Haddington’s

Haddington’s happy hour is the place to be on Mondays before 7!
They have $ 2 local beers, GOOD beers, like (512) and Live Oak. If you’re hungry, I suggest the Oyster Po’boy. It’s made with bread from Easy Tiger and it rocks! They have a Duck PB&J that friends say is tasty too.
The bartenders are very good at their craft. Watching them make cocktails is entertaining and they are very precise. They have an interesting list of signature cocktails, one even includes an egg. I’m certain they can make any drink you want if you decide to order off menu.
I’m only telling you guys about this happy hour because I love you. Seriously, don’t go telling everyone about it. If I can’t find a place to sit it’s going to ruin my day.
***EDIT***
Unilocal said Haddington’s was reported to be closed, but I didn’t want to believe it was true. Sadly, I just confirmed via Haddington’s twitter they are indeed closed as of March 17. I’m heartbroken! It’s the closest thing I had to my dream of a Wizard of Oz themed bar and now it’s gone. Very sad.

Haddington’s is probably my favorite example of a gastropub I’ve found in Austin so far. It feels a bit like a the pub around the corner and a bit like a speakeasy. They had great mixed drinks and were happy to come up with something special that was non-​alcoholic for my pregnant wife.
The food was also amazing. I had the oyster poboy and it wasn’t disappointing at all even though I had just gotten back from 5 days in New Orleans. I also got the steamed mussels and they were amazing and the broth was so good that I had to ask for extra bread to sop it up and not waste any.
My wife got the flank steak and said the arugula pesto was out of this world. I ate her blue cheese potato croquettes since she thought they were too strong with the blue cheese, but I loved them. They were like blue cheese potato hush puppies.
All of this was combined with a great simple, but trendy-​without-​trying vibe made it a great date night spot. I will definitely be back.

A friend had a birthday, which means they get to pick the restaurant. Once I reviewed the menu, I wasn’t that excited. It looked really fancy schmancy and I always end up ordering the wrong thing at those places and get sad I paid 25 bucks for something I don’t really care for.
However, we were there with a giant group of friends who are all down for the «everyone buys something and we all taste it» so it worked well. The pork cracklin was amazeballs. I’m not generally a fried pork fat person but I probably ate a good majority of that. They had pickles that were awesome! We got a giant cheese plate that was amazing. I had an Aviation drink which was also tasty.
Being that I had so much in the way of snackies, I decided to try the Cauliflower steak for dinner. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I got was half a cauliflower, grilled and seasoned kinda like a steak, on a bed of cheesy risoto. FREAKING AMAZING.
We split some deserts, and they were good, but nothing to write home about. I think I was just so full that I could barely shove more food in.
The service was relaxed, but not super slow, and they were very attentive to a big party. It’s still not my scene, but I would not be scared to go back!

Egg custard divine
Mussels nice prep yet needed to pump more iron
Fries, fries, fries!
Fish & chips perfecto
Burgers good not great
Cocktails galore and more
Décor is not a bore
Happy hour will make you soar (sore?)

We took some clients here for dinner the other night and I was very impressed at the location and the service. The bartender was great and quick — I got a Pimm’s Cup and a Ginger beer.
We moved onto dinner and Chris helped us out with specials and brought lots of great appetizers — cheeses, ham, bread, french fries!
The main event was a MASSIVE ribeye steak. It was cooked perfectly and was very tender. It came with some great potatoes. It had a picked hash under it which I didn’t care for but it didn’t really detract from the meal.
All in all a very pleasant dining experience. Whoever’s iPod was powering the music that night was pretty amazing — we all stopped talking when Candy Man from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory came on.

I came to Haddington’s with a small group of friends for a late dinner on a Saturday night. The cocktail menu’s pretty extensive and includes creative and interesting concoctions. The only drink I’d advise against is the one that contains lavender. My friend ordered it, and I tasted it. It tasted like soap. Another friend opined that it tasted like cough syrup. I think lavender belongs in candles and soap, not your drink. But there’s obviously a market for lavender in drinks, so more power to you if you’re one of them.
As for the food, you MUST have the truffled egg custard. It was soooo good I wanted to lick the bowl afterwards. My friend’s soft-​shell crab sandwich was also very good. My mini-​duck meatloaf was good, but not fantastic. The mussels were mediocre — the broth was okay and the mussels had mysteriously managed to cool off by the time they made it to our table from the kitchen, which was a whopping two feet away.
Anyway, I’d still come back to Haddington’s. The food’s not excellent, but pretty good for the most part. And they have an interesting menu with lots of fun bites I’d like to try.

Like so many of life’s journeys, the twists and turns along the road that eventually led me to Haddington’s was fraught with conflict and drama, pernicious villains and insurmountable obstacles… until finally the hero (es) prevail and we all lived happily ever after.
It all began with an (admittedly late) discussion about where Saturday’s dinner with Jen and Miss Sugarbaker should take place. We each threw out names, and then promptly shot each other’s ideas down. So much so, I was starting to feel like a group of flaky middle-​schoolers who take an hour to make up their mind on what to rent at a Blockbuster (I do realize a «Blockbuster» reference dates me). Finally, Miss Sugarbaker made the case for Ranch 616, and a quick tip that mentioned fried oysters persuaded me. Another quick tip stressed the importance of making reservations, so with only few hours before dinner service and a prayer, I called.
I spoke with «Lela» or «Lila». I asked if there was any chance to make a reservation for 4, anytime between 7 – 9. I detected a snicker as she took my name and number, and she said she’d call me back. Before I could thank her, she abruptly hung up on me. I’ll give you three guesses who *didn’t* get a call back. Unfazed, Miss Sugarbaker said if we just showed up, there may be a chance we’d get in.
We were dropped off by the cab, and Miss Sugarbaker walked inside to negotiate a table. He came out and informed us there’d be nothing until 10; he also added that the hostess was unbelievably rude. There is a gracious way to inform people that the restaurant is full, and then there’s Ranch 616’s way. We weren’t 100% sure it was the same girl «Lela», but it really didn’t matter. We had had about enough of snotty hostesses on power trips, and we walked across the street to Haddington’s.
Never before has the cliché «difference between night and day» felt more appropriate. Haddington’s was also full… BUT, the hostess was sweet, accommodating, and said that if we could release a certain table for an upcoming reservation at 9:00 (it was then 7:30), she would gladly seat us. Done and done, honey. THAT’s service.
Our waitress was equally polite, and I began with a vodka tonic, made with their own homemade tonic that added a dimension of flavor to the drink I had never experienced before. We also began with several appetizers including smoked quail (½ quail w/​andouille sausage, date purée, and creamed barley), as well as a pork rind that is so large, it must be seen to be believed. The quail was savory and tender, and the perfect small plate starter (although the duck mousse looked good, too). The pork rind was OK, although I’ve never had pork rind before, so I have no frame of reference. I figured if I were to have one, it would be at a tavern like Haddington’s.
Entrees included the hanger steak and fries for Miss Sugarbaker, and three Haddington Burgers for Jen, Tyler and me. Each burger came with sides of mushroom ketchup, pickle relish, and blue fondue. Bacon? Oh hell yes.
The burger boasted thick and delicious meat patties, although it appeared all three had come out well done, even though we all ordered it medium. Had it been pink, it would have been amazing; it tended towards the dry, but don’t get me wrong, I’d order it again. I suspect what occurred was that when Tyler ordered his *fries* «done», that word appeared on the ticket and the chef may have assumed it applied to the hamburgers. No biggie. Miss Sugarbaker’s hanger steak definitely stood out. Although not a particularly tender cut of meat, this dish was cooked with care and tasted wonderful.
We didn’t really feel like dessert, but the waitress felt we should at least try a couple. Since she was so sweet about it, we chose a sticky toffee pudding and some sort of «Austin cream pie». Sadly, both were incredibly weak. Miss Sugarbaker outright despised the toffee one, and the cake was basically dry sponge cake topped with chocolate sauce. The waitress could tell we were clearly disaffected with the dessert course, but we were really nice about it when we told her truthfully that neither one was impressive. On her own volition, both were not included on our tab, something which we did not expect at all, but truly appreciated.
We were out with time to spare. It’s funny how such a crummy situation with the restaurant across the street can inadvertently steer us into the right direction and the right restaurant to patronize.
After the terrible waitstaff at other restaurants that weekend, Haddington’s redeemed my faith in quality service, and reminded me how integral it is to the entire dining experience.
Overall, the food hovered around 3 ½ stars, but the OUTSTANDING service bumps the rating up to a strong 4.

The food here was so delectable! I had two of their appetizers; the venison tar tare and the duck mini duck meatloaf. Both were tasty, but the venison was more piquant. I would recommend that dish to everyone who enjoys tar tares. The meatloaf was a little more on the sweeter side, but still enjoyable. I tried my friends white bean & garlic dip which was quite light. Another friend of mine ordered the chicken and truffle. I had a chance to try the dish and have to admit, I wanted to ask her if I could lick her plate. I was so good and I normally don’t order chicken when I go out to eat, but I would make an exception!
It’s a lively atmosphere and nicely decorated as well. I would go back if I am ever in Austin again.

Went here with Anita D. She said everything I wanted to say.
Very excited about going here since it got such good reviews. I was surprised that they were completely empty at 1am, but I now know why. The bartender was so rude and condescending. In Austin, there are plenty of other options to drink.
BUT, the highlight of the night was almost seeing Anita D. jump across the bar and knock out the bartender.

Delicious food!
Things to try for appetizers: Truffled Egg Custard, White Bean and Garlic, Duck Mousse that all come with toast. All of these are basically a spread– it’s a generous amount. For a party of 2, I’d recommend ordering only two of those and then coming back and ordering the other.
Small plates: Steamed black mussels– I like it because it has a smokey flavor to it
Mesquite Smoked quail– everything paired together on this plate is delicious
Entrees: Love Letters– perfect for a vegetarian or non vegetarian. Definitely does not lack flavor

Finally managed to get in here for a dinner date!
I just love the look and feel of this place, just sets a mood, ya know? We dressed up a bit (because you can get a way with here) for a nice evening out and Haddington’s did not disappoint, it was lovely.
I would have loved to start my evening off with an amazing cocktail but I’m not currently participating in the consumption of adult beverages. (I know what you are thinking, «and you went to Haddington’s!?!») It was a great test of willpower to read slowly over the drink menu and still order water. I was very proud of myself.
The drinks here, while excellent, are expensive, as in $ 10 a pop. And unfortunately, they aren’t very big — I could’ve tackled my bf’s Moscow Mule in 2 – 3 sips. Good news is, opting out of booze meant I had more money for food! So I took my twenty bucks and ordered the Hanger Steak entrée (with greens instead of fries).
Normally when you spend $ 25 bucks on a steak at a «nice» place, you get a cute little fillet the size of a tennis ball. This thing was the size of my plate, I kid you not, probably 12 ounces. (Think Steak Night at Woody’s.) Hell ya.
For once, I could not finish my dinner and had to take half the steak home. (The side of greens was plentiful and rich, and we also started off with the fried Brussels Sprouts — highly recommended!).
The only downside (other than the price/​size of drinks) was that it got rather loud. We were in one of the smaller side rooms and while a couple other tables of two were just bearable, the table of 4 girls (who I believe pre-​partied somewhere cheaper) made it unpleasant. We weren’t staying for dessert anyway (bet your ass i will be back though — sticky toffee pudding?! S’more cake?! — yes please) so we left before it got too annoying.
I’m trying to be more conservative about handing out five stars, so I’m withholding for drink pricing only. (The volume thing cant be helped, and the separation Haddington’s has is perfect for private groups).

So Hubby has decided to enter 2012 and his 50^th year on this planet as a body builder. This means lots of gym time and a crazy diet. As his biggest fan and supporter (trust me, I am a way bigger supporter than those tiny speedos he’ll have to wear for competition!), I am also on the same diet. It’s basically lots of lean protein, fresh veggies, a modest amount of whole grains, and NO ALCOHOL***. This has been a complete lifestyle change for us. Instead of hedonistically going out all the time to happy hours, for dinner, to clubs, Sunday Fundays, and strip clubs, we now stay at home most nights cooking and weighing out on our kitchen scale exactly 7 oz meat, measuring exactly ¼ cup quinoa, and drinking water. LOTS of water. Yeah, we’re rock stars. Well, maybe Amish Rock Stars.
Sometimes tho, life gets in the way of this regimen. Another friend of ours turned 50 last week and we were invited to join them for a surprise birthday brunch at Haddingtons. We perused the menu and saw a few things we might could justify eating, so as we waited for our new baby having, running late friends, we ordered some «apps». I got the deviled egg for $ 3 and it was tasty, and Hubby got the oatmeal. Lemme just interject right here that I loathe oatmeal. You might as well soak cardboard in rainwater for 3 days, stir and heat it up as far as I’m concerned. I do force myself to eat it at least twice a week cause I know it’s good for me, but the irony of oatmeal is that tho it’s healthy, to make it taste good, you have to load it up with unhealthy stuff like sugar, cream and butter. I usually allow myself about one tablespoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, but this does nothing for my deep seated hatred of this dish. So, when hubby said his oatmeal was good, I was skeptical. The menu states it comes with sauteed apples, raisins and brown sugar, but failed to mention that it’s made with cream straight from God’s own sacred cow. Jumpin Jesus in a G-​string! This shit was dericious! And while hubby declared he could only eat a small portion of it, I continued nibbling on this big bowl all during brunch, even long after it had turned cold. Every time the waiter would try to remove it, I would growl at him.
The rest of the brunch items were only a-​ok as it turns out. Our friends started out with an order of the in house donuts (I should say EX-friends…how dare they eat that in front of us!) but they declared them way too greasy. My girlfriend also ordered the fried chicken eggs benedict and claimed that the chicken was also overly greasy. I ordered the steak and egg hash (steak, eggs, spinach, and onion) which I found to be delicious (a small portion but perfect for my dieting self). I think the rest of the table enjoyed their food ok, but I had my head buried in my dish, trying to avoid eye to nipple contact as new mother nursed :) When I looked up again, birthday boy had wiped out his cheddar apple omelet and hubby had finished his lamb burger (sans bread) so I guess they liked their food.
In the end, the manager stopped by to ask about our food and our friend pointed out that the fried objects tasted like old grease. He responded that they change the grease every day but he did take the donuts off the bill so that was nice.
The service was good. Our waiter, while very nice and attentive, did screw up our bill and it remains to be seen from our bank statement if we were charged correctly. All in all, I would give brunch at Haddington’s 3 stars, but that heavenly oatmeal bumps them up to four. For the life of me, I would never thought I would say Yay! I’m a fan of oatmeal. Anyone that can do that, gets my vote.
***Btw, those drink pix were from October for Bff’s birthday!

Yum. I feel like Haddington’s belongs more in Boston than in Austin, but I am so glad it’s here. You can tell that the people who work here really like food and care about how flavors work together. For example… I ordered the salmon, but wasn’t very excited about it. Every restaurant in Austin serves dill and risotto with salmon. But Haddington’s salmon comes with layers of flavor… a tangy lemon sauce, a sweet and sour relish, and onion strings. Every dish here has some unexpected pop of flavor, and I appreciate that. The sticky toffee pudding is sweet, salty and off the hook.
The food is a bit heavy for Austin weather, but who cares. The cocktails are well made, with old-​school liquors and homemade tonics and infusions, and the staff know their stuff. If Haddington’s were within walking distance of my place and I had money to spend, I would be at the bar all the time.

Haddington’s is a great spot for brunch. They have an interesting food menu and several creative brunch cocktails. I had the fried chicken eggs benedict and really enjoyed it. The bloody mary was decent but I prefer a thicker, spicier base. Their version is thin and has a noticeable clam juice flavor.
I like the look of the restaurant — it is a mix of modern and antique. Sit on the patio if the weather permits.

Unlike so many places one runs across, Haddintgon’s has everything working together: service, bar, extraordinary food, not overly priced, casual-​to-​classy atmosphere. There is a little something extra going on at Haddington’s. It has a zing a place gets when everything is clicking.
Begin with a Duck Fat Sazerac. Yes, it sounds bizarre and vaguely gross. It is one of the best cocktails you can have in Austin. Crisp and floral, it has a nice hoo-​ya bourbon kick. If you’re spooked by the «Duck Fat» part, don’t be. The drink does not taste «fatty.» If you’re not convinced, there is a Spaghetti Warehouse over on 6^th. Enjoy.
They have a terrific Moscow Mule at Haddington’s, too. It has been known that one reviewer can put a few Mules back on a hot summer evening after a crap day at work.
Get the cracklin’s — these will taste fatty — but in a good way. If you think you know what pork rinds taste like — think again. They are NOT like the crap you got out of the vending machine. The deviled eggs are wonderful, too.
There is depth and range to Haddington’s. Each part of each dish is correctly prepared in an of itself and is uniquely flavorful. The flavors do not repeat themselves throughout the menu, and it shows the care and expertise of the kitchen.
I’ve had the salmon which was delicate and lovely. I’ve had the hanger steak which was robust. All thing being equal I think I’d take the steak over the fish. Yes, try the hanger steak, but go back to explore the menu. In a word, excellent.

Rarely does ultra-​modern marry well with purposeful retro. Haddington’s does that. Matching a stylish, throwback interior and interesting wallpaper with freight door front cover entrance and a wire and plant mesh ultra-​modern patio (it looks really cool, you’ll see what I mean when you go), Haddington’s also pulls the same trick in its menu. You’re going to find the old-​fashioned sazerac type drinks, but there are some new ones for your enjoyment as well.
One memo, for those expecting old-​fashioned pork «cracklings» as described on the menu — that’s not entirely accurate. Sometimes you fry up the crackle and it’s known (and looks like) deep-​fried pork rinds. But traditionally, «crackle» is served as simply the crispy, delicious skin of a roasted pig. It might sometimes have a bit of hair in it. But it’s delicious. For those of you follicly-​phobic, worry not. Haddington’s serves up pork rinds here, not crackle.
So Jimmy crack corn, and…

Do you like booze? Of course you do, you have a pulse.
How high is your hipster tolerance? Exceptional? It better be, ’cause Haddington’s is hipster central.; Bartenders, servers, clientele, everybody.
Fortunately the food and drank more than make up for it.
I’ve been on a lifelong quest to find the best alcohol/​milkshake combination around. I’m happy to say Haddington’s milk punch has put an end to my search. The whipped eggs provide a frothy, nutmeg laced counterpoint to the bourbon/​milk combination that lies below. Delicious, flat out delicious.
Their staple steak & eggs has been replaced (boo) with an equally tasty hash & eggs. To be honest, the «hash» is more like slightly crispy pulled pork, but it earns accolades nonetheless. I also sampled the salted cod dish (can’t remember the name) and, surprise! it was pretty salty.
Besides the hipster ambiance, Haddington’s stumbled twice during my last visit. Our party of six were served water that smelled, to quote my wife, «like dog mouth.» Was it the ice cubes? The way the glasses were washed?
The blueberry clafouti had an overly eggy texture, almost like a quiche, when it’s supposed to be more flan-​like. Despite the fact that it’s served by the slice, don’t expect a cake texture.
Overall, Haddington’s is highly recommended, just be sure to strap on your skinny jeans.

Living in Southern California, I come across a lot of places calling themselves taverns. Usually, they are just sissy bistros that try to pass themselves off as gastropubs. But few, if any of them, really present themselves as taverns of times past.
Fortunately, Austin does not have that problem, for it has Haddington’s, a varnished wood and brick accented tavern that harks back to late 19^th century industrial era America. Just the kind of place you want to go for a drink after putting out (or surviving) a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.
While I did not actually eat here — it was far too late for that — I did acquaint myself with their drink program, which is very good. In particular, I found the Duck Fat Sazerac a clever, modern update to the classic pre-​Prohibition era cocktail. It’s a serious drink (not for the faint of heart) and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it.

I had an entirely too decadent lunch today at Haddingtons with some friends for a birthday. While they busted out a couple of Moscow Mules with H’s homemade ginger beer, I had the cutest and tiniest diet coke in the world.
Three appetizers were ordered and consumed in about 12 seconds. Ranked? Cracklins, Almonds and then the pickled veggies. Then we all ordered something different. Chicken Salad, Fish & Chips, TNT and their Thanksgiving version of a turkey sandwich. All of those were gorgeous huge sandwiches, served with crispy potatoes or some greens. We also indulged in some smoky tomato soup. If that’s the soup du jour — dont even hesitate. Get in that. I could have that every day and be happy.
My TNT was a grillable cheese with lots of sundried tomatoes and a truffle aioli. That sucker was the size of my head. I managed to get through about half of it and it made an equally tasty dinner. I managed to snag a bite of my friends turkey and cranberry sammy… which was sandwiched between two slabs of cornbread. No joke. This ain’t your typical delicate deli sandwich. What a fabulous meal with fabulous friends and great service to boot.

How dare you… Is what I was thinking when Quinn B. and I decided to give Haddingtons a try on a Saturday night at 6pm. Yes, Mr. Smidgens is that ballsy that he will walk into a place and expect to get a table. Don’t judge me.
Note to self: Make a reservation for this place. They do not take walk ins for the main dining area.
I am sure this will change once the hype dies down because they will indeed lose out on some $$$ if they don’t.
I was ushered to the bar area or the bar itself. Once Quinn B. parked the car and came inside we decided to sit at the bar and let Jennifer our bartender for the evening try and impress us.
I started out with the Haddington’s Word because I like scotch and this gastropub concoction had just that with a flash of fire no less!
I noticed as we sat there that there were tons o’ tables empty. It turns out that most of the reservations were at 7pm and 8pm. We tabbed out at 7:20pm. Nice!
I inquired about the soup de jour… ooooo that sounds good. I’ll have that.
Wait.what? Pause… think …aaaaand giggle.
I had the Stew of the day actually and it was a lentil beef stock stew. Very tasty and warming. Quinn B. had the Bibb Salad and for a salad it was top notch.
Now for the entrees we ordered the Blue Burger with bacon and the Fish and chips.
The burger was toooooo salty. I think it was the thick cut bacon that put it over the top. Kind of like that movie with Sylvester Stallone when he was an arm wrestler. Entertaining, nice to look at, but over the top. Just so happens to be the name of the movie. Google it.
The fish and chips were tasty with a light breading. Not like most pubs where you get breading and chips. For my dinner libation I chose the Blood and Sand with more scotch, cherry heering, vermouth, and a little orange juice. Very very very satisfying.
The experience was not overwhelming but the place is definitely great for drinks. They reeeeealy need to get their website up and running. C’mon!
In the mean time Mr. Smidgens will keep taking his big balls to Haddington’s and try and try to walk in and get a table in the dining area. Why you ask. Because I’m Mr. Smidgens!!!