Monday, June 10, 2013

Benji's Cantina: Now Featuring Happy Hour! All Day Monday, 4-7pm Tues-Sun

Benji’s Cantina: Austin’s Premier Spot for
Tex Mex and Margaritas Now Featuring Happy Hour



Benji’s Cantina, the city’s It spot for margaritas and Tex Mex, is now featuring Happy Hour—all day Monday and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on other days. Drinks are $1 off and special nibbles are half price for bar top and cocktail tables. The newly opened Benji’s—the latest venture from the group behind Kung Fu Saloon and the Brew Exchange and operating partner Geoff Freeman—boasts West Sixth Street’s only rooftop dining space.

Freeman, who ran the downtown Eddie V’s Prime Seafood for ten years, and executive chef Blake Keely, formerly of the Roaring Fork, have created a farm-to-table menu that features only the best products available. Happy Hour bites include Queso Flameado (with housemade chorizo), Queso Blanco (with roasted chile pico de gallo), Nachos (with pulled chicken), Sopes (with pork adobo), Quesadillas (with pork al pastor), Guacamole (mixed tableside), Oysters en la Concha (half a dozen on the half shell), Caldo de Pollo (with chicken and avocado), Pozole (with hominy and pork), and Sopa de Tortilla (with chicken and queso fresco). During happy hour, these select appetizers will range in price from $4-$5.50.

The emphasis on fresh ingredients extends to the drink menu as well, which features specialty margaritas, including the El Gigante Verde (Patrón Silver Tequila, Citronage mixed avocado purée, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, and cilantro leaves); Mexican beers; a fine selection of tequilas; and mescals such as the “con gusano” (“with the worm”) variety.

The space—a fusion of clean lines, urban funk, and natural elements—brings the great outdoors inside. A small lounge hosts a bar and community tables that encourage mingling, and expansive glass doors let in the city-life action from the outside street scene. The adjacent main dining room gives off a more serene feel and seats approximately 300 guests. Upstairs, the breezy rooftop patio boasts a playful ten-foot water fountain and an unrivaled view of the downtown skyline.

Benji’s Cantina is located at 716 W. 6th Street in the lively West 6th Street district of Downtown Austin, on the NE corner of 6th & West Avenue. The restaurant is open Sun-Wed 4 p.m.-11 p.m. and Thur-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight. Happy Hour is Mon 4 p.m.-11 p.m. and Tue-Sat 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Benji’s will be open for lunch and brunch soon. Valet parking available. For more information, call 512-476-TACO or go to benjiscantina.com.

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