’ and they got up and walked out.”

Martin said she took the incident as a strong statement. The next morning, the shrimp was back on the menu. In addition, the daily special menu is used to provide patrons something new each day, she said.

Martin turned the smaller building next to Eastside Cafe into a retail store in 1995, but it later became fast-casual eatery Elaine’s in March 2012. Martin’s pies can be found on either menu, and she is considering making pies for order year-round, especially for holidays.

“What I think we’re going to do is sell whole buttermilk pies, and that’s it,” Martin said. “That’s the only kind we’re going to do.”

The current pie selection will remain as single-serve options, she said.

Although Martin said the act of dining out has become less about feeding the human need and more about entertainment, she said she hopes Eastside Cafe customers ultimately leave full.

“I just want them to be comfortable—comfortable and full and happy,” Martin said. “I’m not trying to change the world.”

Panko and Pecan Encrusted Chicken Breast ($15.95) is topped with jalapeno cream gravy.[/caption]

Eastside Cafe main course

Panko and Pecan Encrusted Chicken Breast ($15.95) is topped with jalapeno cream gravy. Side offerings include acorn squash with tamari ginger sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.

House-made caramel sauce and chocolate espresso sauce are drizzled over the dish.[/caption]

Ghiradelli Chocolate Brownie

The dish ($7.95) comes topped with vanilla ice cream. House-made caramel sauce and chocolate espresso sauce are drizzled over the dish. The mainstay desserts range from $7.25 to $8.75.

Bourbon Buttermilk Pie ($2.95) can be found at Elaine’s with a variety of other desserts.[/caption]

Pies, cakes and more

Martin said she hopes to begin offering whole buttermilk pies for order year-round, but for now Bourbon Buttermilk Pie ($2.95) can be found at Elaine’s with a variety of other desserts.

The pulled-pork sandwich ($5.95) comes topped with coleslaw, house-made pickles and barbecue sauce.[/caption]

Elaine’s Pulled Pork Sandwich

The pulled-pork sandwich ($5.95) comes topped with coleslaw, house-made pickles and barbecue sauce. Patrons can also order pulled-pork tacos, salads and soups.