As East Austin continues to evolve, a blend of Texas tradition and modern leisure is taking shape in the form of Chalmers, a new bar and restaurant housed in a repurposed Shell gas station. The team behind popular spots Armadillo Den and Dainty Dilly have expanded their portfolio with this fresh establishment at 1700 E. Cesar Chavez St., promising a casual ice house atmosphere with a hint of West Texas charm.
Setting up shop in the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood, Chalmers is opening its doors on July 4, incorporating West Texas and Marfa influences into both its design and culinary offerings, "We're thrilled to be opening up our second restaurant in East Austin this year," co-owner Brett Berry stated in a press release obtained by Community Impact, drawing inspiration from the team's road-trip stops in roadside gas stations. Embracing the spirit of their journeys, guests can anticipate a menu that includes Southwestern fry bread tacos loaded with a variety of toppings, from spiced ground beef to strip steak and mushrooms, hearty burgers, patty melts, and a plethora of appetizers like the uniquely named "Tumbleweed" crispy fried onion strings.
The thirst-quenching options at Chalmers also reflect the quirky West Texas aesthetic, featuring inventive drinks such as a frozen Mexican martini laced with okra brine and a nitro carajillo customizable with a shot of tequila, "Drinks-wise, expect draft cocktails and beers," described Brett Berry in a statement to Eater Austin. Accommodating modern convenience, food can be ordered via QR codes or directly at the food trucks, and a dessert truck serving snow cones and soft serve along with a BBQ truck is set to park on-site.
Architecturally, Chalmers respects its historical shell as an iconic fuel station now boasting 3,000 square feet of transformed indoor space adjoined by a 2,000-square-foot deck outdoors where Chalmers will facilitate live music and community events within its Western-themed decor, the venue plans to host live music shows on Wednesdays and weekends, additionally, features a fenced-in off-leash dog park designed by Canales & Co. The space aims to be family-friendly, and inviting with its eclectic mix of televisions, fire pits, and live music stages, thus, the environment is kid- and family-friendly until 6 p.m. daily, catering to the community's diverse demographic.
Chalmers represents a seamless collaboration between the seasoned hospitality minds of the Armadillo Den team—Cade Archer, Brett Berry, Josh Hazzard, Skylar Reeves—and Excelsior Hospitality's Michael Covey. General manager Aaron Amtower, a veteran of Armadillo Den, will be at the helm. As it gears up for its multi-staged opening, beginning with limited service on July 4 and expanding into the complete backyard experience in the following weeks, Chalmers seems committed to stamping its identity as a social hub that captures the spirit of Texas in a uniquely Austin way.
