Everything IS Bigger in Texas. Star Bar

Well, that phrase holds true and in Austin. They keep it big and do it in a wonderful style of weird. There are many choices when you visit Austin for an over the top Bloody Mary.

Star Bar in South Austin was founded in 1995 and has a drink that is something to behold. It is a Bloody Mary gone wild. This one needs a plate, napkin and an empty stomach. Oh, and patience as this one will take a while. This truly is the kitchen sink kind of drink. What isn’t included may be an easier description for me to retell.

 

I thought I had seen it all until I found it on Instagram. When I saw it I knew I had to put it on the list to visit. This bad boy is only served on weekends and in limited supply. Only 12 are served in a day unless you call ahead and “reserve” yours. Not even joking! There is a lot that goes into this for sure and Paul, the Manager, was kind enough to oblige my curiosity on a Monday.

The atmosphere is industrial with rolled up garage like walls for an open atmosphere with two large patios. You get the feeling this place must spill over with folks coming out for the many beers on tap, TVs to watch and great atmosphere. It has a laid back vibe for sure. They do not have  kitchen but food trailers are found right next door to whet your appetite. This is a place of drink and be merry and relaxation.  If you are hungry…..you can order the Hail Mary for a drink and a meal.  Ready for the list?

Honey Bun
P Terry’s Cheese Burger ( a local favorite like our In and Out but more hyper-local which has to be delivered)
Dill Pickle
Gerkins
Hard Boiled Egg
Pickled Okra
Lil Cheddar Smokies
Chicken Nuggets
Powdered Mini Donut
Celery
Cheddar Cheese
Pepper Jack Cheese
Cherry Tomatoes

No, I am not kidding. That is all adorned above a Zing Zang base as it takes a supporting role to this concoction. It is mixed up with pickle juice and creole seasoning for added flavor.

Watching it being made brought a giggle to my local friend, Wendie, as she joined me on this pilgrimage. I don’t think she really believed this was my hobby and these crazy drinks exist. I am glad she enjoyed the hilarity of this moment with me on a rain-soaked day. Our cheeks and stomachs hurt after this adventure.

Paul (Star Bar Manager) and Ebony (Bartender/Assembly Line Mary Maker) took great care of us that day and created a great memory and entry into the never  ending adventures of the Bloody Mary Tourist. Next  time you are in Austin do not pass this up if you are looking for a great venue to enjoy an extraordinary libation of extraordinary proportions.  It is well worth the wait and the photo opportunity!

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The only negative about this place…..It’s a Packers bar. Son of a Nutcracker. A Packers bar. Go BEARS! 

 

 

 

Bloody Mary Search Back On!

It’s been awhile since I have posted due to a variety of reasons that are not that good. Hopefully you have been following me on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with my adventures! Here is a quick run through of a few places I have been.

Anvil Pub Dallas….mediocre at best. They are supposed to have an over the top selection on weekends but won’t serve during the week. That was a disappointment and this mix was too. Just Zing Zang in a glass.  #bloodymary #bloodymarydallas

Gladstones #legendarymary #longbeach #bloodymary Add a side of their Steamers and enjoy a great view! A #bloodymary that drinks like a meal!

When you are wined out in wine country you need to head to The Market in Yountville, CA and get some excellent fish tacos and #bloodymary #bloodymarynapa
The 20 Minute #bloodymary at Murphy’s in Sonoma Square. Get a pint while you wait for this massive Mary. Add a plate on the side to Noah on the Bacon, Fried Pickles, Hamburger Slider, Cucumber and Olives. It is a spicy, briney concoction with a Guiness floater on top. #bestbloodymarysonoma

In OC their are many claims to fame as the best Bloody Mary but Reunion comes very close! The Jalepeno Popper maybe the reason I liked this so much. #bestbloodymaryoc #orangecountybloodymary #bloodymary

Todd English Build Your Own Bloody Mary in Las Vegas. What makes this special? The huge menu and how quickly you can escalate the cost of your drink. But who can resist Lobster. #bestbloodymarylasvegas #bloodymary

My new favorite Brewery and they make a stellar #bloodymarymix. Head to SD and taste their amazing selection of brews. Especially their Salt and Peppa which is great as a Michelada. I am so so excited they are opening a joint in Long Beach as I will be a regular. And stocking up on this mix. #bestbloodymarymix #bloodymary #bestbloodymarysandiego

“best bloody mary dallas” “best bloody mary San Diego” “best bloody mary las vegas” “best bloody mary vegas” “best bloody mary ong beach” “best bloody mary OC” “best bloody mary anaheim” “best bloody mary orange county”

 

Smokin’ Good BBQ and Mary in D-Town!

We all know that Texas is known for its Barbecue. That is a given and this trip was a delightful culinary exploration for the Bloody Mary Tourist.  An industry event was held at the Dallas Convention Center and the Omni hotel this week which is what brought me back to Dallas. We had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful farm to table restaurant at the Omni called Texas Spice which served up some amazing Brisket, Corn Bread and oddly enough…the best Ahi Tartar Tacos I have ever had that had a Chili Oil and Cilantro Pesto drizzled on top. Drool worthy.

There was one destination on my list that I knew I had to get my taste buds to. Smoke. It is just a bit outside downtown but very worth of its drive.  I found it searching Yelp and it really intrigued me. They had me hooked at their Tim’s Homemade Mix which was spicy fire roasted Tomatoes and Chili’s mixed in a blend of spices with Olive juice and I can only speculate they added their smoky and spicy vinegar.

http://smokerestaurant.com/

 

It packed a punch for sure! It is a salt lick so just be prepared with a glass of water (or Beer) when you slug this down. And slug you will. WOW! The endorphins were sparked at first sip. It is not an overwhelming amount of spice but it will linger sip after sip and accelerates as you bite into the pickled spicy garnishes. A skewer is placed on your glass carrying a bread and butter Pickle slice, pickled Carrot and a roasted and pickled Jalapeno. The rimmed is rubbed with salts and chili spices.

 

It really was one of the best I have had in a few weeks of travel and I would dare to say this modernized smokehouse is one I would love to be back to as it may be a top 10 Bloody Mary I have tried. I could only imagine what it was like paired with the Saturday and Sunday Brunch. You can agree that Brisket Hash sounds pretty damn delicious!

I myself partook in their All Natural Pulled Whole Hog Sandwich that is on a Brioche Bun and with a scoop of Blue Cheese Cole Slaw atop the meat. Pair it with their honey mustard spicy BBQ sauce and you will not be disappointed. I didn’t just stop there as I wanted to try all of their sauces that they make in house. Finger licking good!

 

This is a must go to destination and one I will always run back to when in D-Town. Oh Mamma!