For the past week or so I’ve been gallivanting about the American west, sleeping the back of my car, and smelling questionable at best. So, my first foray back into civilized dining was expected to be a bit shocking. We journeyed into the heart of the beast that is the warehouse district, paid for parking (something I am normally loath to do, but it was 105 and I’m still not quite adjusted back to the insane heat), and headed to 219 West.
219 is one of those spots that’s been there forever, is easy to forget about, and always exciting to rediscover. Their Happy Hour stretches from 5-9 (which really stretches the singular designation of Happy Hour, but I’m not going to argue with them). Their menu is organized by regions, with various pairings of American, Mexican and Italian Tapas, and their appropriate alcoholic compatriots. We opted to embrace an Obama-era diversity in our ordering, and went for Mexican Martinis, Mini Capresse burgers, Tilapia Nachos and probably my favorite, Spicy Cheese Fries. I really love me some little slider burgers, and these guys did not disappoint, particularly with the added hidden slice of bacon (bacon bonus points!). The nachos were the lowest on my list initially, but were quite nice, with juicy, flaky fish adhered to a light and crispy nacho with ample amounts of cheese and black beans (they came with an excess of lettuce, but some people are into that kind of thing, so we’ll let it pass). My only real compliant was the Mexican Martini was a little sweet for my taste, but at $5, you didn’t see me hesitate in ordering a second one.
So thank you, 219 West for making my return to the real world, an enjoyable experience. If you guys could do something about the heat too, yeah that’d be great.
219 West
219 W 4th St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2194
