North Loop is about to get a double dose of new flavor as Yellow Ranger, an American Chinese restaurant, gears up to serve its first plate of dumplings this Thursday, April 25. Inside the also-new bar the Golden Horn, patrons can expect a laid-back atmosphere fit for feasting on a menu that's as much about camaraderie as it is about cuisine, as reported by, Eater Austin.
Backing the new joint venture is a seasoned team of hospitality pros. Chef Jeremy Young, who cut his culinary teeth at recognized Austin establishments like Emmer & Rye and Ramen Tatsu-Ya, spearheads Yellow Ranger's kitchen. Partnering with him is Marcos Canchola, a familiar name in Austin's nightlife scene, boasting ties to local favorites including Barfly's and Violet Crown. According to Community Impact, the duo's collaboration is setting up shop at 5420 Airport Blvd., a space previously occupied by Burger Tex, a long-standing restaurant that closed its doors in 2020.
As per Eater Austin, Young revealed his approach to crafting the menu. Shifting away from traditional Chinese culinary methods, he found inspiration in his own American upbringing, filled with nostalgic meals that blended both American and Chinese flavors. This fusion now defines Yellow Ranger's culinary vision, with an eclectic menu poised to offer dishes like chicken laimen, bao stuffed with mapo tofu, and even a kimchi hot dog wrapped in a croissant.
The vibrant eatery takes its catchy name from pop culture, specifically alluding to "The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" as a nod to the '90s kids and to embrace a personal identity narrative. "What once made me different, an 'other,' an outcast, is now my guiding light," Young told Eater Austin, referencing the childhood experience of being pigeonholed as the Yellow Ranger due to his Asian heritage.
Just as expansively eccentric as its adjacent restaurant, the Golden Horn promises an array of draft beers, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options in a space that champions wood and leather aesthetics. With darts and pool tables on offer, a homey vibe seems to be the name of the game. The Golden Horn opens daily from noon to 2 a.m., while Yellow Ranger will initially operate Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m. Both establishments are raring to become the latest hotspots in the North Loop's burgeoning bar and dining scene.
