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Mattie's

Austin

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Get the insider's scoop on Mattie's at Green Pastures, an upscale Austin gem that combines Southern comfort food with international flair.

Mattie's offers far more than just a meal — it's a full-on sensory experience that leaves you feeling like Southern royalty. In the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, this culinary wonderland sits like a regal queen, welcoming all who seek delicious food and a dash of history.

Curious about what makes Mattie's a standout among Austin restaurants? Just think sumptuous comfort food, darling, like buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken that'll make you weep tears of joy. But we won't stop there. The menu boasts a range of international cuisines — Italian, French, and American with an upscale twist.

Everything about Mattie's screams sophistication, from the divine appetizers to the comforting ambiance, yet it’s as down-to-earth as a backyard barbecue in South Austin. When you're thumbing through the map of Austin's culinary landscape, pin this hotspot right at the top of your “must-visit” list!

A Trip Down Memory Lane  

Mattie's isn't some pop-up fad that appeared overnight. It’s got roots as deep as a Southern grandma's love.

Located on W Live Oak St, this Austin legend was once a Victorian home turned Bouldin Creek beauty. The tale started in Kansas City but found its forever home in Texas, much like some of us who just had to move here to experience the allure of Austin for ourselves.

The Victorian mansion that houses Mattie's was built in the late 19th century, a time when Austin was barely more than a cow town with lofty aspirations. Green Pastures, the estate where Mattie’s resides, was already serving up hospitality and great food long before the current team took over the reins. Think lavish garden parties, stately dinners, and the kind of Southern charm you read about in steamy romance novels.

In its journey from Kansas City origins to the eclectic vibes of South Austin, Mattie’s has evolved without losing its sense of heritage. At every turn, you'll discover remnants of the past, blending seamlessly with the fresh and contemporary.

With changing ownership and evolving cuisines, Mattie's has stayed a staple in the Austin restaurant scene, an enduring legacy if there ever was one. Just like us modern folks who moved to Austin searching for something special, Mattie's found its own magical spot in this dynamic city and is here to stay.

Setting the Scene

You step into a Victorian-era dining room replete with vintage touches and American elegance. Ooh la la, yes, French and English influences make their appearance, too.

Mattie's even features outdoor seating with views you won't believe — including peacocks strutting their stuff. Come on, where else can you dine with peacocks as your wingmen? The venue itself is a Southern belle, dressed to the nines and ready to make a statement.

As you prance through the halls of this Victorian gem, you might feel like you've walked into an episode of Downton Abbey, but with a Southern twist. The architecture and decor are straight-up stunning, taking you on a journey from the deep American South all the way to European luxury.

The outdoor seating isn't just a handful of tables scattered around. We're talking about a lush, sprawling lawn where the colors of the peacocks mirror the green pastures. Brunch al fresco? Count us in. The opulent greenery acts as your natural backdrop, making every moment Instagram-worthy. Even happy hour turns into a photoshoot in these settings.

Trust and believe the venue alone is a reason to dial that phone number and make a reservation. Mattie's is your sanctuary if your ideal date night or brunch involves an escape into an almost otherworldly setting.

Every detail is deliberately designed to create an unforgettable atmosphere. It's like dining in a living history museum but with fabulous cocktails.

Food and Drinks

You’re here for the great food, aren't you? Well, Mattie’s doesn’t disappoint. Buttermilk biscuits that could make you slap your mama and fried chicken that's as addictive as scrolling through TikTok. Served with mashed potatoes, gouda, bacon, baby kale-shaved Brussels sprouts, pickled onions, and buttermilk ranch, it’s a mix of classic and class that will have you begging for seconds.

Whether you want a light salad, some insanely good starters to share, or special entrées that truly impress, you’ll be well-fed at Mattie’s. Our favorites were the pimento cheese starter with toasted ciabatta, Irish cheddar, and cornichons on the side — like an elevated version of the dip you snag at Trader Joe’s — and the classic fried green tomatoes. With crab and grilled corn salad, it is a seriously impressive plate despite its humble name.

If fried chicken isn’t your jam, the grilled bone-in pork chop is a worthy alternative. Served alongside heaping braised collard greens, sweet potato and scallion cornbread, and a spicy honey butter we’d like to bathe in, you truly can’t go wrong with this menu.

When it comes to cocktails, the unusual star of the cocktail show is the milk punch. It’s made using sweet vanilla ice cream (which is milk in a way, we suppose), aged Kentucky bourbon, VSOP cognac, aged rum, and nutmeg. And since it comes by the carafe, you’re guaranteed a good time while you sip on this unique and quintessentially Southern tonic.

What About Brunch?

Brunch is an event here, too. New York may think it has the market cornered on fabulous brunches, but Mattie's begs to differ. When it comes to brunch, Mattie's at Green Pastures showcases a spread that embodies culinary artistry infused with both international influences and local Austin character.

Let's start with the Wood Grilled Carrots. They're prepared with herb lemon ricotta and adorned with peppadew peppers, pistachios, and sumac vinaigrette — a complex marriage of flavors that paints every bite with rich, earthy hues.

In the mood for something sweet? Don't overlook the Cinnamon Sugar Beignets, a treat that seems plucked from the streets of New Orleans.

Served with a side of chocolate-hazelnut cream cheese mousse and cocoa icing, these deep-fried delights strike the perfect balance between sweet, fluffy interiors and a crisp exterior. A scattering of toasted hazelnuts adds crunch, elevating the dish to a whole new level.

If you’re feeling saucy about house-made sauces, the espelette aioli is worth asking for a side of, even if it’s not part of the dish you order. And if you’re in it for the brunch classics, avocado Toast gets a glamorous makeover with rebel tomatoes, toasted seeds, and pickled red onion. Adding poached egg or smoked salmon can enhance this dish even further, making it as hearty as it is scrumptious.

For meat lovers, the Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon and the Porfi’s housemade wild boar sausage serve as decadent sides, oozing smoky, succulent flavors that round out the meal.

Now, we’ve already talked about the milk punch, but there’s also Milk Punch French Toast. A unique take on the classic dish, it combines griddled bread pudding with peach berry compote and whipped mascarpone. To say it's heavenly would be an understatement.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Planning an elegant date night? For those romantic souls, the dining room is your arena. A blend of Southern sophistication and European elegance, this space offers an ambiance that practically begs for hand-holding and lovey-dovey gazes.

The menu complements the mood, offering options that impress your date without veering into pretentious territory. The lighting is soft, the table settings are immaculate, and even the music seems to whisper sweet nothings.

For a more casual yet still classy experience, Mattie’s outdoor seating is top-notch. Austin's unique flair is on full display here. It’s like having brunch or dinner in the middle of a Southern paradise.

The expansive lawn, resplendent with its green pastures, is your playground. Add in a roaming peacock or two, and you'll feel like you've discovered Austin’s best-kept secret — partly because you have.

How To Get There  

Okay, you're sold. You’re already picking your outfit, but you need directions. Grab a map or just type it into your phone — 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX, is where you’ll discover your new food sanctuary. Parking is a breeze, and if you’re more of a food-in-PJs type, they’ve even got takeout.

Do You Need To Book?

Have we mentioned how popular Mattie’s is, darling? Reservations are recommended to get a piece of this scrumptious action.

Leaving You Hungry for More

From peacocks to milk punch, Mattie's at Green Pastures offers an experience as rich and varied as the tapestry of Austin itself. Whether you're from New York, Kansas City, or even just from South Austin, Mattie's is that touch of home — and a dash of the exotic — you didn’t know you needed.

You've been on a little whirlwind tour of what Mattie's has to offer, and, honey, it’s safe to say it offers a lot. With roots stretching from Kansas City to the streets of South Austin, Mattie's isn't just blending cuisines — it's crafting a whole new genre of dining.

Whether you're captivated by the ambiance, swept away by the delicious food, or entranced by the milk punch, one thing is clear: Mattie’s at Green Pastures is a one-of-a-kind experience.

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