Loro

To say I love Loro might be an understatement—we have been here more times in the past year then we have been to any other restaurant in Austin. There is no two, three, or four ways about it—the food is GOOD! I feel by now everyone must have heard of it. And yet I have discovered, there are individuals in the Hills south and west of Austin that give me a blank stare when I say the word—Loro.

Billed as an Asian smokehouse meets Texas barbecue, Loro is a contemporary Texas rustic restaurant, serving beer, wine & cocktails along with their mind-blowing fusion food. It is the brainchild of James Beard Award winners, Tyson Cole of Uchi, and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue. That alone must be a selling factor—decision maker—and I probably do not need to write another word. But I just can’t help myself!

Living in the country, we try hard to avoid this popular smokehouse in the evening and on weekends. When in Austin we prefer late lunches or happy hour repasts before turning our car south toward home. The menu is the same, except for the smoked beef entrees which are not served till after 5 p.m.  Someday we are just going to have to brave the happy Austin crowds.

The Food

We have tried so many things on the menu, all extremely wonderful and tasty, that I would order them five times over.  But…there are so many other flavors yet to taste, it is hard to talk myself into ordering the same thing twice. Yet we do.

One day we arrived during the lunch hour to find a large table filled with at least ten friends. They solved the tasting dilemma by seemingly ordering everything on the menu, then sharing.  I’m up for that, but in all honesty, each time I take a bite of my new selection I have a very hard time talking myself into sharing—even with Michael. I jealously guard my plate.

The one thing we order every single time we walk through their door is Crunchy Sweet Corn Fritters with a sriracha aioli dipping sauce.  The fritters are as billed—loads of sweet corn, a lighter than air, delicate, crunchy batter with bright yellow kernels peeking through the cilantro which is sprinkled liberally on top. They are so-o-o-o-o GOOD, our server now delivers two orders to our table instead of one. The first time this happened, I thought, This is way too much.  I am wrong frequently.

All I can say is, “TRY LORO—YOU WILL LIKE IT!”

The Particulars

With plenty of seating, both inside and out, Loro is a place that screams—Bring your friends! We are here to make sure you have fun—and are well fed, and well-watered.

Michael’s favorite libation is a Frozen Gin and Tonic, and I always lean toward wine. Loro also has a huge selection of craft beer and batch cocktails.

Loro is located at 2115 South Lamar boulevard in Austin, and is open daily from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.  On Friday and Saturday, they stay open till 11 p.m.

Weekday Happy Hour is from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.