Why is Birdie’s consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Austin? The criticism says a casual restaurant doesn’t deserve it. The criticism judges Birdie’s by its “simple” dishes. But take in the friendly atmosphere and let your bites linger and hopefully, you’ll begin to understand the accolades.
Birdie’s
The fanfare was swift when Birdie’s opened in Austin in July 2021. The next year, the restaurant would win “Best Restaurant” accolades from top publications, including Eater Austin, Wine Enthusiast, Esquire, Food and Wine Magazine, and Bon Appetit. This year, they received a James Beard nomination for Best Chef: Texas and Food & Wine’s Top 20 Restaurants in the U.S.
Birdie’s restaurant model presents high-end food (high-quality ingredients, dishes, perfect execution) in a no-frills, counter-service restaurant. The dishes are inspired by Italian and French cuisine. Don’t be fooled by a casual setting. It’s part of the dinner party vibe and an opportunity to make quality food more accessible.
The husband-and-wife team of chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel are a power duo in the heart and front of the house. From a customer’s view, it’s a well-run restaurant that moves quickly with a focused energy.
But the restaurant model doesn’t stop at how they present their food. They care for their team, providing them fair and liveable wages and health benefits, paid partly through a 3.5% health and wellness fee on all checks. This supports the ongoing discussion of how hospitality professionals, especially those who have made it a life-long career, can survive in one of the lowest-waged industries.
Dining at Birdie’s
The menu changes by the day, depending on local purveyors. Since I dined a few months ago, the things I ate may be similar, varying by an ingredient or two. Typically there is a pasta dish and soft serve, two of my favorite things on the menu.
The menu is divided by snacks ($7-13), small share plates ($14-24), larger share plates ($35-36), and dessert ($13-14). (Referenced prices based on a recent menu.) The two of us split the following four dishes.
Deviled eggs with Calabrian chili and bottarga ($12)
Cucumbers, cantaloupe, Birdie’s yogurt, fried bread, and herbs ($16)
Tortiglioni with homegrown tomatoes, parmesan, basil, chili ($24)
Minute steak, field peas, smoked peppers, charred red onion agrodolce ($36)
Sweet corn soft serve with peach jam & Sicilian olive oil ($12)
If you’re a fan of wine, be sure to order a glass or bottle. You’ll find wines with minimal intervention on the menu.
They want the dining experience to feel like a dinner party at a friend’s house, and it’s this unfussy feeling and good energy that livens Austin’s restaurant scene.
Details for Your Visit
Here’s a quick list of what to know before your visit. One important thing to note is there are no reservations at this counter-service restaurant. Come early and be ready for a short wait.
- Cuisine: Italian and French Inspired
- Meal offered: Dinner
- Ambiance: Cheerful, laid-back
- Attire: Casual
- Noise Level: Average
- Pricing: $$
- Dietary restrictions: Accommodating
- Reservation: None. First come, first serve counter service
- Seating: Bar, indoor, covered outdoor
- Parking: Free street parking
Birdie’s
2944 East 12th Street, Unit A, Austin, Texas, 78702
https://www.birdiesaustin.com
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