A Culinary Collision Of Chic And Hearty At The Domain Northside

by Marika Flatt on July 7, 2017 in Food+Drink,
Archer Hotel Austin Second Bar Kitchen Bar e1499434541638
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The Domain is always expanding; new restaurants, bars and retail experiences are opening every week, especially with the extension of the Rock Rose corridor on the Northside. If you drive through the newer section of the Domain, you’ve likely noticed the double-decker windows at Second Bar + Kitchen (SBK) in the Archer Hotel. It’s larger-than-life from the outside but surprisingly intimate inside.

With its intriguing menu blending seasonal, fresh and healthy with good ‘ole down home comfort food, it’s going to be one of my new go-to dining delights at The Domain. Whether you’ve been shopping (it’s right by Nordstrom’s) or are looking to start your pre-bar-hopping evening, SBK is going to give you your fill, literally.

Chef David Bull and his team of culinary creators will bring a myriad of cultures to your table. For a taste of Spain, start with the cool honeydew almond gazpacho, full of mint, grapefruit and dill flavors. Even if you’re not a fan of cold soups, this one will win you over on a warm summer evening.

Ready for some naughty Southern fried food (who isn’t?)? Try their popular buffalo fried pickle spears that are served with an equally-naughty bull’s hot sauce. Super salty and savory. Ready to head south of the border? Their starter called avocado fundido is fun in a bowl: chorizo piled with chunky guacamole and topped with a melted queso, served with their housemade chipotle chips, will make you say “Ole!”

Feeling a little more like Little Italy? Their very unique pepperoni soup comes from the chef’s grandma’s recipe. I’ve never heard of such a soup, but I enjoyed the large chunks of pepperoni hidden among the thick tomato base, topped with melted mozzarella and garlic croutons.Stay in Italy for a summer seasonal entrée of tagliatelle, a housemade pasta featuring pork cured for five months! You read that right, five months. Red pepper, onion, tomato, guanciale, and pecorino romano all combine for the tastiest of summer pastas. Pair this with a hearty cabernet.

And, if you just want a standard American dish, you cannot go wrong with their famous Congress Burger. A combination of brisket and chuck, the patty is the star of the show! You can add all sorts of extras to this burger (i.e. over-easy egg), but you will be happy to savor the simple version of this standard.

So take a trip around the world at SBK and you’ll want to circumnavigate the globe several more times to return to this cultural kitchen. In my best Schwarzenegger voice, “I’ll be back.”