Southside Rambler
Today is opening day for one of the city's most anticipated new restaurants: Southside Rambler, which takes over the Near Southside spot at 1264 W. Magnolia Ave., last occupied by La Zona.
The restaurant specializes in American and bar-food classics and craft beer and cocktails, served in a casual, laid-back atmosphere. There's indoor/outdoor seating at 25%, with a clear emphasis on a large patio area outfitted with painted picnic tables, oversized umbrellas for shade, pub tables and chairs, a fire pit, and a separate bar. The patio practically sits on the sidewalk, giving diners a ringside view of Magnolia Avenue.
There will also be live music regularly, starting tonight with singer Lindsay Hightower.
The concept marks a return to the area for owners Kevin von Ehrenfried and his wife and business partner Julia von Ehrenfried. The couple opened the nearby Pouring Glory gastropub before setting their sights on Arlington, where they opened a similar concept, The Tipsy Oak.
Southside Rambler's menu echoes the couple's other ventures. The lunch and dinner menu consists of sharable dishes such as housemade pimento cheese with bacon marmalade, cheese fries, and fried pickles served with housemade jalapeño ranch. There are burgers, of course, including a plant-based option, plus a burger bowl called the Keto Bandito, made with beef, gouda, jalapeño bacon relish, and a sunny-side up egg. The menu also includes a lobster roll, brisket grilled cheese sandwich, fish and chips, and fish tacos.
The restaurant is open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Menu items include smoked brisket hash with barbecue sauce, a lobster benedict, biscuits and sausage gravy, and chorizo breakfast tacos. Brunch cocktails consist of spiked blueberry lemonade and $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys.
1264 W. Magnolia Ave., southsiderambler.com
