Birdie's
Restaurant · West Franklin Street ·
Fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and cozy cafe vibes
Fresh oysters, creative cocktails, and cozy cafe vibes
"Helmed by Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel alongside James Beard Award–winning beverage professional Arjav Ezekiel, this wine bar and restaurant attracts eager pre-opening lines and takes care of patrons even before they sit down — servers hand out a nostalgic magenta plastic pitcher of cold water to those waiting in the sun. The menu skews summer-friendly and patio-oriented, with highlights including a beet tartare, a comforting penne alla vodka, and an unexpectedly luscious sweet corn soft serve for dessert, all enjoyed best with a bottle of wine on the shaded patio as gentle breezes cool the space." - Kayla Stewart
"An unfussy, lauded counter-service restaurant recognized as a stand-out in the city for delivering thoughtful, crowd-pleasing food without pretense." - Regan Stephens
"Recognized alongside peers for producing a "multitude of dinners and collaborations and pop-ups," underscoring a collaborative, event-driven approach to dining that defined part of the year's energy." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Even though it operates counter-service, I think Birdie’s in Chestnut deserves attention for delivering fine-dining-caliber New American food, helped by the pedigree of co-owners chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and beverage director Arjav Ezekiel, who worked at places like Gramercy Tavern." - Nadia Chaudhury
"A casual Chestnut neighborhood wine bar and Eater Austin best-neighborhood-wine-bar winner (2021), this walk-in-only spot offers a friendly dinner experience built around wine-friendly, simply executed dishes from co-owner and chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and executive sous chef Heejae Galluccio. Expect an ever-rotating menu that may include handmade pasta, a minute steak with rotating vegetables like smoked cabbage, and seasonal small plates such as fried green tomatoes; finish with the creamy soft serve drizzled in olive oil and after-dinner drinks from co-owner Arjav Ezekiel. Seating is cozy in a modern dining room or on shaded patios; lines are common—especially during theme weeks when the menu shifts to Italian-American (Aiello’s) or French (Remy’s)—but arriving at opening (around 5 p.m.) or checking their Instagram can reduce wait times." - Courtney E. Smith