Barley Swine is one of Austin’s newer restaurants, and didn’t open its doors for the first time until 2010. Since then, they’ve been leaders of the industry when it comes to using local products and providing fresh, seasonable dishes for their patrons.

Forming Relationships with the Local Community

Nearly as good as the food that a restaurant produces is the passion and thought that goes into that foods’ production. As such, one thing that we really love about Barley Swine is the effort it has made to form a relationship with the local community–namely farmers and growers–to provide food that is ethically sourced. The majority of their products come from the local farmers’ market, making for a meal that you can feel good about indulging in.

Small Plates Only

This establishment is a great place to grab a beer or a glass of wine, and as you do so, make sure you take the time to sample one of the “small plates” of food offered. If you’re feeling hungry, you can choose the Chef’s Menu Selection for $75 per person. Or, if you prefer to choose on your own, we recommend the Thai eggplant with sticky glaze and basil, the fresh mozzarella with tomato and olive oil, the poached salmon with blackberry, and the green gazpacho with ogonori and steelhead roe. For dessert, try some of the hazelnut, peach, or coffee sorbet.

Booming Beer Selection

The beer selection at Barley Swine is one of the greatest in the state, and if you’re a lover of this brewed beverage, you’ve got to check out the options here. With draft beers, bottled beers, large bottled beers, and lots of craft brews to choose from, go for something light, like the Real Ale White Ale, 4.6 percent, or something heavy, such as Brooklyn’s Brewmaster’s Reserve Cuvee Noire, 10.6 percent.

Wine-os Unite

If beer isn’t your thing but you do enjoy a glass of a fine wine, Barley Swine is just as suitable for you as it is for beer lovers. With a large selection of reds, whites, sparklings, and dessert wines, there’s sure to be something to please each unique taste preference here.

Walk-ins Welcome, Reservations Preferred

The majority of patrons to Barley Swine come on the basis of a reservation, and while a reservation is preferred and highly recommended, Barley Swine will welcome walk-ins as well (assuming there’s a table available). If you have a party of seven or more, the making of a reservation is requested. Reservations can be made online or via telephone. Also, it goes without saying that this is an adults-only place. While children aren’t expressly banned, this isn’t the place for them. Also, while the ambiance is fairly sophisticated, feel free to head to Barley Swine in jeans and a nice shirt–nothing fancier is required.

For a night of delicious food and amazing beer or wine, head to Barley Swine for a date or an evening of conversation amongst friends or loved ones.