Opening This December: Haddingtons American Tavern - By Restaurateur Michael Polombo and Chef Zack Northcutt

Austin's Sixth Street welcomes Haddingtons, an American tavern and restaurant inspired by culture, heritage and British-influenced American cuisine. Opening in December at 601 W. Sixth St. in the heart of downtown's hip restaurant and bar scene, Haddingtons is the latest restaurant creation from New York City restaurateur Michael Polombo, owner of Austin's popular Mulberry restaurant and bar. With a chef-driven menu and handcrafted specialty cocktails served in warm, stylish surroundings that thoughtfully pay homage to the early American industrial era, Haddingtons offers a dining experience unlike anything else in Central Texas.

A concept influenced by the romantic story of Polombo's seafaring great-grandfather, who once captained a ship named The Haddington, the restaurant was designed to convey the charm of a past era while offering only polished but approachable American-style dishes. Polombo traveled extensively throughout Europe as part of his research and concept development for Haddingtons, and it was in London where he discovered that the emerging trend of serving carefully prepared British cuisine would perfectly compliment his American tavern concept. Impressed by the fare at renowned London pub Anchor & Hope, he arranged to have Haddingtons Executive Chef Zack Northcutt spend several weeks in the pub's kitchen, perfecting his British-inspired cooking style. Anchoring the Haddingtons menu are traditional tavern entrees that range from $15-$30 like Scotch eggs, roasted game birds, British meatballs served with braised vegetables, and fish and chips - each prepared in an enticingly unexpected manner. Sophisticated favorites like foie gras, as well as a selection of vegetarian dishes, round out this creative menu.

Another entirely unique Haddingtons offering comes in the form of renowned Mixologist Bill Norris' inventive cocktail menu. Formerly of Fino, and known for his eclectic and unconventional approach to cocktails, Norris will most certainly impress his loyal following with his rare drink menu that, itself, is reason enough to make Haddingtons a new favorite. Catering to the cultivated cocktail palate, Norris' cocktail menu features a m?lange of cutting-edge designer cocktails, as well as distinguished tavern standbys and a wide selection of esteemed wines and draft beers. One of Haddingtons' private spaces, the Fox Tavern, boasts a zinc bar and is the ideal venue for cocktail-pairing dinners, beer-tasting events and private parties. Guests can also sip their one-of-a-kind libations at a pint table near the restaurant entrance, in one of two Haddingtons "nooks," or kick back on Haddingtons' quaint front patio.
Formerly housing the Thai Tara restaurant, Haddingtons' expansive 3,600-square-foot space has been entirely reinvented, and the anticipation and excitement among the Austin community has been growing day by day as Haddingtons comes to life. Aided in the d?cor choices by legendary designer Michael Hsu, Polombo scoured dozens of shops and showrooms throughout the country in search of the perfect design pieces for the Haddingtons interior. Evoking a rustic mood and atmosphere reminiscent of the American Revolution era, Haddingtons houses custom artwork from local artists, and is embellished with longleaf pine, cool steel and rich brick accents. Solidifying Haddingtons' comfortable tavern style is a tattered yet endearing 46-star American flag from the early 1900s. Every element, from the most insignificant lighting fixture to the stained glass feature in the main dining room, create a welcoming and artful ambiance, further defining Haddingtons as an unparalleled experience among Austin restaurants.

Haddingtons will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. For more information about