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Second Bar + Kitchen

(Now Closed)
New American Restaurant and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Downtown Austin, Austin
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    The experts at Eater and Serious Eats recommend this place
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Tips and Reviews icon198 Tips and reviews
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  • Paige C.heart icon on user image
    Paige CJanuary 17, 2017
    Come with a group and just order everything to share. My recommendations: pepperoni soup, meatballs, gnocchi, cheese plate and a pizza. Very good service too.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Eater
    EaterJuly 28, 2011
    Makes an art of bar food. See: the spicy fried pickles, the Bar Congress that you can add foie gras, an egg, avocado, pork belly, double meat & double cheese, should you so choose. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
    Upvote15Downvote
  • Thrillist
    ThrillistJune 11, 2013
    Hefty eats include Vertical Rotisserie Chicken, Grilled Ribeye Loin (w/ Brussels sprouts, black truffle grits, Bearnaise, oak barrel-aged steak sauce), and wood-fired pizzas like the Beef Short Rib. Read more
    Upvote12Downvote
  • Austin Chronicle
    Austin ChronicleJune 17, 2013
    A Mediterranean tree-house atmosphere, bold flavors, and iconoclastic taste combinations make for a cosmopolitan take on traditional bar fare. The pizza bianco is inspired. Read more
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Brian S.heart icon on user image
    Brian StraussJanuary 23, 2017
    Excellent and very boozy cocktails. A wide array of very tasty small plates. The avocado and chorizo queso was delicious. Want to come back and try the burger.
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  • Jasmine F.heart icon on user image
    Jasmine FishAugust 7, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Have yet to have a bad meal here, everything is top notch. Chef Bull and his crew take their food to the next level
    Upvote1Downvote
  • KitchenAid
    KitchenAidApril 25, 2013
    From the Buffalo Fried Pickles to the comforting Pepperoni Soup, head here if you're looking for elevated bar food and fabulous cocktails. Sit outside on warmer days and watch the crowd on Congress.
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  • Paul C.heart icon on user image
    Paul CanterburyMarch 12, 2020
    I had the pork belly fried rice with shrimp and it was delicious. Good food, good coffee and good service. Great place for brunch.
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  • Coray S.
    Coray SeifertFebruary 24, 2013
    Great service, outstanding food, rude hostess. Fried pickles were epic (but spicy!), beer recommendations were spot on, and even the salad was well seasoned (read: salty and delicious).
    Upvote2Downvote
  • ♓June♓ M.
    The Buffalo Fried Pickles were delish!! Yummy small plate of bacon & eggs was delightful with the crispy pork belly. The burger was scrumptious & the Pappardelle was absolutely tasty!!
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  • Brian H.
    Brian HerschaftAugust 22, 2014
    Grandma's famous pepperoni soup, short rib sliders, grilled flank steak with chimichurri. There are truly incredible flavors coming out of this spot!
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  • Victoria S.
    Victoria SchaeferApril 2, 2015
    Love this place. Outstanding pizza. Pinot noir on tap was very good. Can't go wrong sitting either inside or out on the patio.
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  • Slava F.heart icon on user image
    Slava FridFebruary 3, 2016
    short ribs are definitely a specialty. shishito peppers were excellent. Great place for a small group to have a relaxed evening
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  • Joshua G.
    Joshua GarzaJune 10, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The peppers are my favorite app. My two favorite meals are the chicken salad that has candied walnuts and beats or their burger - ONLY with the frid egg. DUH!
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  • ajit
    ajitJuly 21, 2014
    Great place for sophisticated eats that won't break the bank. Definitely try their house wines, even though their wine lists are extensive
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  • Steve P.
    Steve PolandMarch 17, 2011
    Buffalo pickles were awesome- and im from buffalo. Burger was delish- the potato chips were a WOW. Pepperoni soup was like pizza in a bowl. Great joint! Get on 2nd floor balcony for people watching
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  • Chevrolet
    ChevroletMarch 7, 2011
    A new place for upscale pub food downtown. Second has a great atmosphere with Chef David Bull’s take on some classics. Try the pepperoni soup – a family recipe and growing favorite among patrons.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Eric W.heart icon on user image
    Eric WhiteAugust 29, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    The pizzas easily feed two. The black and blue is tremendous. We also shared the bacon and egg salad. Great meal for $30.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Beth M.
    Beth MayesMarch 10, 2014
    Everything is wonderful! Brussels sprouts! Best ever! Meatballs! Shishito peppers! Burger and truffle grits are good standards.
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  • Arlo G.
    Arlo GilbertOctober 6, 2013
    The fried pickles are hands down the killer appetizer. The pickles are dipped in hot sauce before being fried. Possibly laced with crack as well?
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Saraheart icon on user image
    SaraJanuary 5, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Can't go wrong with any of the menu items. But the cocktails are the best.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Andrea B.heart icon on user image
    Andrea BarrezuetaMay 11, 2015
    Was here for brunch and although our waitress lost our order when the food finally came out the burger was by far the standout. The pizza bianca was pretty good too. But the burger...
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  • Matthew C.heart icon on user image
    Matthew CoxJuly 26, 2014
    This was my favorite place to eat in Austin. Everything was amazing! Brussel sprouts and green beans were killer!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • yuri k.
    yuri kostunDecember 6, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Order the black and blue pizza. Chewy crust with pork belly, dates and blue cheese. Add the foie. Get a beer to wash it down.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Alexis N.
    Alexis NascimentoMarch 12, 2013
    The service is SO quick, our server Robert is AH-MAZING. Very helpful with food choices, cocktail decisions and local suggestions. A+ / 5 stars
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  • Sarah S.heart icon on user image
    Sarah StuchberyApril 18, 2014
    Oh my god. The fried egg and avocado sandwich is amazing! Add house made and regular ketchup combo and you're golden.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Douglass R.heart icon on user image
    Douglass RuthOctober 22, 2017
    The grilled shrimp and kale salad has a great balance of flavors.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Josh A.
    Josh AJanuary 14, 2015
    Fantastic cocktails and small plates. Truffle fries and blistered shishito are awesome. Love this place.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kyle B.
    Kyle BunchSeptember 6, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    A welcome addition downtown, Second has a good range of new American food that isn't quite as pricey as the award-winning prix fixe menu at sister restaurant Congress next door.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Jardel A.
    Jardel AppeltJanuary 5, 2014
    Try the fried pickles! Spicy in the right way, enjoy a wine on tap to balance the saltiness
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  • LaLa S.
    LaLa SApril 13, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    The basil vodka cocktail is refreshingly bright and delicious. Regarding the food, I can't figure out why I keep coming back here - I'm always underwhelmed. Dessert bites are tasty though.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jeana C.
    Jeana CostaMarch 26, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    The starters and small plates are enough for dinner! Share: Buffalo fried pickles, truffle fries, shishito peppers, baked brie.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Marshall J.
    Marshall JonesJune 9, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    I like....everything here! Especially the fried buffalo pickles and blistered shishito peppers to start. Kocurek Farms charceutterie ans Antonellis Cheese are made for each other Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Angelica B.heart icon on user image
    Angelica BlesaAugust 6, 2015
    Congress Burger, avocado fundido, snacks are all must haves on the menu!!! So delicious.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Samantha Y.
    Samantha YoungJune 18, 2015
    The decor in this place is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The chicken fried olives are so good! Read more
    Upvote10Downvote
  • Kyle B.
    Kyle BunchFebruary 24, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Great casual lunch spot. The short rib sliders, the roasted chicken salad and the banh mi are all reliable favorites.
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  • Erin G.heart icon on user image
    Erin GApril 6, 2018
    I’ve never had a bad meal or drink I didn’t like here!
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  • Jackie G.
    Jackie GallantOctober 3, 2012
    Pepperoni soup was amazing & the sliders r great too!! The fried, pimiento chees stuffed olives were no bueno, order the fried pickles instead!!
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  • Jenn
    JennNovember 19, 2011
    Loved this place, fried pickles to die for, excellent "BAR" food, and very good libations. Good happy hour too!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Richard M.
    Richard MaloleyMarch 21, 2013
    Spectacular burger. The Ransom Old Fashioned is a very interesting drink. Gin aged in bourbon oak barrels.
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  • Tony G.heart icon on user image
    Tony GrotticelliMarch 12, 2013
    Get the braised short rib. Only on the dinner menu. It has more flavor and juices than you can think!
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  • Elon L.heart icon on user image
    Elon LenkaJanuary 11, 2019
    The avocado fundido is delicious, esp. if you sub mushrooms for chorizo!
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  • Prosenjit B.
    Prosenjit BhattacharyaNovember 24, 2018
    Parmesan Polenta is to die for here!
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  • Steve H.heart icon on user image
    Steve HillJune 19, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    If you are a fan of all things pig, you must try the duroc pork chop, just delicious!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kathryn Y.
    Kathryn YuMarch 23, 2011
    Billy Hankey of the Good Knight and Brian Dressel of East Side Show Room are craftng your libations here (separate from Bar Congress and Congress the upscale restaurant next door).
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Joe S.
    Joe SmileyMarch 10, 2012
    If it were my last meal, I would get the Blistered shishito peppers, house charcuterie board, gnocchi, and black and blew pizza. Unbelievbl!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Michael Aaron B.
    One of the best burgers in town...hands down! Also, the fried egg and avocado sandwich is delicious!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Jerry S.heart icon on user image
    Jerry SolizMarch 15, 2019
    Fries pickles, Brie the sticks and service are out of this world!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Shelley H.
    Shelley HallJanuary 6, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Black and blue pizza. Oh my gosh, the most delicious thing ever. The crab sweet potato fritters were equally yummy.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Ryan D.heart icon on user image
    Ryan DeanMarch 31, 2013
    Great atmosphere - fun but classy. The trout was delicious, and the pizzas are interesting and outstanding.
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