Cozy Up at Bess Bistro for Fall Offerings and F1 Toast - Austin, Texas

Cozy Up at Bess Bistro for Fall Offerings and F1 Toast

Bess Bistro, one of Austin’s beloved neighborhood spots along West Sixth Street, is getting cozier for the cool months ahead, with new libations, seasonally inspired menu offerings and a Formula One celebratory cocktail.

Patrons can cozy up to the über-sexy, custom-made pewter bar from France and sip on new cocktails such as the Bess Toddy (Knob Creek Whiskey, fresh lemon and orange peels, hot water, raw simple syrup, and a cinnamon stick; $9), the Walton (Ketel One Citroen Vodka, hibiscus liqueur, lemon juice, and an edible flower; $8), Atwood’s Vice (Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, Benedictine, Campari, and an orange twist; $9), and the Constable (Jameson Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, Calvados apple brandy, lemon juice, and fresh thyme; $13) along with local favorites like the Champagne Cocktail and the Moscow Mule. Stop by this week, Thursday through Sunday, for a Formula One special cocktail, the "McLaren" (chilled Ciroc Vodka, Blood Orange, topped off with G.H.Mumm).

New menu items to try at the bar range from appetizers such as Fried Green Tomatoes (topped with crab-and-caper salad, arugula, preserved Meyer lemon aïoli, and crispy prosciutto; $13) and Endive and Watercress Salad (with thyme-roasted candied beets, horseradish vinaigrette, and Dijon dressed in Roquefort; $9) to entrées such as Pan-Seared Creekstone Filet (served over toasted challah bread with spicy kale chips, port gelée and a blood orange syrup; $19) and Roasted Quail (oven-roasted Lockhart quail served over organic quinoa and wild rice pilaf with cumin and cayenne-scented rainbow carrots, preserved quince, and a white port reduction; $24).

Bess is a seamless mix of French bistro and Louisianan flair, from the innovative offerings to the playful speakeasy feel. Inside this historic spot, which was originally completed in 1918 and boasts brick columns and arches, new Simon Pearce hand-blown glass chandeliers add a touch of luxe. The rooftop patio bar—the area’s most intimate—now boasts lush landscaping and a private bar upstairs that is also available for private parties.

Special drink and dinner offerings include Monday all-night happy hour in the bar, bistro, and terrace; Tuesday $20 bottle wine night; and Wednesday Date Night featuring a $49 three-course meal for two. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the bar, bistro, and terrace areas only with half off all specialty cocktails and appetizers as well as $4 well liquors.

Bess, which turns seven this year, is one of the city’s most inviting spaces in the heart of West Sixth Street.

Bess Bistro is located at 500 W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701. For more information and hours, call 512- 477-2377 or go to bessbistro.com.