Austin's Salty Sow is dedicated to "swine + wine + beer," and features mindfully sourced food and hand-crafted drinks.

This gastropub had some fine ratings, so it was one of my first stops.

Salty Sow is an American Gastropub that serves contemporary farmhouse fare. Hand-crafted cocktails and entrees are served fresh daily, mindfully sourced from local farms and purveyors. 

Modern and unpretentious, Salty Sow's chef-driven menu delivers clean, farm-to-table eats in a rustic-contemporary setting, making it a trusted "neighborhood gem."

It's a cute, trendy place where you sort of walk into this curtain as you enter. It certainly sets a scene.

We started with an appetizer - the Salty Sow Charcuterie & Cheese Board. It had all sorts of interesting sausages and cheeses.

It was all quite good, but I especially liked the pate - very creamy.

We also got a side of brussels sprouts, which came with golden raisins and pecorino cheese, and it was absolutely amazing. Show somebody who doesn't like brussels sprouts this dish, and you'll make a believer out of them. Crispy, sweet, savory. Everything all at once, and it was amazing.

For my main entree, I went with the duck breast, which was just OK for me. The skin was fatty, and the meat itself was a bit rubbery and more gamey than I would've liked. I did enjoy the turnips, though, and the sauce was delightful. I just wasn't totally on board with the meat itself.

Overall, a cool vibe. Some neat things here, and that charcuterie board and brussels sprouts were winners.

Grade: B