Barlata - Austin

Definitely worth a unique experience and an attempt. I wanted to try with friends. we had reservations as recommended and were sitting at the arrival. our serve... read more Definitely worth a unique experience and an attempt. I wanted to try with friends. we had reservations as recommended and were sitting at the arrival. our server was great, she took the time to explain the whole process, as this was our first time here. we ordered and eating started to come very quickly. the food was well prepared and was usually very delicious. the wagyu meatballs were great, our favorite. worse were the muddles, so many were crispy with what I suspect is sand? the other negatiw was quite dark in the restaurant until I had to use the flashlight on my handy to see the menu. first I thought my eyes were just bad, then I looked around and saw several others do the same. when we were finished, the lights were finally erected! although it was on the expensive side, it was worth visiting to experience this style of eating.

Great food and service! The environment is a little bit too noisy for us. Squid ink paella is a must! Have the Mussels and add some bread for dipping the sauce,... read more Great food and service! The environment is a little bit too noisy for us. Squid ink paella is a must! Have the Mussels and add some bread for dipping the sauce, you will love it!

3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were reall... read more 3.5 stars I came during happy hour so the prices were better, especially for me who was trying multiple dishes. The croquettes and the lamb empanadas were really tasty and flavorful as well as the steak. I really did not like the paella, it was definitely undercooked. Some of the grains of rice was rock hard and there was zero crust that you would expect from a paella. Also the sangria was too sweet and after I let the ice melt, it became too watery. The server did ask me if I wanted to exchange it for something else which was nice but by the time she noticed I hadn?t drank it, I was already getting up to leave.

About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin... read more About a decade ago, my wife met the chef while he was teaching a cooking class at Central Market on LaMar Blvd in Austin, as he was preparing to open his Austin location. Yesterday marked our first visit to the new restaurant in Austin. It's much newer and larger than B44, which is understandable given its compact location in a small alley packed with restaurants, but the food remains outstanding at both venues. I’m quite familiar with the paella, having sampled various kinds, including one made with squid ink, which I’m not particularly fond of. However, my wife loves it. This time, we opted for her favorite: grilled octopus, or as it’s known in Catalan, Pulpo a la plancha. It’s served with a mixed greens and pickled red onion salad dressed with Cava vinaigrette. She loved it so much that she ordered a second portion to take home. I can’t blame her; although I’m not a huge fan of octopus—often finding it chewy and flavorless—this was the best I’ve ever had. The chef truly showcases his passion for octopus, evident in the decor and the execution of the dish. It was perfectly cooked, moist, and bursting with flavor. I indulged in one of my favorite dishes: their grilled churrasco steak served with shishito peppers and French fries. They consistently cook the steak to perfection. I recall not being a big fan of their fries, so next time I’ll switch to their patatas bravas, which are some of the best potato sides I’ve ever tasted. We also shared a plate of grilled shrimp sautéed in a spicy adobo sauce with garlic. The generous garlic slices were charred to perfection, giving the shrimp a wonderful kick. Following that, we enjoyed a petite plate of Pincho Moruno—grilled Moroccan lamb skewers drizzled with a spicy sofrito pimentón sauce and accompanied by a cucumber salad. The cucumber salad was exceptionally fresh, and paired nicely with the spicy, tender chunks of lamb, making it a perfect dish for a hot summer day. As you can see, the chef is highly skilled in sauces and seasonings from the Catalan and Spanish regions, which makes the dishes particularly flavorful and unique. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss out on this gem, and return until you’ve tried everything on the menu. My wife and I have tackled more than half the menu and are eager to explore the rest. Many of the dishes feature flavors that are hard to find in other restaurants. And, of course, don’t forget to try the homemade sangria on a hot day in Austin, TX!

For drinks, I ordered the Chillin with Dylan, a strong yet delightful cocktail. My brother opted for a drink that combined red wine and whiskey (I can’t recall... read more For drinks, I ordered the Chillin with Dylan, a strong yet delightful cocktail. My brother opted for a drink that combined red wine and whiskey (I can’t recall the name), while his girlfriend, Kayla, chose the Sangria. We all relished our beverages! For those unfamiliar, tapas are typically small, Spanish-inspired plates that are usually served at the bar. I find tapas to be a fantastic option, especially considering how hot it is in Austin right now. While everyone needs to eat, a hefty meal might not be appealing to everyone. However, sharing a few small plates along with some drinks is certainly more manageable. Regarding the tapas, my brother mentioned that he and Kayla had dined here a few times, which allowed them to scout the menu in advance. We ordered from the Happy Hour menu, meaning most dishes were slightly smaller than what you would get on the regular dinner menu. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to visit with a large group. Some of our favorite tapas from the night included the Octopus Ceviche, which featured chunks of shrimp and octopus mixed with diced vegetables and a lime wedge. Squeezing the lime over the dish brought out the flavors beautifully. The Spanish Olives were impressive, arriving with a small olive fork for easy picking. The presentation was immaculate, showing that the restaurant truly pays attention to detail, and the olives were delicious! We also tried Croquetas—small, bite-sized treats filled with ham and cheese, reminiscent of mozzarella sticks and served with marinara sauce. The Fried Calamari was perfectly done, accompanied by a lemon slice and garlic aioli (definitely deserving of a chef’s kiss)! And then there were the potatoes, which had a rich cheese sauce on top along with a tomato sauce similar to marinara. We ended up ordering two bowls because they were just that good! To round off our meal, we shared a small dessert: Crema Catalana. It’s similar to crème brûlée but with a delightful lemon flavor in the custard! Overall, this restaurant is ideal for a date night or a happy hour with friends. The small plates are satisfying enough to fill you up while still being light—a perfect dining experience!