Nearly 30 years after the Walter Seaholm Power Plant was decommissioned, one bar and restaurant wants to once again make the area a source of energy—for the city’s nightlife.

In its second year, Boiler Nine Bar + Grill features three stories: an outdoor observation deck bar with a view of downtown, a main-floor cocktail bar with robust dinner and lunch menus and a basement lounge referred to as the Boiler Room.

General Manager Brian Takats said Boiler Nine aims to be available for different experiences. He said in a restaurant industry that is busy with newcomers, it is important to stand out.

“There are a lot of restaurants here that are designed for one set market,” Takats said. “We try to offer something to a really diverse agency.”

Boiler Nine’s eight original, handcrafted cocktails served at its main-floor bar highlight a drinks bill that offers roughly 30 local, domestic and import beers and an international selection of 58 wines.

The most popular drink choice is the Green Velvet, a concoction of grapefruit oil and basil seltzer, vodka, lime and chlorophyll accentuated by the inclusion of Chartreuse, Takats said. The green French liqueur, made by monks since the 18th century, has risen in popularity over the past decade, he said.

Boiler Nine’s observation of this trend illustrates its focus on handcrafted cocktails, Takats said.

“There is a whole culture of people in all industries who are trying to get back to the origins of certain things,” Takats said. “You see a lot more [drink] shakers these days than five years ago. It’s no longer a bad word to say ‘I’m a bartender.’”

The revival of the old applies to more than just cocktails. Boiler Nine’s creation was purposed to play a key role in the renaissance of the Walter Seaholm Power Plant—the rebirth of the abandoned municipal utility structure into an energized downtown district.

Boiler Nine Bar + Grill
800 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
512-220-9990
www.boilernine.com,
www.opentable.com (to make a reservation)