The culinary landscape of the east side of Austin is welcoming back a familiar favorite. Kalimotxo, the Spanish bar and restaurant that once seasoned the downtown mood with its European flavors, is slated for a grand reopening this fall. Relocating to the Arrive Austin hotel on East Sixth Street, the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group-helmed establishment is setting up shop in the heart of a buzzing district, anticipated to be a new cornerstone for Spanish cuisine enthusiasts. According to Eater Austin, doors will open on October 11, with the restaurant nestled at 1812A East Sixth Street.
With Emmer & Rye's Corporate Chef Keith Rzepecki at the helm of the kitchen, the offerings are an homage to both the pintxo bars of San Sebastián and Madrid's classic eateries. Undoubtedly, patrons will relish in a tapestry of small plates, including Basque pintxos and Andalusian tapas. Those tempted by larger servings can revel in raciones or plunge into platos such as whole-grilled Gulf daurade and Texas wagyu rib-eye dressed with sherry-candied piquillo peppers. With 113 seats to fill, the restaurant is promising a multifaceted dining experience. As Community Impact reports, Rzepecki said, "Guests can interact with the menu in a multitude of ways, from enjoying a lengthy pintxos and tapas menu for snacks and drinks or indulging in raciones and platos for a full dining experience."
It's not just the food that's taking center stage. The beverage program, curated by Bar Director Kate Houser, is equally ambitious. Alongside classic cocktails from the original Kalimotxo menu, guests can expect invigorating mixes like the blood orange-laced Kaixo! and the PCT, a blend featuring blanco tequila and manzanilla sherry with the unique addition of tomato jam. Wine lovers will be catered to with a focus on Spanish and Basque bottles, supplemented by sherry flights for the more adventurous sippers. Houser conveyed her excitement about the drinks, telling Community Impact, "We will have some fan-favorite Kalimotxo cocktails on the menu along with some new faces. We can't wait to introduce you to the wild and wonderful fortified wines we're proud to pour or shake up your new favorite cocktail."
The atmosphere of Kalimotxo aims to complement the food and drink with a design that celebrates both the old and the new. The centerpiece bar, a carryover from Vixen’s Wedding, was redesigned by Rand Egbert of the Emmer & Rye group, along with the collaborative efforts of Burton Baldridge Architects and Havens Construction, as initially seen in Eater Austin. Serving as a visual and cultural anchor, the refurbished interior promises to be a hub for the vibrant Spanish food scene of Austin.
Post-relocation, Kalimotxo seems poised to reestablish itself as a leading destination for food aficionados and nighttime revelers alike. With its doors opening from 5 to 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday and extending to 11 p.m. on the weekends, the restaurant is ready to offer both indoor and outdoor dining experiences for those looking to savor authentic Spanish fare deep in the heart of Texas.
