Porter Ale House co-owners Neil, Joe, and Trevor share many common interests, namely good food, good drink, and good music. In fact, Johnny Cash's ditty Hey Porter inspired the name for their Austin eatery. The moniker's meaning is two-fold, though, because it also obviously refers to porter ale—historically the drink of choice for the English working class. The trio attempts to create a comfortable atmosphere that caters to the everyman, the type of folks who would drink porter, at their gastropub. If its widespread popularity is any indication, they've succeeded.

Of course, customers don't come just for the atmosphere. The food and drink also play a major role in Porter Ale House's constant crowds. The beer cheese fondue, in particular, earns raves. It comes with apples and caraway pretzels for dipping. You can also start your meal with oxtail croquettes or a kale salad with beer-battered anchovies on top. When it comes to the main course, try the bangers and mash, curry-fried chicken thighs, or porter burger topped with triple cream brie. Don't forget to sample one of the many beers and cocktails on the drink list.

Porter Ale House and Gastropub
3715 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-6299
porteraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/porter-ale-house-and-gastropub-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr ThreeIfByBike