Jack Allen's has expanded to six different locations in the Austin area. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)
Austin and its surrounding cities have gained a few new dining options from Mexican cuisine to Norwegian offerings. Individuals can check out some of the new spots in the area, read about a new Leander sports bar coming soon and dive into the history of Southern-inspired restaurant Jack Allen’s. This list is not comprehensive.
Customers can find 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee, ceremonial-grade matcha, smoothies, pastries, Norwegian waffles, curated food offerings and more, as stated in the news release. Limited-time offerings will debut in January to refresh products.
Casita on the Main recently opened its doors on Main Street in Round Rock. The restaurant serves street tacos, menudo, enchiladas, tortas, burgers and more. Customers can choose from pork, chicken, beef or carnitas. For dessert, Casita on the Main offers tres leches, empandas with cream and cookies.
Layne's serves chicken fingers, fries, sandwiches, shakes and more. Chicken is served with a variety of sauce options, including their signature Layne's Sauce. They also offer family meals and catering.
The Austin-based restaurant serves Nashville-style hot chicken that’s hand breaded and tumbled 22 times for a crunchy texture. The menu features options for sandwiches, bone-in chicken, tenders and chicken bites. Customers will also find salads, deviled eggs, fries, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, broccoli salad, beans, coleslaw, potato salad and house-made pies.
The locally-owned business will aim to provide a comfortable sports-viewing experience for patrons that is elevated through its food offerings and service, said Brian Felicella, the business's general manager, chef and consultant. Patrons may choose from 44 different draft beers, the majority of which will be from Texas breweries, Felicella said. The classic American grill will serve smash burgers and wings as well as loaded fries and nachos.
Sixteen years ago, Jack Allen Gilmore worked as a corporate chef and Tom Kamm as the director of operations for a local chain of restaurants. The pair traveled frequently for work and after 20 years at the same company, they ventured out to grow a unique family of restaurants in the Austin area.
“We were just inspired to ... touch local ingredients, local farmers, local brewers, local distillers, local cheese makers [and] local coffee roasters,” Kaam said.
The background
Gilmore and Kamm met with investors and found a spot for the first Jack Allen’s Kitchen in summer 2009. They opened the Oak Hill restaurant in December of that year, bringing a diverse menu of Southern-inspired plates.
Since then, Jack Allen’s has expanded to six different locations in the Austin area, as well as two other concepts: Salt Traders Coastal Cooking and Day Maker Half Day Cafe.
