Like most American families, we (begrudgingly at times) try and make healthy eating choices. We avoid rewarding ourselves with food too often, and we skip the processed and fried stuff as much as possible. There are times, though, that we splurge. On such occasions, Hyde Park Bar and Grill is where we like to go! We have been there on several occasions recently doing research for our review of course J Although there are numerous healthy options on the menu, comfort food is always what we seem to crave when we dine at Hyde Park. We tried both locations for our medicinal calorie intake of the week!
On our first review, we went childless and headed to the South Location. It is spacious, has outdoor seating, and is in a good spot for post movie indulgence! We started with the Crispy Parmesan Polenta. ($5.95) It was hot and crispy, and is served with their homemade basil pesto. For our entrees, Donnie went for the Horseshoe. This is an 8 ounce sirloin burger served on Texas toast with cheddar cheese. then it is smothered with cheese sauce. It is topped with the famous Hyde Park Fries (and lots of them), then topped with even MORE cheese sauce. It was seriously indulgence and worth ever calorie. ($9.95) He finished it, but I think very few people do, or should!
I selected the Basil Grilled Chicken, knowing that later in the week we would be sampling the fried chicken at the central location, so I am pacing myself calorically. The chicken breasts were char grilled to perfection after being marinated in garlic infused olive oil. It had more of a garlic than basil flavor, but it was really rich and tasty. It comes topped with creamy mushroom sauce and parmesan cheese but I had the sauce served one side. I was glad I did, the chicken was well cooked and did not need much if any sauce to enhance the flavor. It was served over a bed of wild rice pilaf and it comes with choice of side. I went with the corn and cheese tamales, which are my favorite thing at Hyde Park Bar and Grill. They are vegetarian, spicy, and served with fresh salsa, delish! ($12.95) This is a large meal, and I did not even finish half of it.
For our family review, we loaded up the teen trio and headed to the Central location, home of the FORK off Duval, and prepared to over dose on comfort food. This location is spacious, the tables are roomy, the staff is friendly and it has that fabulous Central Austin feel! There is always art on display which we love! Frequently it is the art of my friend, Robbin Robertson Polter http://www.
We went a Tuesday for Tony’s “comfort fried” chicken. They only serve it on Monday and Tuesday nights and it does not disappoint! It is tender & juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside! My family considers themselves connoisseurs of all things fried, and they each gave it the all-knowing, thumbs up approval. It gets extra points from me for not being greasy. It is served with green chile cheese mashed potatoes and your choice of one side ($10.95) I opted for my favorite corn and cheese tamales, Joseph and Donnie had the macaroni and cheese, and Felda, (who has the distinction of being the only one at the table NOT having the Southern Fried Chicken, she had the tenders) and Anthony had the Hyde Park fries (double potato, yes, they did). The mashed potatoes are full of flavor, we loved them! The macaroni and cheese was yummy too, but every one of them were eying my tamales! Anthony has vowed to have them next time, and there will be a next time, this is a great family spot. Home cooked food, good conversation, and the love of a family...there really is not a better way to spend an evening!
We will be back with our family, and hope to see yours there!
