Co-owner and chef Rich Taylor said he took inspiration from Austin-style eateries.[/caption]
Updated 9:53 a.m. Aug. 15
After celebrating its two-year anniversary in July, The Scarlet Rabbit is bringing back its weekday lunch hours and menu in August.
Co-owner and chef Rich Taylor said the Round Rock restaurant is inspired by Austin-style eateries with whimsical, themed decor and a menu driven by chef creativity.
“It’s the food we want to do,” Taylor said. “We wanted to have the freedom to try new things and create dishes we love.”
Combining Taylor’s experience working for Quality Seafood Market in Austin and co-owner Rob Snow’s experience owning Round Rock’s Greenhouse Craft Food, the menu features a range of menu items, from classics such as smoked brisket to more distinctive dishes such as its Texas Bouillabaisse.
Taylor described the menu as inspired by areas throughout Texas, with a Cajun flair. He said smoked rabbit was the initial inspiration for the menu.
“We try to celebrate the culinary diversity within Texas,” Taylor said.
The core menu stays the same throughout the year, although there are small seasonal changes to reflect in-season vegetables and sides. Everything on the menu is made in-house, from the syrup on the chicken and waffles to the burger buns.
Taylor said most of the dishes can be made gluten-free, and there are several vegan options on the menu as well.
The owners said the restaurant’s aesthetics often stand out most to guests. Snow’s wife, Sonja, created the interior and exterior design based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Vibrant colors, teacups and clocks that run backwards set the mood.
“She’s the one who had the idea to create a whimsical feeling,” Taylor said.
Keeping with a rabbit focus, the restaurant has lyrics from Jefferson Airplane’s song “White Rabbit” painted throughout the restaurant. Taylor said the one-liners tucked into corners and over doors make up the entire song.
The patio is the most popular spot at the restaurant, Taylor said, and the newly redone misting system will help to serve guests throughout the summer. Built around a 200-year-old oak tree covered with twinkling lights, the patio offers a more casual setting that Taylor said is a popular choice for families with children.
When families visit The Scarlet Rabbit, Taylor said they will find a more unique children’s menu than the average restaurant.
“You’ll find more than chicken fingers on the kids menu,” he said. “Our kids menu is mini versions of our real menu.”
Located near Round Rock’s historic downtown district, The Scarlet Rabbit became a dinner-only restaurant in October 2015 when the area around its 1940s-era bungalow failed to grow as the owners had initially hoped. But a recent uptick in business is causing the owners to rekindle lunch hours.
“A lot of people don’t know we’re back here,” he said. “But once they come, they always come back.”
410 W. Main St., Round Rock 512-502-5164 www.thescarletrabbit.com Hours (as of Aug. 8): Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., 4-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Story was corrected to state the Scarlet Rabbit is bringing back weekday brunch.
