The Tradition – New to Austin, But Feels Just Like Home

The Tradition, located at the Hyatt Centric on Congress Avenue, has just opened, and it is the perfect restaurant for any occasion. Whether you need somewhere to relax after work, or you want to go to a cozy, but social place at night, The Tradition’s ambiance and tasty food options will satisfy your desires. Directed by Executive Chef, Iain Reddick, The Tradition serves up Americana-inspired food with a playful twist and international flares that deliver amazing flavor.

Before the Main Dish

During the day, rays of sunshine greet you inside the restaurant, along with mesmerizing smells coming from the kitchen. During the night, however, the smell of good food draws you in while the restaurant lighting welcomes you to make yourself at home for your upcoming dining experience. There’s comfortable, outdoor seating available on the restaurant’s patio, all shaded from the sun during the day, and there’s a variety of seating options inside, like sit-down tables, booths, and high-top bar seating.

Once you are seated, The Tradition has a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. I got a zero-proof Stayside Drink, which had a rich and sweet passion fruit flavor that paired well with the appetizers and main dish. I had a sharable side of Truffle Fries to start, as well as Crispy Shrimp and Salmon Tartare Handrolls. The Truffle Fries have such an amazing, unique, and salty flavor to them, and are perfect to share with a group! As for the handrolls, they were both very different but very tasty, nonetheless. The Crispy Shrimp Handroll’s mango, cucumber, and shrimp give it an enjoyable crunchy and salty flavor, while the Salmon Tartare Handroll’s cream cheese, avocado, and nori wrap give this roll a light, sweet and salty flavor.

The Main Dish

The Tradition has several good options to choose from, like classic Texan BBQ, pasta, and sandwiches. The Tradition’s most popular options, though, are the Rotisserie Chicken and the Steak Frites. The NY strip in the Steak Frites is cooked to your liking, of course, and it is served with a special café de Paris butter on top. The fresh garnishes and butter on top of the steak add such a rich and complex flavor to the dish, making every bite as flavorful as the last. The Steak Frites come with a side of your choice, so I chose Truffle Fries (again) to complement the amazing flavor of the steak.

After the Main Dish

After you’re done with whatever tasty dish you decide to order, you are free to order another drink or sharable, but the desserts here all taste as good as they sound. The Upside Down Honey Cheesecake is served with honeycomb, fresh berries, and mint leaves. Everything on this plate truly pairs with each other perfectly. The actual cheesecake is very delicate, smooth, and full of sweet flavor, and the honeycomb adds a sweet, crispy flavor to the dish. The berries, of course, add a juicy, sweet flavor, while the mint offers a refreshing flavor to the dish. Altogether, this dessert is a perfect way to end this hearty and delicious meal.

Conclusion

Whether you are trying to look for a spot to have a relaxed night out, or you are looking for a social and elegant place to eat near the Texas Capitol, The Tradition is bound to offer you a memorable dining experience. The Tradition’s thoughtful, intricate, and tasty dishes, as well as its welcoming environment, truly make this restaurant a contender to be a future Austin favorite.