"If your idea of being outdoorsy means sitting on a patio with a very cold beer and a burger, fire up the Jeep and head to Redbud Ice House on Manor Road. It’s a little less rustic than a traditional Texas icehouse—making it feel more like an homage than a recreation—but when that nod comes with air conditioning, a kitchen, and a full bar, a few liberties are OK. photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel Like at any backyard cookout in Texas, burgers and beer are what you’re here for, but you can also get other Southern staples, like a fried pork chop sandwich or a cheffed-up eggplant chip sandwich with tomato jam that’s sweet, savory, and crispy enough to steal the show with vegetables alone. The excellent burgers come topped with pimento cheese and bacon (if you want), and the beers arrive in a frosty schooner that’s roughly the size of your head. Redbud isn’t a place to go when you’re feeling particularly fancy or picky. It’s there when you need somewhere that can accommodate your friends with kids, your co-worker who wants a beer, your brother who only eats cheeseburgers, and your personal resolution to “spend more time outdoors.” Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel Beers They’re served in giant frosted goblets that make you feel like you should be sitting on a throne somewhere much colder than Austin. You’re an adult, though—we don’t need to tell you what kind of beer to order. photo credit: Richard Casteel Crispy Green Beans If you’ve been in Austin for a while, you might remember Redbud’s previous life as Contigo. The crispy green beans are a nod to the popular app served by Redbud’s predecessor, and they’re a tasty way to start the meal and get a few more (fried) vegetables into your diet. photo credit: Richard Casteel Double Cheeseburger It’s a classic burger, with thin, griddled patties that pack a lot of beefy flavor. It’s also pretty hefty, so stick to the single unless you’re very hungry. photo credit: Richard Casteel Fried Pork Chop Sandwich The breading is thin and crispy, the pork chop is juicy, and the collard greens add an earthy flavor that complements it well. photo credit: Richard Casteel Fried Chicken Salad This is a pretty standard salad topped with a sizable slab of fried chicken breast. The meat is a little dry, but it’s fried well and goes great with the salad’s citrus vinaigrette." - Nicolai McCrary
