But the Hyde Park restaurant, opened in 2019, serves its wares in an approachable, cafe-style location, which features espresso drinks, pastries and cocktails focused on Italian bitters, such as Negronis, alongside pasta dishes.
"We wanted something that was neighborhood friendly, a little bit more accessible to this community,” co-owner Nic Yanes said.
Yanes added that the Hyde Park neighborhood’s walkability and bikeability was an inspiration behind the concept.
“This definitely is a neighborhood that has a lot of character,” Yanes said.
Yanes also co-owns Juniper, an upscale restaurant in East Austin, a second Uncle Nicky’s Italian Specialties location at 1123 E. 11th St., Austin, and owns or manages a handful of other eateries throughout the city.
Yanes said the inspiration for the menu is northern Italian flavors combined with a more American interpretation of the dishes.
He said the restaurant serves as a place for residents to have coffee or a cocktail while they work or pick up food with their families. He said several customers walk over for coffee in the morning and a Negroni in the afternoon.
“It’s really just a nice, casual spot to be able to come into and hang out with friends or grab a quick bite to eat or study or read or have a drink with friends,” Yanes said.
Uncle Nicky's
Hyde Park
4222 Duval St., Austin
512-318-2877
www.unclenickys.com
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
East
1123 E. 11th St., Austin
512-309-8960
www.unclenickys.com
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
