Hudson’s on the Bend is back in business

“Buying the restaurant was very emotionally tied for me, and no one knew it was for sale when we bought it,” Caruso said. “Jeff [Blank] put his heart and soul into this place.”

The restaurant space, formerly known for its small, intimate feel, has been renovated to be more modern and open with an industrial farmhouse look, he said.

A large outdoor patio was also added as part of the remodel project.

“The renovations are airy, open and lighter,” Caruso said. “[That]’s what we did to the food, too.”

The new menu ties in with the eatery’s previous menu choices, incorporating not only the wild game dishes the restaurant was known for but also adding local ingredients and lighter choices. The Venison Tarte ($14) appetizer, which includes cucumber, fermented fresno and yogurt, exemplifies the menu’s new look.

“It’s the use of wild game but doing it in a lighter fashion,” Caruso said.

As for the new beginning of Hudson’s on the Bend, Caruso said he believes that reopening the restaurant was the right thing to do given its legendary Austin status.

“I’m just really excited to be a part of it—the bringing it back to life,” Caruso said. “Jeff led the way.”

Hudson’s on the Bend 3509 N. RR 620, Austin 512-266-1369 www.hudsonsonthebend.com Hours: Tue.-Fri. 5-11 p.m., Sat. 4-11 p.m., Sun. 4-9 p.m., closed Mon.