Pelon's

Pelon's

Just steps away from the liked of Stubb's and the Mohawk, Pelóns serves up modern tex-mex with an old-world flair.

Though a charming dining spot at any hour, Pelóns after sunset is simply enchanting: shaded by 500 year-old oak trees and gently lit by rustic, wrought-iron chandeliers, this Tex-Mex destination offers a slice of old Mexico at the heart of Austin’s music scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, an elegant dinner or post-concert drinks, Pelóns is the perfect place to linger the evening away.

Built on the former site of the historic Jaime’s Spanish Village, Pelóns pays homage to its culinary predecessor with a surprising twist. Owner Doug Guller—founder of other local institutions like Beale Street Tavern and the Parish—envisioned Pelóns as an inviting space for all guests, no matter the occasion. “We wanted to the décor to be comfortable for everyone,” Guller says, “whether you just saw a concert at the Mohawk, are tailgating for the UT game or celebrating your grandmother’s 80th birthday.” To that effect, Pelóns is actually a trio of dining hotspots, each with a vibe of its own: the first is the eponymous restaurant, which continues the culinary legacy of Jaime’s Spanish Village. “In reopening a Tex- Mex restaurant, we wanted to make sure we represented it in good fashion,” Guller remarks. The menu accordingly boasts a selection of well-crafted Tex-Mex staples, from Ceviche to Chile Relleno, all served up in Pelóns’ Spanish-inspired atmosphere, complete with stone walls and antique statuary.

In addition to authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, postconcert night owls will find a perfect late-night haunt in Pelóns’ bar counterpart, 508. What was once a spare greenroom for Stubb’s BBQ is now home to an intimate bar serving up an array of Tex-Mex favorites, including the signature Pelóns margarita. 508’s dark, wood-paneled interior, airy windows and decades-old fireplace complement the bar’s old-world aesthetic, while the “fun and comfortable vibe makes you feel like you’re ready for a good time,” Guller observes.

The crown jewel of Guller’s latest venture, however, might very well be Zorro, the nondescript food trailer on the outskirts of 508. Offering bar patrons and walk-up guests casual cuisine on the go, Zorro was a natural addition to Pelóns. “Austin is in love with its food trailers,” Guller observes, “so we just embraced that.” Zorro’s menu features Pelóns distinctive fare with a more playful twist. Offering mini fajitas and the infamous Mexi-Dog—a decadent, bacon-wrapped hot dog—Zorro rounds out the Tex-Mex trifecta as a welcome addition to the city’s music district and an iconic eatery in the making.