Roots Bistro

We try to carry as many Texas brewers as we can. Right now, were buying from brewers in Fort Worth, Austin [and] Houston, and we have a couple from Kansas City, Mo., he said. We can help get [craft brewers] on the market, and it puts us on the cutting edge.

Weimer said Roots goal is to serve all demographics of the community, including college students from nearby Southwestern University, young families and retirees.

Our food business is a whole mix; we have professionals, city folks, people from the police department and fire department, he said. When people come in on music nights, if they like the music they stay. If they dont, they figure out when other music is played, and they come back.

In January, Huggins added open mic nights every other Wednesday and on Feb. 11 introduced karaoke on Tuesday nights to give local musicians opportunities to take the stage, she said.

Huggins said she likes to host high school and college-age performers in the restaurant, which she hopes will give them a place to say they got their roots, she said.

The students are vibrant. Theyre full of life, Weimer said. Its fun to have them here. This is an 1885 building feeling very young.

Specials and live music schedule

Along with Roots Bistros daily happy hour from 37 p.m., the restaurant features a variety of food and drink specials and live music, with new events premiering this year.

Monday

Customers who work on the Square can get a $2 discount on any meal with a full-price menu item and drink purchase.

Tuesday

All single-topping, 8-inch pizzas are $5 for dine-in customers. Limit two per person.

Huggins added karaoke from 79 p.m. on Tuesday beginning Feb. 11.

Wednesday

Southwestern University students get a $2 discount on any entree regularly priced $8 or more, or they can purchase a French dip sandwich for $7.

Every other Wednesday is open mic night. Signup begins at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday

Roots staff members pick their favorite dishes for the $7 special on Thursdays. Each Thursdays special is posted on the Roots Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rootsbistro. Live music from 79 p.m.

Friday

Live music from 79 p.m.

Saturday

Live music from 79 p.m.

Roots Bistro, 118 W. Eighth St., Ste. 101, 512-863-7080

www.rootsbistrogtx.com, Twitter: @RootsBistroGTX

Hours: Mon.Wed. 10:30 a.m.7 p.m., Thu.Sat. 10:30 a.m.10 p.m., closed Sun.