Rainey Street District
Icenhauers is Nicenhauers (Go To There!)
First of all, I’d like to apologize for the headline of this post, but I just couldn’t get this phrase out of my head. And it’s true! The new kid on the (Rainey Street) block, Icenhauer’s, IS nice. Nicely built and and nicely designed (kudos to the Icenhauer team for selecting the high-design architectural firm, Michael Hsu), nicely priced, and “nicely” people (shout out to staffers Nora and Matt, who made my first visit there extremely….well, nice).
A little history: Icenhauer’s is family-owned, a father-son team consisting of Michael Icenhauer, young TSU graduate turned entrepreneur, and his father Robert Icenhauer-Ramirez , a local criminal attorney. Michael Icenhauer was living at The Milago and witnessed first-hand the opening of Lustre Pearl. Inspired by Bridget Dunlap’s endeavor, the Icenhauer duo set out to replicate the success. But they didn’t replicate the vibe. Where Lustre Pearl is shabby chic, Icenhauer’s is sleek and modern. Where Lustre Pearl is a bit rough around the edges (which I like!), Icenhauer’s is smooth to the touch (which I also like!).
Alas, but a picture is worth a thousand words. So, please allow me to bury you in metaphorical words:
Closing thoughts, in brief: I like the concept, and I think it’s a nice addition to what’s becoming an increasingly eclectic, but higher-end bar and restaurant scene on the edges of downtown Austin.
Also, apparently the Icenhauer clan pronounces their last name like “Eisenhower.” Presumably, this would also be the correct pronunciation of the bar, but I think most people are going to accentuate the “Ice”.
Oh! And if you are hungry, never fear, the bar is right next door to El Naranjo, or just a stone’s throw away from the other trailer eateries in the area – G’Raj Mahal, Cazamance, and East Side King.
Icenhauer’s Quick Facts:
Location
83 Rainey Street
Austin, Texas 78701
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 2 am
Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
Sunday: 12 pm – 2 am
Happy Hour
Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 7 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 7 pm
Happy Hour Prices
$2 Domestics
$3 Draft/Imports/Wells
$4 Glasses of Wine
Cazamance MENU – New African Restaurant in Rainey Street District
A couple of weeks ago, Jude blogged about a new African eatery opening up in the Rainey Street district.
Well, we’ve had a chance to try it – and a detailed review is on the way (basic review: bunny chow is yummy!), but in the interim, I wanted to post the menu. If any of our readers happen to try it – would love to hear your thoughts! See below (click for image page, then click again to enlarge)!
Yes, it is.
Is this the next bar on Rainey Street?
Yes, it is. 86 Rainey Street will become “The Blackheart” bar. The above photo of their TABC permit application indicates a request for mixed beverage with late hour service.
There is already a facebook fan page that alludes to what we can expect: “think 1900’s Nola bordello.” Note the comments about trees, arborists, and chainsaws.
The architecture will be handled by Dick Clark – which bodes well for the design.
Update: interestingly, just 30 minutes after this post went live, the owner of the Facebook page removed the inspired description of “Nola bordello” and all of the Facebook comments (including their fan’s discussion of chainsaws and arborists). Hope that wasn’t because of us. Easy fellas, we’re friendly here. Just intrigued neighbors. 😉
A Taste Of Africa
Soft opening this week, Cazamance, is an outdoor African fusion concept opening in the Rainey Street District. Located on the northwest corner of Davis @ Rainey, and directly across from Clive Bar. This takes the place of where Container Bar was planned to go.
Iba Thian, a famliar face at Clive Bar, is spearheading the project in cooperation with Bridget Dunlap and Scranton Twohey.
You should be able to stop by tomorrow to pick up a menu and try it out. Just remember this only their soft opening.
Along with El Naranjo and G’raj Mahal, Rainey Street is starting to become a respectable destination for authentic cultural cuisine… al fresco style.
-Jude
