Now Open: Spicewood Tavern

The restaurant opened in the former Bistrot Mirabelle spot at 8127 Mesa Drive. The gastropub serves American comfort food and focuses on using local products and fresh ingredients in its menu and behind the bar, bar manager Raul Garcia said.

"It's like a gastropub, but we're putting out really good, quality food," he said. "Nothing from the kitchen is pre-made."

Garcia said the restaurant will make all of the syrups and squeeze juice for its signature cocktails, which will rotate on a seasonal basis. Current cocktails include the Hemingway daiquiri made with White Hat rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur.

The drink list features 10 wines and selection of beer on tap. Garcia said Spicewood Tavern will build up the bar's selection of spirits based on what customers like.

"We're a neighborhood bar but more interactive," he said.

On the menu is a selection of appetizers, such as spiced nuts done in-house, fresh baked pretzels, fried pickles and parmesan fries with truffle aioli. Garcia said the calamari, instead of breaded and served with marinara dipping sauce, will be tossed in a citrus gastrique sauce made from a sweet syrup reduction.

The sandwiches and burgers include shrimp po-boy, black and bleu burger and the SXSW burger with applewood smoke bacon and chipotle barbecue sauce. Entrees include butternut squash ravioli, fish and chips, shrimp and grits, salmon baked in parchment paper, and braised beef short ribs in a redi wine jus.

For more information on the restaurant, call 386-1464 or visit www.spicewoodtavern.com.