Odd Duck Austin

Nestled in the heart of Austin’s vibrant South Lamar neighborhood, Odd Duck is a culinary gem that celebrates Texas flavors with a creative twist. This farm-to-table restaurant boasts a warm, rustic-chic ambiance with exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and an open kitchen that lets you watch the magic happen. Open from 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, Odd Duck is perfect for foodies seeking inventive dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Reach them at (512) 433-6521 for reservations or questions.

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Menu Highlights

Small Plates

Grilled Quail with Cornbread Pudding – Tender quail paired with sweet, custardy cornbread.
Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese – Earthy beets meet creamy goat cheese and candied pecans.
Pork Belly Sliders with Pickled Vegetables – Melt-in-your-mouth pork with tangy, crisp pickles.
Charred Octopus with Smoked Paprika Aioli – Perfectly tender octopus with a smoky, garlicky dip.
Texas Peaches with Burrata and Prosciutto – Sweet, salty, and creamy in every bite.
Wild Mushroom Toast with Truffle Oil – Earthy mushrooms on crusty bread with luxurious truffle.
Deviled Eggs with Crispy Chicken Skin – Classic deviled eggs with a crunchy, savory twist.
Fried Green Tomatoes with Comeback Sauce – Crispy, tangy tomatoes with a spicy remoulade.
Lamb Meatballs with Mint Yogurt – Spiced lamb balls with cool, refreshing yogurt sauce.
Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Jam – Caramelized sprouts with sweet and smoky bacon jam.

Main Courses

Grass-Fed Beef Ribeye with Bone Marrow Butter – Juicy ribeye enriched with decadent marrow butter.
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction – Perfectly cooked duck with sweet-tart cherry sauce.
Whole Roasted Fish of the Day – Market-fresh fish simply prepared with herbs.
Braised Short Rib with Creamy Grits – Fall-off-the-bone beef with silky smooth grits.
Vegetable Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles – Flaky pastry wrapped around savory mushroom filling.
Pork Chop with Apple Mostarda – Thick-cut chop with sweet-spicy apple condiment.
Seared Scallops with Corn Puree – Buttery scallops atop sweet corn cream.
Rabbit Ragu with Handmade Pappardelle – Tender rabbit in rich tomato sauce over wide noodles.
Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Forbidden Rice – Umami-packed eggplant with nutty black rice.
Texas Quail Two Ways with Jalapeño Grits – Fried and roasted quail with a spicy kick.

Sides

Duck Fat Fries with Garlic Aioli – Crispy fries with rich duck fat flavor.
Charred Broccoli with Chili Flakes – Smoky broccoli with a touch of heat.
Sweet Potato Mash with Brown Butter – Velvety sweet potatoes with nutty butter.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Fresh asparagus brightened with citrus.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Rosemary – Golden potatoes with aromatic herbs.

Desserts

Buttermilk Pie with Blueberry Compote – Tangy custard pie with sweet berry sauce.
Chocolate Budino with Sea Salt – Silky chocolate pudding with salty contrast.
Pecan Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce – Southern classic with boozy caramel.
Lemon Curd Tart with Meringue – Bright citrus filling with fluffy topping.
Texas Honey Ice Cream with Pecans – Local honey ice cream with crunchy nuts.

Restaurant Details

The interior of Odd Duck Austin blends industrial elements with cozy, rustic touches. Exposed ductwork and concrete floors mix with warm wood tables and soft Edison bulb lighting, creating a space that feels both modern and inviting. The open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs at work, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Service at Odd Duck strikes the perfect balance between knowledgeable and unpretentious. Staff can explain every component of the complex dishes without making you feel like you’re in a stuffy fine-dining establishment. They’re happy to make recommendations and accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and skill in preparation. Small plates range from $12-$18, while mains run $24-$38. While not cheap, the inventive flavors and generous portions make it a good value for the quality. The restaurant offers an excellent wine list and craft cocktails that complement the food perfectly.

The vibe is casual yet sophisticated – you’ll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to date-night attire. The noise level can get lively during peak hours, contributing to the energetic Austin atmosphere. Outdoor seating is available on their charming patio, perfect for Austin’s milder evenings.

Conclusion

Odd Duck Austin has earned its reputation as one of the city’s most exciting restaurants by consistently delivering innovative, flavor-packed dishes. Standouts include the Grass-Fed Beef Ribeye with Bone Marrow Butter, the Charred Octopus, and the unforgettable Buttermilk Pie. This is the perfect spot for adventurous eaters, locavores who appreciate the farm-to-table philosophy, and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience that captures Austin’s unique culinary spirit.

My personal mini-review: After multiple visits, I’m still discovering new favorite dishes at Odd Duck. The creativity never feels gimmicky – every flavor combination makes sense and enhances the quality ingredients. The Pork Belly Sliders and Miso-Glazed Eggplant are must-tries for first-timers. While it’s not an everyday dining spot for