New Filipino Restaurant OKO Set to Open in East Austin
East Austin is buzzing with excitement as a brand new Filipino restaurant, OKO, is preparing to open its doors. The restaurant will take over the former space of the Ah Sing Den bar, located at 1100 East Sixth Street. The grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25.
A Taste of the Philippines
OKO aims to bring the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine to the local dining scene with a twist of pan-Asian influences. Guests can look forward to trying a variety of traditional dishes as well as some innovative offerings. The menu features a kinilaw bar, which serves raw seafood marinated in a tangy combination of vinegar and citrus juices. Diners can sample fresh Texas oysters paired with pinakurat, a spicy coconut vinegar.
For those who enjoy grilled meats, OKO will offer skewers such as leeg, made from pork neck and dressed with a burnt calamansi sauce, served alongside a sawsawan dipping sauce. Another option is the manok skewer, featuring chicken marinated with annatto oil, calamansi, and accompanied by a soy-sauced toyomansi dipping sauce.
Popular Filipino Dishes
In addition to skewers, OKO’s menu will include much-loved Filipino dishes like adobo entrees, crispy chicken skin chicharrones, sticky ribs, lechon (slow-roasted pork belly), and oxtail kare, a savory stew. This diverse menu is sure to please both newcomers to Filipino food and seasoned fans alike.
Refreshing Drinks to Complement the Menu
To enhance the dining experience, OKO plans to offer an array of drinks with an emphasis on rum and gin, both popular in the Philippines, as well as agave spirits. Creative cocktails will be a highlight, such as the Saturday Morning Cartoons, made with spiced pear brandy, Tito’s vodka, ube, and coconut. Another interesting option is the Que Chulo, which combines blanco tequila, lemongrass, and vadouvan spices. Guests can also try the large OKO scorpion bowl, filled with a delightful mix of rum, cognac, passionfruit, lemon, oranges, and marcona almond orgeat.
Expert Leadership in the Kitchen
Leading the culinary efforts at OKO is Harold Villarosa, a chef born in the Philippines and raised in New York City. Villarosa has an impressive background, having worked in several high-end restaurants, including Per Se and Aureole. He also gained attention for his pop-up food brand showcasing Filipino soul food called Unkle Harold’s.
OKO is the brainchild of co-owners Trinity Concepts and FAM Hospitality. Trinity Concepts oversees multiple bars and lounges in downtown Austin, while FAM runs various food hall restaurants across cities like Houston, Nashville, and Denver. Notably, Chef Paul Qui from FAM helped to develop the unique menu for OKO.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name OKO is inspired by the Filipino diaspora in Hawaii, deriving from the Hawaiian word “oko’a,” which translates to “different.” This reflects the restaurant’s intention to showcase the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the Philippines.
A Fresh Atmosphere
With the help of the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the redesigned space will showcase vibrant tropical patterns and symbols, providing a welcoming and lively environment for diners. OKO will operate from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, offering both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Transition from Ah Sing Den
Trinity Concepts had previously owned the Ah Sing Den bar since September 2020, but decided it was time for a change due to a decline in traffic. The bar was officially closed in June 2024 to make way for OKO, with the former staff given the opportunity to apply for positions at the new restaurant.
As East Austin awaits the opening of OKO, it looks like food lovers are in for a culinary treat that highlights the vibrant and diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine.
