The eagerly awaited South Austin expansion of Uncle Nicky's is poised to make its debut. Settling into South Lamar at 2121 South Lamar Boulevard, the Italian cafe known for its casual all-day menu and spirited concoctions is slated to open doors on Saturday, June 22. The new venue will mirror the fast-casual service style and culinary offerings of its original Hyde Park location. This includes an array of sandwiches, pasta, and the so-called daily brunch with offerings like ricotta pancakes and Eggs Nicky, as detailed by Eater Austin.
As a beacon of not just food but also drink innovation, Uncle Nicky's stands out with its extensive beverage program, which features Italian essentials such as coffee, wine, negronis, spritzes, and espresso cocktails. Highlighting the cafe's creativity are drinks like the Tropic Thunder, a twist on a classic negroni, and the Oaxacan Espresso, an inventive take on coffee libations. Eater Austin reports that the additions are geared to elevate Uncle Nicky's drink offerings, from morning to late-night hours.
The original Uncle Nicky's kitchen was first fired up in 2019 in Hyde Park, taking a space once occupied by the gelato shop Dolce Vita. Operators Nic Yanes and Travis Tober, who have a track record of other ventures including Murray's Tavern, take pride in providing an environment where guests can either grab a quick bite or linger for hours. In a statement obtained by CultureMap Austin, Chef Yanes emphasized their objective to create a space for culinary innovation in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
The arrival of Uncle Nicky's is a boon to South Lamar's diverse food scene. It fills a niche in the neighborhood's dining landscape, offering a super-casual Italian setting among a background of various culinary establishments. The new location will cater to the Italian food aficionados of South Austin, serving dishes like baked pepperoni rigatoni, Uncle Nicky’s meatballs, and desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli. Uncle Nicky's South Lamar will welcome guests daily, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., as noted by CultureMap Austin.
