In a city with a vibrant economy, there will always be businesses opening and closing. Old businesses die out, and new ones take their place. But each time a business closes — especially if they are deeply entrenched — the city loses a little something.
Austin has lost many old businesses over the years. Take former Austin businesses like Players, Flipnotics, Las Manitas, Freddie’s Place, and Austin Music Hall, just to name a few.
But this problem isn’t exclusive to Austin. Cities all around the US face this issue. For example, Cedar Tavern in New York City closed down in 2006 after a colorful history stretching back to 1866. The simple fact that Jackson Pollock and Jack Kerouac frequented the bar — and even got banned from it — is enough to put it in the annals of popular culture.
But there’s so much more to Cedar Tavern’s history, which is why group of Austinites decided to purchase the Cedar Tavern bar and move it to Austin. The stunning mahogany and stained glass bar was broken down and then stored for 10 years. Now, it has been reassembled and restored and has become the crown jewel for a new South Lamar restaurant called Eberly.
“We are thrilled to finally have a new home for the Cedar Tavern bar worthy of its rich history and beauty,” Eberly co-founder Eddy Patterson told Austin.com. “The bar is legendary and holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of New York, especially the art historians and artist community, and we can’t wait to share it with the great people of Austin.”
The bar opened earlier this month, and the remainder of the spaces within the restaurant will open in the coming weeks. These spaces include a dining room, study, and rooftop deck overlooking downtown. The bar features classic American tavern food such as fresh fish and chips, a burger on house made bun with duck fat french fries, charcuterie and a cheese board, and much more. The dining room serves contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on freshness, seasonality and local availability.
Co-founder John Scott wants customers to come away with the experience of “great food, great people, great times, and a beautiful place to create memories.”
You can sidle up to the Cedar Tavern bar any night of the week — Sunday through Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dining room hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the dining room is open until 11 p.m.
—
Photos by Merrick Ales.
