Although Odd Duck may only be 8 months old, it has already established a huge presence in the Austin food scene with its recent nomination for America’s Best New Restaurant in 2014. It’s no surprise that Odd Duck has nestled its way onto my list of must-tries for anyone visiting the area. Here are five reasons why it’s my current favorite restaurant:
1. It offers seasonal, local ingredients.
Every menu lists out the local farms and vendors from which Odd Duck buys its ingredients from. It’s extremely important for restaurants to serve seasonal produce because those are the items that are going to taste the freshest. Odd Duck changes menus monthly, highlighting local summer squash in this quiche for August.
Quiche | Photo by Gabby Phi
2. It now serves brunch (read: boozy brunch cocktails).
Odd Duck’s brunch has been up and running since late May, but this isn’t your typical Sunday afternoon meal. The menu boasts twists on classic favorites such as cast iron duck eggs, bacon oatmeal and my personal favorite, zucchini French toast with buttermilk peach ice cream. Be sure to wash down your meal with some bubbly.
French Toast | Gabby Phi
3. The decor is on point.
I’m a sucker for a nicely decorated interior and a great outdoor patio. Odd Duck has both, featuring mismatched plates and silverware, colored wood accents and large glass windows to create a rustic yet airy feel. 70% of seating is communal which makes for great conversation with strangers. Good vibes, indeed.
Bar Seating | Photo by Ryann Ford/Lonny
4. The dishes are reasonably priced and shareable.
Most items are $10 or under, with a few larger, more expensive options meant for 3-4 people. These dishes are very shareable and surprisingly filling – my friend and I were stuffed after splitting 3 plates. This rye-masa pancake stack with figs, chèvre and a fried egg was substantial and equally delicious.
Pancake Stack | Gabby Phi
5. The food is damn good.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you find yourself drooling after reading this article, do yourself a favor and head over to Odd Duck to satisfy all of your needs.
Location: 1201 S. Lamar Austin, TX 78704
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm and 5pm-11pm, Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 10:30am-2:30pm and 5pm-10pm