If you’re looking for me, I may not be jet-setting off to exotic locations anymore. If you’re looking for me, you might just find me setting up residency at the newly opened Mattie’s right here in Austin, Texas.

Mattie’s is everything I have ever dreamed about living in the South. Growing up in San Diego, I always dreamed of living in a “The Notebook”-esque place – sipping sweet tea on a big, wrap-around, white front porch with just the sounds of nature surrounding me. To me, Mattie’s embodies this in the best Austin way.

Mattie’s is true Austin, still operating out of the same home built in 1893. The sense of timeless nostalgia is evident in not only the ambience but also the carefully thought out menu, service, and all of the little details around every corner.

While the space is gorgeous, you come for the food. The menu utilizes locally-sourced ingredients and an all-star kitchen. Executive Chef Joshua Thomas’ alma maters include Michelin-star restaurants Le Bernardin and Devi in New York City.

What I’m most excited about however, is the 99-room boutique hotel that is set to break ground soon call The Faulk. It is projected to open in 2018, and all renovations have been approved for by the Historic Landmark Commission. I cannot wait to see what they dream up for this gem!

Mattie’s epitomizes Southern charm and hospitality. Located in the quiet yet perfectly located neighborhood of Bouldin Creek, I was immediately impressed by how serene it felt despite being so close to all of the Austin action. The stark white main house, wrap-around front porch, immense amount of green foliage, and peacocks roaming the property are some of my favorite aspects of this enchanting space. In addition to the main dining rooms, there are 4 event spaces in different areas of the properties. Dream wedding location, I think so!

When Mattie’s first re-opened on the original Green Pastures property, they did not serve brunch which was shocking since brunch was Green Pastures’ mainstay. Don’t worry though, Mattie’s now serves brunch! The brunch menu pays homage to the classic on the original menu but with a new-age twist, catering to the ever-changing and innovative culinary scene of Austin now.

Brunch is available Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 2pm!

What to order: Bacchus Cup (Pimm’s No.1, Grüner Veltliner, ginger + scarlet hibiscus cordial, cucumber, herbs), Vegetable Breakfast Bowl (poached eggs, roasted sweet potato, kale, cilantro, avocado and chipotle yogurt sauce), English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich (fried eggs, Spanish chorizo, pimento cheese, frites or green salad)

The famous Milk Punch (featuring the original recipe), Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict (buttermilk biscuits, hollandaise and green salad) and Brioche French Toast (candied pecans, fresh berries, bourbon maple syrup) also looked swoon-worthy.

Dinner is served in the dining rooms and wrap-around front porch Tuesday – Saturday. A separate patio menu is offered during this time as well.

Like the brunch menu, the dinner menu features a good fusion of classic dishes with an Austin twist. The food is absolutely incredible. I could eat an entire plate of the crispy cauliflower as my entree and be one happy camper – it’s that good.

What to order: Market Punch for Two (served in an adorable teapot!), Kale Salad (Bulgarian yogurt honey dressing, bacon, shaved brussels sprouts, dates, crispy shallots), Crispy Caufliflower (Thai bird chile, tamarind BBQ sauce, scallions), Braised Local Greens (caramelized onions, sherry vinegar, garlic), Skuna Bay Salmon (grilled chicory, farro, honey, grapefruit)

I have also heard the Buttermilk Biscuits (with guava butter + local honey) and Dewberry Hills Fried Chicken (pomme purée, baby spinach, pickled onions, chipotle-yogurt dressing) are amazing!

Now we can’t forget to talk about the drinks! Mattie’s has a strong cocktail program with obvious Southern-influence, which is perfect for that front porch sippin’.

Even the names of the cocktails are darling: Kentucky Porch Tea, La Louisiane, Rosabella, and more.

While the cocktails are reason alone to come to Mattie’s, the extensive wine list curated by Paula Rester should not be missed either. One thing I loved too is that there were budget-friendly options that were still very high quality and thoughtfully chosen for the menu. It’s all housed in soft, leather bound menus with old family photographs once again giving you a sense of nostalgia.

 

Safe travels y’all,

Chelsea Rose Martin