East Austin has just been injected with a heavy dose of New York City swagger, courtesy of the newly minted Murray's Tavern. Opened on December 8, this buzzing spot is dishing out not just top-shelf libations but a hearty slice of Big Apple nostalgia as well. As reported by My San Antonio, the place is already a hit online, carving out its niche on the once-humble turf of former favorite Gourmands.
Embracing a concept that seems to effortlessly marry sophistication with age-old tradition, Murray's Tavern owner Travis Tober's toast to New York City taverns of yesteryear. The entrepreneur aimed to create a space that would resonate with the storied watering holes his grandmother frequented, confiding to Austin Eater that this is what he "feels like the bars my grandmother was hanging out at." Offering a nostalgic selection that includes Rob Roys and frozen Brandy Alexanders—the very drinks his grandmother introduced him to—Murray's is all about homage.
Critics and fans alike are vying to chime in on the tavern's pricier menu, where an $18 Reuben sandwich and $24 fish and chips have raised some eyebrows among the locals craving for Gourmand's more wallet-friendly fare. Yet, the Instagram crowd, including users like @masaris, can't seem to help but give nods to what they anticipate to be "Sloppy steak potential there." Foodies are diving straight into the heart of the menu, with heavy hitters like influencer @thedaviddouglass broadcasting his culinary jaunt through Murray's offerings in all its au jus-dripping glory.
The ambiance, a blend of rustic and modern, hasn't escaped the TikTok trendsetters' radars either. @taniaortega24 praised in her video "It is such a stunning transformation," while showcasing a bar scene that Murray seems to have nailed down to fine art. Meanwhile, the drink scene at Murray's is equally buzzworthy, with users like @theATXdrinker showcasing the tavern's cocktail mastery, albeit without mentioning the price tag—except @thedaviddouglass made a note of a $9 mini espresso martini on the tab.
Behind the food and drink, there's a clear mission to keep the community at the heart of Murray's ethos. As Austin Eater reveals, a patio bar with a community focus named Half Moon is set to open in March 2024, with plans for free neighborhood pig roasts. And with the addition of a back dining room to Murray's reserved for dinners Thursday through Sunday, the centrally located tavern on Webberville Road is setting itself up to be a prime local hangout.
The grand entrance, featuring a Tiffany lamp and framed remembrances of Tober's grandparents, offers patrons an inviting glimpse into the past. On December 15, the tavern hosted an opening party with esteemed guest Frank Caiafa, author of the Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, marking a commencement that is as ambitious as the drinks menu itself. Murray's Tavern is ready to serve East Austin from the afternoon until the wee hours, with plans to extend those hours as early as 2024.
