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Moonshine Grill

4.4 (6.4k reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Moonshine Grill Photos

Business Info

MOONSHINE GRILL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Moonshine Grill

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Chicken and waffles , eggs added
Amy R.

What an iconic building serving fantastic southern dishes like grits, fried green tomatoes, chicken & waffles, salads, harvest bowls, shrimp n grits. We loved the salty buttered popcorn brought to us as we sat, our food was well prepared and tasty, biscuits that had flakey layers and the fried green tomatoes were my favorites! There is also an awesome speakeasy downstairs you should take a look at -Kinfolk ... highly recommend this place, bring an appetite!!

Blackened Catfish with crawfish and grits
EJ J.

This place is right by the hotel I'm staying at and I noticed it got great reviews. So I decided to give it a try since my coworker went to dinner with her family. Once I arrived, I was quickly greeted by the hostess and she sat me at a table by the window which was perfect for me. The place was small, clean and very welcoming. Right when I sat down I had a few minutes to look at the menu and the water, Larry came by to take my order and give me a few recommendations. I wasn't that hungry but he talked me into trying a few things since I'm in Austin and having a good time. You only live once was pretty much his motto lol. Anyway, I decided to go with the shrimp corn on the cob, the catfish with crawfish and a hard lemonade mixed with ice tea. I thought the catfish, crawfish and grits (I believe) were really good! It had a lot of flavor and I really enjoyed the crawfish. I lowkey wanted to pay for more of those. I thought the shrimp corn dog was just ok. I loved the shrimp in the inside but I wasn't too much a fan of the outer bread layering. The drink was pretty good and the service was great. Overall, I may come back for the crawfish but I want just that lol. I'm not sure they have a meal of just crawfish but that with their grits would be fire!! OOOO 4 out of 5 Afros

Patrick H.

This spot is very close to The Fairmount Austin if you are staying there. No parking but does have valet service. I came here for lunch and the server made great recommendations. You start off with a bucket of popcorn, which I honestly felt it was a bit too salty. I had the Turkey Melt and it was AMAZING. One of the best sandwiches I ever had. Price is reasonable. The vibe of the spot definitely gives you that Western/Texas vibe. Would recommend!

Fajita steak salad without cheese 2/2026
Sabrina S.

We made an early dinner reservation here prior to our show at the Long Center. We walked from our hotel, much preferred, as this restaurant was surrounded by construction and limited parking. Our server, was Athena, she was awesome. She helped answer our questions and make suggestions. We loved the complimentary seasoned bucket of popcorn at the table, very unique. Their menu consisted of Southern home dishes and the alcohol and moonshine selection was expansive. I ordered the steak fajita salad without cheese and dressing on the side. It was fresh, with a nice amount of avocado and sliced steak. I didn't understand the rolled up hard tortillas, maybe would have preferred more tortilla strips or veggies. Hubby ordered the trout with seasonal veggies... very disappointed. The portion of fish was very small and the broccoli along side it looked sad. He left very hungry! Dinners came with a basket of cornbread which was a nice touch. Great atmosphere, wonderful service, food just ok... Military discount offered.

peanut butter mousse pie
Janice K.

My husband had a meeting here and brought me back this dessert. It was absolutely huge and easily could have been split by two or three people. The mousse melts in your mouth and the Oreo cookie crust was so good.

Bourbon pour
Adrian R.

We landed in Austin for a quick weekend getaway! Trying to find dinner and my wife chose this restaurant. When we arrived there was a wait due to prior reservations so we sat at the bar (which we prefer). Better drinks when you bond with bartender. I had an old fashioned and so did my wife . They were very balanced with bourbon, bitters, and simple syrup. Appetizer: Cathead Biscuits with Honey butter. Very moist and savory. 3 per order and they are not small. Don't fill up. We shared the Blackened Catfish with grits. The catfish is very flavorful and the grits are cheesy and seasoned. I would definitely recommend the place to anyone. Great service, good drinks, and delicious food.

Trout
Ellie N.

The dinner was great until the dessert came out and (kinda) ruined it. 1/5 for the peanut butter mousse. It's so dense and thick and overly sweet. 4/5 for both entries. I love both the trouts and the pork ribs. I'll come back to try out their chicken and waffles

Jalapeno Hanger Steak. Fantastic
Joe J.

Cool historic building with a great upscale, yet comfortable vibe with friendly staff. Most importantly, food and drinks are on point. Try the frozen option - kind of a frozen old fashioned with a twist. And the jalapeno hanger steak was everything I wanted. Perfectly cooked and the sauce was delish. Even a fair price for steak. Finally, I'm not a sweet tooth but gave the banana pudding a go. I loved it.

Sunday House Club
Stephanie M.

Last time I was here was for lunch with the same group of 4. We were in the area nearby and decided to make plans to come by for our holiday lunch. Made our reservation for noon on a Thursday and were seated right away. The restaurant was so festive with Christmas decorations which made it the perfect atmosphere for our holiday lunch. I had heard a lot of good things about The Original Moonshine "Corn Dog" Shrimp so we started with that. It came with 4 pieces. The waitress did warn us it wasn't as plentiful as the other appetizers, but we still wanted to try. They were really good and paired well with the dip it came with (honey mustard, blueberry swirl) the blueberry might throw you off when read, but it actually pairs really well. For my entree I went with the Center Cut Pork Chop. Omg it was soooo good! I highly recommend!!! All ingredients compliment each other so well. Packed with flavor and juicy. The dill garnish on top adds a nice touch of a different flavor profile. The chutney kinda had a hint of spice to it surprisingly. Washer it all down with a French 75 which was made very well. Overall Moonshine never disappoints. Huge portions, flavorful food and great customer service.

Complimentary cornbread 10/10
Melissa S.

First time visiting Austin and this was the first spot we tried after a friend recommended it. The restaurant itself is really cute, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We went around 1:30 pm on a Friday and were seated easily (the restaurant was pretty empty). They start you off with a complimentary giant bowl of popcorn loaded with seasoning, which was a fun touch. We were also pleasantly surprised with a complimentary basket of three small pieces of cornbread, soo good. The staff was very friendly and welcoming throughout our visit. For appetizers, I ordered the famous roasted garlic bulbs, but unfortunately they were very underwhelming. While they were cooked to be used as a spread, they seriously lacked flavor. I ate quite a bit and didn't even have a garlicky taste afterward, which says a lot. I wouldn't recommend this appetizer. I ordered the Hoss Hot Chicken sandwich and, honestly, I wouldn't recommend this either. It lacked flavor, wasn't spicy at all, and the biggest issue was the chicken, it was extremely hard and difficult to cut, let alone enjoy. The reason for the 4-star rating is my husband's dish. He absolutely loved the chicken and waffles and completely devoured his plate. Based on his experience, there are definitely some standout items here, even though my choices missed the mark.

This is the way down to their speakeasy. Cheers!!!
Sonny Boy G.

Stopped in for lunch and ddnt know what to expect. Sarah our waitress was awesome! Super Friendly and informative, she gave us a little history lesson on the building and the establishment. She then had taken our order and once the food came out.. oh was it great. I had ordered the special that was not on the menu which was a Steak, Asparagus and subbed the Mash for their grits. OmG Their grits was off the chain!!! The asparagus was cooked perfectly and the steak... so much flavor. The experience here was a 10 outta 10 and we well be coming back to try out the rest of the menu!

Biscuits yummy
Priya S.

I really wanted to love this spot, but the food was just okay for me, mainly my entrée. I ordered the Backyard Chicken Sandwich, and it came with one huge, very thick piece of chicken that made the sandwich hard to eat. It kept falling apart, got soggy, and I couldn't really enjoy it. The wings were good, but not great. The biscuits, though, were amazing with perfect texture, and the honey butter was absolutely delicious. Two out of the six of us weren't crazy about our meals, but it did seem like the rest of the group really enjoyed theirs. My husband loved the ribs, and mashed potatoes were also good. Our server was very nice, and even when we accidentally stayed past closing time, the staff never made us feel rushed. The back patio was also very cute. I just wish my entrée had been better, because everything else about the experience was lovely.

County fried steak and potatoes
Herbert H.

We visited Moonshine Grill while in Austin for lunch. We were greet by our friendly, Went over the menu item with us. The restaurant has an old farmhouse vibe. I had the county fried steak with mashed potatoes. It was absolutely delicious and huge. It was well seasoned and fried to perfection. The mashed were simple and done well. We will definitely be back when we return to Austin next year.

Hanger steak jalepeno was so good.

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Moonshine Grill Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Moonshine Grill

Is there free parking?

no it's valet for fee or street (good luck with that given the construction).

Does Moonshine Grill Avery Ranch have wifi for customers?

Yes. The host have the WiFi password if needed.

What is the age limit for the kids eat free (brunch)?

5 and under are free. 6-11 are half off, and 12 and up pay full price for Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Is brunch on Sunday just the buffet or a menu too?

Menu as well from when I was here last.

Is the patio air conditioned during the summer?

Yes. They have portable air conditioning units

Do they offer a buffet-style brunch on the weekends?

According to their website, the buffet brunch came back 10/30/22

Is this location pet friendly?

I don't know for sure, but they have outside sitting, and I think I saw a couple with a dog.

Do they allow kids?

I've never seen them kick kids out. 😊 Yes, they allow kids. For what it is worth, I never thought their cuisine was kid-friendly. It's very delicious but not subverting my kids would have appreciated when they were young.

Can the restaurant handle large parties with 30-32 people? Do they have gluten free vegan options?

I really do not know if they pursue groups that large. IMHO, their rooms are not large enough to accommodate that many people without having to separate them.… Read more

Do they still do the buffet for brunch?

Yes it's currently available as of 4/9/23. $35 per person

Do they do reservations?

No, they do not take reservations.

Is brunch only on Sunday or also Saturday?

Saturday and Sunday

Do they have bottomless mimosa's for brunch?

I never saw that offered there.

Is this restaurant good for large parties?

They host private parties, however I'm unsure of the size you're looking for with large.

Do you have brunch on sat?

They do!

Can you order drinks and enjoy them while you wait to be seated?

Yes

How much is valet parking at the DT location?

Sign said $12 on 1/29/22. That is cheaper than the lot next door.

What are the brunch specials?

I'm sure they change often. I don't know what the current brunch specials are at this time.

When is brunch served?

Current Brunch hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10-2.

Is brunch only on weekends?

It's only on Sunday.

View All 31 Questions

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Here Nor There - The code has to be entered

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Last night we rounded out our evening with reservations at Here Nor There…read more If I told you the location of this speakeasy then...lol. It's been around since 2018 so most folks know where it is by now. Heads up, you no longer have to use their app to make a reservation. Simply do so through Open Table and that's when you'll get the entry code. So glad it's no longer a members-only spot as well. The basement location gives anything but a basement vibe. When you enter, you'll see the infamous black paint on white walls mural but then you're transformed into something more. An elegant and elevated high-end speakeasy that transports you to what life in speakeasy settings must have felt like in the days of olde. Who doesn't love being greeted by a tasteful, giant, fake bear with welcome cocktails? The low-lit space brings a feeling of warmth, secrecy, romance, and mystery. You absolutely get the feeling you're in a special and secret hideaway space. From the refined wallpaper to hand blown glass lighting fixtures to the lush and velvety sofa seating, you are truly immersed in the vibe. It brings a feeling of noir and romance with even sexier drinks. Being seated in one of the nooks is my favorite and just really adds to the overall experience. If you follow my reviews then you know I often refer to excellent cocktails as liquid works of art. And, in this case, it's like the most exclusive, high-end art gallery of liquid masterpieces. Cocktails with branded cubes, top tier alcohol and other ingredients from around the globe make for a worthy piece of drinkable art. It doesn't end with cocktails! The mocktails are equally as beautiful and delicious. I highly recommend the cocktails and mocktails. Service is exactly what you would expect and want it to be in this environment. Yes, the prices are a bit higher than average but you're paying for art, atmosphere, and experience that is beyond wonderful.

Powder Room - Craft Cocktail Bar

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Upon stepping in I felt like I was transported to Miami in the 70s or 80s. Once you enter you turn…read morein your phones making it easy to lose time in connecting with your company. The staff was super nice and attentive our waitress came by multiple times and drinks were good and quick. They have a fun magazine style menu and plenty of options including mocktails. The mocktails were well balanced and not too sweet and my husband enjoyed every drink he tried. We ordered the French fries which were so good the perfect blend of freshness and salt. Would definitely come back for the ambiance and the no phones was a great reminder to connect to who your with and be present.

The vibes are great, but I'm not sure they are worth the wait. There are two lines: one for…read morewalk-ins and one for those with reservations. We waited maybe 15 minutes at the walk-in line as others progressively started to pile on behind us. Then again, even people in the reservation line were waiting. This is definitely the kind of place that wants you to wait. The kind of place that wants to build a line outdoors to intrigue onlookers. We were treated nicely, but we definitely could have gotten in right away. By the time we walked in, the place was probably at 60% capacity. It was standing room only at the bar, but not overcrowded by any means. There is a dress code, but it's not entirely clear what it is. Some guy dressed to the 9s got turned away for not having sleeves whereas I got in with sneakers and a t-shirt. They ask for your cellphones upon entering and give you a key in exchange, but there doesn't seem to be any security to enforce it if you don't want to give them up. I have no problem with their policy, but I bet a lot of customers do. Interestingly, their little social experiment seemed to have a positive effect, where we ended up talking to strangers and vice versa. The Powder Room may be making America social again.

The Roosevelt Room

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Fortune Teller - Bar

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I discovered Marlow through a Yelp Elite event and knew I had to come back. We stopped by on a…read moreSaturday night around 9:30/10pm and had a great time! Great house music from the DJ, friendly staff, and an easygoing atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out. I was having a sober night and tried a few drinks from their Dry January Specials menu. Wow, they did not disappoint. The Alrighty Aphrodite was delicious, and the So Fresh, So Clean was exactly that, super refreshing with a great pineapple flavor. My husband had the Dusty Trail (strong and perfect for bourbon lovers) and a Coquito that was creamy and smooth with a hint of cinnamon. Parking is limited, but we found street parking nearby. Overall, great drinks, great music, and a spot I'll definitely keep coming back to.

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Whisler's - Left On Read - Delicious! (Tequila, Amaro, Bitters, Strawberry, Citrus, Spice, Egg White )

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Equipment Room - Mocktail.

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(120 reviews)

78704 (South Austin)

It's a rainy night in Austin. My girlfriend is in town because my cousin and her fiancé are getting…read moremarried in Austin. It's also the weekend of our one year anniversary. An hour ago it wasn't raining, but now it's pouring. A few months ago, I heard of a newer bar and experience called Equipment Room just right off of South Congress. Music means everything to me. Nothing can express emotions and instill a feeling in 3 minutes like a song can. I live for that. Equipment Room is inherently Japanese in concept. Existing in Japan for over 50 years, listening bars combine high fidelity audio equipment with impressively crafted cocktails and alcohol combining the passion of music in a space to gather with comfortable chairs and a beautiful atmosphere. The concept has expanded westward as all cool things inevitably do, but I would never think a spot would be successful in Austin like it would be in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and so on. As I back my car into a parking spot on South Congress, I grab the umbrella out of my trunk and walk my girlfriend and me to the entrance trying to not get ourselves soaked in the process. This is not the first time we have tried to go to Equipment Room. We tried to get a walk-in table just to see out of morbid curiosity and that was a failure. I booked her and me a table for this night and I was madly looking forward to it. As we got to the small entrance, we were introduced to the hostess who brought us from the stairs into the main underground space and to our seats on the couch in a large wraparound sofa with other parties sitting near us. The music is faint from the entrance, but once you walk through the main walkway, a wave of sound hits your eardrums. You're immediately engrossed into the music like walking into a concert hall or putting a fresh pair of headphones on for the first time. As we sat down, selections from Outkast's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik were playing through the speakers. Our hostess introduced us to their "User Manual" (their menu) where it contained all the snacks and drinks you could get your grubby hands on. There's more than just drinks and food on the menu. The first page introduces the concept and gives a few house rules. The second page shows all the equipment this so-called room has, from the premium Klipsch speakers, their preamps and amplifiers as well as their turntables and mixers. It's a dream page for music nerds. I want a $15k speaker in my apartment, but those noise complaints would never end. Our waitress came by shortly to give us water and take our order. Their menu is quite expansive, but the main pages we were told to check out were their A-side drinks or the classics and their B-side drinks, which are more experimental. We had to go with experimental for starters because who knows when you'll get to try something similar again. I started with a Goca Dünya while my girlfriend ordered a Deceptacon. The Goca Dünya was a vodka based floral drink with pistachio foam and Amaro Nonino, an Italian herbal liqueur. The Deceptacon was a rum-based cacao drink with a touch of lime and mint. It took a little time for our drinks to come out, clearly, as they are quite intricate. I loved my drink, bluntly. The pistachio foam was a great balance to the herbal flavors at the bottom. My girlfriend and I continued to enjoy each other's company as the music continued. The space we were in was decorated with posters and memorabilia from legendary artists coming through Austin and some general music decor like that purple album from that Prince guy. The DJ-curator that night was on a tear playing incredible soul music holding the bar hostage with a taste of funk. Jimmy Smith came next before transitioning to a few tracks from Bobbie Gentry. The last albums he pulled out were Steely Dan's Aja (a stone cold classic) and Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life (a top 10 album of all time). Not only was he playing classics like Isn't She Lovely, but he threw down some deeper cuts like Black Man and Contusion. Incredible. We both got another drink with my girlfriend getting their A-Side Espresso Martini while I got the Brown Sugar from their B-Sides. It was a seaweed and mushroom infused whiskey with a few more bells and whistles and it was super unique. Quite a bit of their menu is Japanese-inspired in homage to the originators of listening bars. This includes Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired food and beverages on their menu. Very cool. The worst part of the night came when our hour and 45 minute reservation came to a close. I could've stayed there for another 3 hours and never grown tired, but with how popular this space has become, they gotta kick you out at some point. This is an experience you have to have. It's worth it. I'll be strolling back in soon enough because there is nothing like this in Austin and it's truly a special space. RIYL: Actively listening to music.

Loved this place so much..!!! If you want to go somewhere to just lounge with low lighting and have…read moresome delicious drinks with great music in the background , this is place is it! They play no digital music and their speakers are installed throughout the whole building. The sound is great! The menu was so cute and on theme. The furniture and decor is mid century modern. I went here for my birthday and they gave my table a round of Sake shots, which was nice! My table ordered drinks: the Brown Sugar, Goca Dünya, Suffer No Fool (non alcoholic), Vitamin C. They were all delicious and they did not skimp on the alcohol! It was well balanced! I seriously recommend the Goca Dünya--that pistachio foam was addictive! For food, we got the Cheese board to have something to pick on and we demolished it, haha. It came with marmalade and crackers. The cheeses were great, along with the dried fruits and nuts. The cheese selections seem to rotate every other season, which is cool.

Midnight Cowboy - Drinks LOOKED delicious

Midnight Cowboy

(580 reviews)

$$

Downtown

5-star speakeasy...if you like cool, secretive, unusual speakeasy cocktail bars - this is the place…read morefor you! Located on 6th street in downtown Austin (near the Driskill hotel), in what looks like from the street an apartment complex. You buzz the "secret" button and if you have a reservation, they let you in and escort you to your beautiful, sexy table. Their menu is creative and their every cocktail delicious! The theme we experienced was tarot cards and we loved the presentation and creativity of cocktails. Service is excellent and all drinks are around $20. Worth a visit for sure - great 5-star speakeasy and so fun for a date or with a group.

I was unable to check out the quality or ambiance of this establishment as there were a number of…read moreissues with my reservation. Basically, I had a large group reserved for a celebration, and I didn't get a confirmation email and when I noticed this I scrambled to find another reservation. The reservation link I was sent to kept erroring out when I tried to process it. Apparently the incorrect date was selected and I did not notice I was charged an exorbitant amount of money because it was a larger party, but we had every intention of going and we would have spent quite a bit of money. After being charged a $120 no show fee I tried to contact them to see if they could at least squeeze us in or take the no show fee off but they said their policy was clearly stated and they don't respond to my last email. Also, there is no phone number which is incredibly frustrating as I would have called to confirm my 5:30pm reservation issue, but instead just assumed it didn't go through While part of this was undoubtedly user error, the process of reserving and confirming reservations was not easy. Furthermore, the establishment was not overly understanding Some tips: Go to a different bar. There are so many great bars, lounges, and speakeasy's in the area, and I wouldn't risk the potential hassle. We pivoted to the Roosevelt room last minute and we had a great time Cheers!

Moonshine Grill - southern - Updated May 2026

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