East End Ballroom Has Become Austin’s New ‘It’ Spot

When creating his new concept on East Fifth Street, industry maven Brice Jones (Freehold Hospitality) had an ambitious vision: a music venue that also served as a cocktail bar and restaurant. To help bring East End Ballroom to life, he enlisted the talents of notable locals including culinary director Colter Peck (Elementary) and music curator Jacob Sciba (Arlyn Studios). Here’s a peek at the buzzworthy new spot.

Bites

Peck crafted the culinary program to be well executed yet approachable. “We really wanted it to be all these classic dishes, especially bringing some of the East Coast classics to Austin, while also having our own kind of innovations on them.” The menu features steak frites with Texas wagyu sourced from nearby Artesian Ranch, along with shareable plates like the fried Manchego-stuffed Castelvetrano olives and bright pink beet hummus. Light up your taste buds with the gluten-free hot honey crispy chicken, which has become a favorite of regulars. A rarity in Austin, this restaurant kitchen is open until midnight daily.

Bar

Featuring a central bar that connects the indoors and outdoors, the moody space has a curved wall and plush curtains lining the inside. In addition to natural wine by the glass, standout beverages include the mezcal-based Puerto Punch, a variation of the classic ginger and cassis drink at NYC’s former Milk & Honey bar, and the East End Cooler, an ultra-refreshing watermelon tipple. East End Ballroom also boasts nonalcoholic cocktails like a carbonated beverage made with clarified apple and cucumber. The goal here is to provide high-quality drinks that aren’t going to take forever to make, says Jones: “It’s all about fresh ingredients and speed.”

Beats

Led by music curator Jacob Sciba, the venue invested in an L-Acoustics PA system, which he says is a draw for musicians. Featuring intimate DJ sets inside and lively shows on the courtyard stage, the space has already hosted the likes of Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation), Black Pistol Fire, and local DJ favorites like Sean Daigle (Outer Heaven Disco Club). Catch Austin acts during East End FM every Thursday night, along with appearances from big-name artists like Adrian Quesada, who played there in August. In addition to its cozy vibe, the venue’s decor also serves a purpose. “I have a theory in acoustics and studio builds that fabric and furniture sound [great],” Sciba says. “So, the idea of wrapping the curtains not only aesthetically looks amazing, but acoustically, it’s a dream.”

Bonding

In addition to live shows, East End Ballroom looks to be a community gathering space. From pop-up fitness classes on Sundays and college football watch parties to record fairs where local shops sell vinyl, the versatile concept plans to round out programming with a variety of events this autumn and beyond. Since opening, Peck and chef Jeff Ballou have also hosted several family-style supper clubs paired with live music, including one with Cold War Kids’ bassist Mark Maust. Check out all the action at 4715 E. Fifth St. and see future event announcements at instagram.com/eastendballroom.