Odd Duck - Austin

Heard alot of good things about Odd Duck, so happy that we can squeeze in there.

They have a small parking lot, and even the valets know if you don't have a reservation, chances are you are not getting in.  So, call ahead, otherwise, the valets won't even bother.

Started with the Watermelon Fresca, which has tequila, Aperol, watermelon, lime, tarragon, and bubbles.  Since it's still scorching outside, this is perfect refreshed drink.  Though I do know they changes the cocktail frequently.

We got seated at the bar, which is pretty awesome, because you get front row seat to their kitchen and prep.

This is the Crab Pimento, which has green chili in the mix and sits on top a peach gazpacho.  And they give you the chips that is like a everything bagel, very yummy.  Light and not heavy.

This is ceviche with redfish the mix has some mango, tomato, onion, and there's some squash curry.  The chips is house-made purple yam.  Very unique and we cleaned that plate.

Now, don't think it's just a cute presentation of pretzel in a mug, inside is actually squash queso that's already warmed up.  It has a texture of mousse, and dipping and scraping the bottom of the mug is encouraged!

This is shrimp with Cornbread with Corn relish and shishito crema.  I've never had crema like that before, but it does neutralizes the shrimp nicely.

This is Pork Belly with burnt rice, tamarind sauce and slaw.  Not a big fan of the slaw, but the rice, sauce and pork belly went very well together.  It's like the North Chinese dish, where they purposely serve the burnt rice from the bottom of the pot to give it the crispiness.  

This is their Housemade Soda, but Lemon-Lime with Ginger Ale, not too gingery.

Piece la resistance: Fish Head.  Chicken fried Fish Head with caramel fish-bone sauce, chili, cantaloupe and cucumber.  Man, I don't usually go for Fish Head, but this was a MUST and it was stupendous, both in taste and presentation.  Just get it!

This is their Nachos - I'm not sure if it's because by this time we've stuffed ourselves silly or what, but it's one of the lesser impressive dish for me.  It has grilled mushroom and chili and herbs.  Sauce was good, but like I said I'm stuffed by this point.

That said, we probably shouldn't have but we did... This is the Mesquite Bean- Peanut Ice Cream.  It has brownie, berry mezcal, and marshmallow.  To me, bits of it tasted like a Heath Bar, some peanut buttery and some toffee like flavors in there.  Of course we didn't finish because even gluttony has a limit.

Overall, it's one of the more impressive meals I've had in a long time.  There's no wonder that you have to have a reservation before the valet will get your car.  So, don't chance it, make sure you do.  Cost-wise is reasonable given the creativity and the work they put in there.  Some of the dishes I'd expected them to charge more but it's not, which I'm ok with that.  I will chalk it up as a MUST TRY for any visitor to Austin.

Odd Duck Austin 

1201 S. Lamar

Austin, TX 78704

512-433-6521

https://oddduckaustin.com