Odd Duck is a restaurant located in Austin, TX, that offers a unique and inventive dining experience. The restaurant is known for its focus on local and seasonal ingredients, as well as its creative and playful approach to cuisine.
Odd Duck’s menu is constantly changing based on the availability of ingredients, but some of their signature dishes include the pork belly slider with a fried quail egg, the grilled octopus with chorizo and potatoes, and the smoked duck breast with sweet potato puree. They also offer a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wines to pair with their dishes. Informative post
In addition to its delicious food, Odd Duck is also known for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is open for dinner every day except Monday and also offers brunch on the weekends.
Establishment
Odd Duck was founded by team Bryce Gilmore and Dylan Gilmore in 2009. Bryce had previously gained experience working in some of Austin’s most notable kitchens, including Barley
Swine and Uchi, before deciding to strike out on his own. He and Dylan started by opening a food trailer called the Odd Duck Farm to Trailer, which quickly gained a loyal following for its creative and locally sourced cuisine.
In 2013, the Gilmores decided to take their business to the next level by opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the bustling South Lamar neighborhood. The new restaurant was designed to be a more refined version of its food trailer, with an expanded menu, full bar, and a more comfortable atmosphere. It quickly became a hit with both locals and tourists, earning rave reviews from critics and diners alike. Try here
Today, Odd Duck is considered one of the top restaurants in Austin and has been recognized by numerous publications, including the James Beard Foundation, which nominated Bryce Gilmore for Best Chef Southwest in 2017 and 2019.
History
The history of Odd Duck is closely tied to the rise of the local food movement in Austin, which emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Bryce Gilmore was an early adopter of this approach, and his passion for farm-to-table cooking is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant’s menu.
The original Odd Duck trailer was known for its innovative dishes, which combined classic southern flavors with unexpected ingredients and techniques. Some of the most popular items included the pork belly slider, the duck egg curry, and the smoked chicken salad. These dishes were a hit with local foodies, who appreciated the Gilmores’ commitment to quality and creativity.
When the Gilmores opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2013, they brought the same philosophy to a larger stage. The menu was expanded to include a wider range of dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the bar program was expanded to include craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Despite these changes, the restaurant’s core values remained the same: to serve delicious, locally sourced food in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Over the years, Odd Duck has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing food scene in Austin. The restaurant has embraced new trends like the use of fermentation and pickling while staying true to its roots in southern and Texan cuisine. In 2019, the Gilmores opened a sister restaurant called Sour Duck Market, which offers a more casual dining experience and focuses on baked goods, sandwiches, and other grab-and-go items.
Through it all, Odd Duck has remained a beloved institution in Austin’s food scene and a testament to the power of creative, sustainable, and community-focused cooking.
How to Go There?
Odd Duck is located at 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704.
There are several ways to get there, depending on your starting location:
- By car: If you have a car, you can take S Lamar Blvd south from downtown Austin. Odd Duck is located on the west side of the street between Collier and Gibson Streets. There is limited street parking available, but there is also a parking lot behind the restaurant that is accessible from Gibson Street.
- By bus: The #5 and #30 bus routes run along S Lamar Blvd and have stops near Odd Duck. Check the Capital Metro website for specific schedules and route information.
- By bike or scooter: Austin has a number of bike and scooter rental services, such as B-Cycle and Lime, that allow you to rent a bike or scooter and ride it to Odd Duck. There is a bike rack available in front of the restaurant.
No matter how you get there, be sure to check the restaurant’s hours and make a reservation in advance if possible. Odd Duck is a popular destination and can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Important Information about Odd Duck
- Address: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
- Website: http://oddduckaustin.com/
- Phone: +15124336521
- Working Hours: Monday-Thursday (5–9 PM), Friday-Saturday (5–9:30 PM), Sunday (5–9 PM)