Popular Italian Cafe Uncle Nicky’s Opens in South Austin

A fan-favorite and acclaimed Italian cafe, Uncle Nicky’s, is finally expanding its reach in Austin. The new branch has found its home in the heart of the South Lamar neighborhood, opening doors at 2121 South Lamar Boulevard on Saturday, June 22. In a city brimming with a myriad of dining options, Uncle Nicky’s promises to serve up an authentic and heartwarming Italian culinary experience.

Bringing Hyde Park’s Charm to South Lamar

Uncle Nicky’s has been a popular fixture in the Hyde Park neighborhood since its establishment in 2019 by co-owners Nic Yanes, also of Italian restaurant Juniper, and Travis Tober, owner of neighborhood bar Nickel City. The South Austin location will retain the Hyde Park outlet’s ethos – a fast-casual service featuring an all-day food and drink menu oozing Italian flavors.

All-Day Italian Nourishment

From early morning breakfast to late-night cravings, Uncle Nicky’s pledges to satisfy Austin’s Italian cuisine fans. Their breakfast sandwich – a delightful mix of Taylor ham, fried egg, cheese, and ketchup is served on a kaiser roll, ideal for starting the day. Other sandwich options include the succulent roasted porchetta.

The menu extends to Italian classic pastas like the indulgent baked pepperoni rigatoni and vegetarian-friendly lasagna. For a lighter option, the cafe offers hearty snacks such as stuffed peppers and artichoke hearts draped in rich pesto.

Their breakfast fare, dubbed “daily brunch,” features small ricotta pancakes and their special Eggs Nicky – poached eggs and crispy prosciutto draped in a fontina hollandaise, all served on focaccia.

Sweet Italian Treats

The dessert line-up reflects the heart of Italian patisserie with offerings of vanilla custards, cannolis, and a traditional tiramisu. Whether your taste buds lean towards creamy, crunchy, or a balance of both, Uncle Nicky’s dessert menu promises to end the Italian treat on a honeyed note.

Drinks Italian Style

Uncle Nicky’s extends its Italian charm all the way to the drinks, featuring a diverse range of Negronis, Spritzes, and Espresso cocktails. Signature drinks like Uncle Nicky’s Spritz encapsulates a blend of gin, herbal liqueur, grapefruit cordial, and prosecco, offering a refreshing cocktail for the discerning drinker.

Coffee, wine, and beer options abundant, Uncle Nicky’s is set to cater to every palette, making it a destination for not just meals, but evenings of atmospheric relaxation as well.

Serving Up Success

The opening of Uncle Nicky’s in South Lamar testifies to its success story. After taking over the former gelato shop, Dolce Vita, in the Hyde Park neighborhood in 2019, Uncle Nicky’s has experienced steady growth. They first made an expansion into Central East Austin within the former Hotel Eleven in 2020, and after closing it in late 2022, they announced a strategic move to South Austin, promising to offer the same warmth and authenticity, solidifying their presence in Austin’s expanding culinary landscape. The South Lamar outlet is sure to be bustling from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

New Horizons

In addition to Uncle Nicky’s, co-owners Yanes and Tober also unveiled a New York-styled bar, Murray’s Tavern, in late 2023, further enhancing the duo’s stake in Austin’s burgeoning gastronomic scene. As Uncle Nicky’s opens its doors to its newest patrons in South Lamar, it echoes a sense of gastronomic innovation in the heart of Texas.