Woodneck Kitchen - Review - Govalle - Austin - The Infatuation

"You don’t need a sandwich while sipping a paloma and watching the sunset, but Woodneck Kitchen will make you wonder why every bar doesn’t offer one. This window operates out of the patio at Dainty Dillo, a bar on a relatively calm stretch of East Cesar Chavez, just a short stumble from the water. The menu is small and creative, with spins on the classics, like a chopped cheese packed with spicy peppers, or a fried chicken cutlet layered with Calabrian chili and mozzarella served on soft focaccia. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary These sandwiches are clearly built with care and so close to being great, but some of them feel more like final drafts than finished products. The bread is often the weakest link, and a few could use a little more stuffing. So while you’re probably not trekking in from the ‘burbs of North Austin just to get one, Woodneck Kitchen is a good option if you're already here watching the game or chasing daylight with a cocktail. Food Rundown Melon Head Salad This is a tasty salad made up of sliced melon, arugula, onions, and quinoa. It’s a nice way to start the meal and it feels especially refreshing on a hot afternoon. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Fred's Fried Brussels These remind us of when fried brussels sprouts were on every menu in Austin in the early 2010s. That’s not a ding—we still love them, and these are made well. They’re crispy but not dry, and the cheese and hot sauce add a bit of savory punch. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Cheeseburger Picnic Essentially a chopped cheese with some hot peppers. A great sandwich that could benefit from just a little more meat, and a little toastier bread. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary The Poor Joe The fried chicken cutlets are tender and crispy, and the Calabrian chili has good heat. If the cheese were slightly more melted and the bread a tad more toasted, this would be a nearly perfect handheld item. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary