In these times of woe and want, finding good Happy Hour food is a challenge. Sometimes, it is the difference between going out and not going out at all. Generally, I do the math on on how much I will save (what I can afford) and hope the food will be edible.
On my way down Congress Ave., I thought it might be a good idea to stay hydrated (Gin and Tonic), so I stopped into Annie’s Cafe and Bar. They have a new Chef on the burners, Brian Bennett, and a new Happy Hour menu that launched this week. Brian comes to us via New Orleans and the menu reflects his style. Pictured above is Duck Confit with Arugula on Mashed Potatoes with a Sweet Demi Sauce. EXCELLENT. Crispy on the outside but still moist on the inside. Take a look, this was no ‘two bite plate’, closer to a full portion size.
Shrimp Orleans is a dish that I had not had before, but now have committed to eating four to six times a day. Grilled Baguettes with giant U10 Gulf Shrimp, smothered in a Chili Butter Sauce. Crushingly good. Dangerously decadent.
And, here is the punchline: some crazy person came up with the prices. I think they may have left a digit off some of these items.
$4.95 : Shrimp Orleans, Cheese Plate, Mussels, Duck Confit, Pizzas
$3.99 : Sliders, Antipasta Salad, Calamari
$2.95 : Burger & Fries
$1.95 : Truffle Fries (pictured above), Truffle Mac & Cheese
Go ahead and re-read the prices, they are correct, I double checked. The portion sizes are very generous and more importantly, the food was very good. Happy Hour food tends to get neglected, but Annie’s has focus. Cooked and seasoned properly, the Sliders were moist and the Fries were crispy. Annie’s just set the bar pretty high for Happy Hour in Austin.
Happy Hour : 4pm – 7pm Tuesday – Saturday, 10pm – 12am Friday and Saturday
Drink Specials at the bar – $3 premium wells, $3 drafts, $6 Carafe Wine $3, off cocktails
Annie’s Cafe and Bar : 319 Congress Avenue Austin, TX : (512) 472-1884
I totally agree. Annie’s is a wonderful spot for happy hour AND dinner. Lunch for me is their weakest link…and their busiest time. I’ve also had great experiences at Sunday brunch. Did you know that they offer tango lessons on Wednesday nights? I hope to check it out someday soon.
You had me at truffle fries. And I love that they have a “reverse” happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays – that’s awesome!
WOW!!! I had to go try this for myself. I went on Saturday at 6PM to catch the Happy Hour. The bar was full. I got all I could eat and drink for less than $20, and it was DELICIOUS!!! I can’t wait til it warms up and I can sit outside.
Loved it! http://atasteofkoko.blogspot.com/2010/05/annies.html