Moonshine is a local gem that we discovered on our first trip to Austin, and it’s one of the reasons why we look forward to each time we return. The restaurant reminds us that good ‘ole southern hospitality is always welcome, especially with a warm side of cornbread to take back to your Airbnb.
With all its charm, Austin is home to historic buildings including Moonshine—one of Austin’s oldest buildings that was formerly a trading goods store that also housed a saloon and domino parlor. Though now a restaurant, it retains that Texan charm with its Western style decor and candle-lit tables.
Food + Drinks
Initially when we sat down, we looked at the menu but to honor our first trip to this Austin gem, we decided to stick to what we ordered the year before. The only thing that we changed were our drinks, deciding on their house cocktails over their moonshine. If you enjoy moonshine—especially ones locally made with different flavor profiles—then this place is the one for you, offering a moonshine flight that we had tried previously. Each moonshine ranges $7-8 per serving, but for the flight you can mix and match for $18. If you’re not into cocktails and moonshine they have an extensive bourbon, whiskey, and rye menu as well.
Appetizer—The original moonshine “corndog” shrimp with honey mustard sauce topped with a blueberry swirl. Definitely an interesting combination but one of the items that Moonshine is known for. Mustard sauce + blueberry compote meld together well and complement the outer crunch and soft, warm pillowy center. Truly addicting, and after one bite you’ll be wanting more.
The restaurant also serves their in-house made popcorn that has a nice seasoning to it while you wait for your dinner, as well as a piping hot basket of jalapeño cornbread with a side of butter.
Dinner—Chicken fried steak with chipotle creamy gravy, side of Mac n’ cheese. Beeler’s center cut chop with bourbon spiked apples, side of garlic mash. Portions are Texan-sized, but we don’t mind leftovers as it’s going to be just as delicious for a next day brunch with piping hot cups of cafecito.
Drinks—The Waterloo: Waterloo gin, cucumbers + grapefruit juice. Silvermoon margarita: Silver tequila, Paula’s Texas orange. This time around opted for their house made cocktails to have with dinner; both were refreshing and paired well with our southern-style dinner. Definitely one of my favorite gin cocktails that I would order again the next time we go.
Waterloo cocktail, corndog shrimp and housemate popcorn
Corndog shrimp with mustard blueberry sauce
Chicken fried steak + Mac n’ cheese, Bourbon pork chops w/ peaches + garlic mash
After a long dinner and a few cocktails later we still had some food left on our plate. As big eaters, we often finish what’s on the table, but even at Moonshine they took care of us when we asked to take our food to-go—Our waiter gave us a full basket of jalapeño cornbread and more bread, even asking us if we wanted more.
Moonshine is an Austin staple, and it’s a stop that you should make even if you’re in the city for a layover. Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are welcome. Both times we did not have reservations and never had an issue with getting a table. If inside dining is too full, they also offer patio seating decked out with romantic lighting.
