Austin’s Beloved Restaurant Underdog to Close for New Concept

News Summary

Austin’s Underdog restaurant, known for its unique natural wine selection and innovative Korean cuisine, will close on March 8, 2024. Co-owners Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave are transitioning the space into a more casual dining experience with a new chef-partner. While the restaurant has garnered local acclaim, they aim to better align with community desires. In a gesture of goodwill, part of the final week’s proceeds will support the Pasadena Humane Society. A new restaurant is expected to open in May 2025.

Austin’s Underdog Restaurant Closes to Make Way for a New Culinary Adventure

In a surprising twist for food lovers in Austin, the beloved Underdog restaurant is all set to close its doors after service on Saturday, March 8, 2024. This charming natural wine bar and upscale Korean eatery opened its doors just a year ago in May 2023 and quickly garnered attention with its innovative menu and inviting atmosphere.

What’s Next for the Space?

Co-owners Claudia Lee and Richard Hargreave are taking a bold step forward by transitioning the space into a new restaurant concept. The duo realized that the neighborhood could benefit from a more casual and accessible dining experience, leading them to make this tough decision to close Underdog. The pair has found a new “chef-partner” who shares their passion and vision, though the identity of this culinary collaborator remains a mystery for now.

A Restaurant that Made its Mark

Despite its closure, Underdog leaves behind a legacy of creativity and culinary excellence. In less than a year, it received accolades that included spots on various “best-of” lists, catching the eye of food enthusiasts across the region. Diners eagerly flocked to experience unique offerings like the super-rare steak and zesty ssam (Korean lettuce wraps), all served in an inviting setting.

Underdog’s wine selection was another highlight. While it didn’t feature traditional Korean spirits like soju, the wine bar showcased an impressive array of bottles from countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Australia. This thoughtful curation of low-intervention, sustainable wines truly complemented the restaurant’s innovative dishes.

A Community-Centric Decision

The decision to evolve into a new concept wasn’t made lightly. Lee and Hargreave expressed that it was essential to take a step back and consider what the community desired from the restaurant. Moving forward, they aim to create a space that feels more like a friendly neighborhood spot, providing an inviting atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Giving Back Before Closing

Pasadena Humane Society, which played a crucial role in aiding over 1,000 companion animals during the recent devastating Eaton Fire in California. This initiative exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to the community and its inhabitants—two-legged and four-legged alike.

What’s in Store for the New Concept?

While details on the new restaurant concept remain under wraps, there is a buzz of excitement surrounding its expected opening in May 2025. Anticipation is building as patrons eagerly await what fresh and inventive dishes might grace the menu. Until then, guests are encouraged to keep an eye on the restaurant’s Instagram for any changes in hours and updates during the closing period.

A Toast to New Beginnings

As Underdog prepares to take its final bow, both Lee and Hargreave express their heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Austin community. Their focus will continue to shine on offering low-intervention wines, which will be a staple in the upcoming establishment. This shift marks an exciting new chapter, reminding us all that sometimes it’s necessary to close one door to open another.

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Additional Resources

• CultureMap Austin: Underdog
• Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
• The New York Times: Best Restaurants in Austin
• Google Search: Austin restaurants
• Austin Monthly: Austin’s 2023 Best New Restaurants
• Google Scholar: Austin Wine Bars
• Eater Austin: Best Underrated Restaurants in Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas restaurants
• The Infatuation: Austin Wine Bars
• Google News: Austin Culinary News