Sully’s Side Bar

Stopped here with the boyfriend yesterday in early evening after dealing with SXSW congestion. Hungry and tired, Sully’s was the perfect reprieve.
It was almost 6pm on a Tuesday so only a few other people there. I loved that the front wall of windows open to capture the breeze but still protected from the blazing sun. We ordered the cheesesteak eggrolls and roasted garlic meatballs to share along with refreshments.
Perfect choices! My favorite was the eggroll – exactly what it sounds like and cooked perfectly! Tender meat, melty cheese and great flavor.
My boyfriend loved the meatballs. Great size, covered in sauce and cheese with mushrooms that he raved about. I liked the meatballs as well, but I didn’t get any garlic flavor from them, so I was a bit less excited.
Overall, great experience. Cool bar, great location, friendly service and awesome food. Will definitely be back.

Stumbled across this place because the places we wanted to eat were too busy on a Friday night. Long story short: beef flatbread was fantastic. Tennessee Mules were pretty good. Service… was a joke. Beware of a white waitress with curly hair. Never tipped so low in my life.

Nice bar and bartender but horrible management. Very rude. Won’t go back again and I travel and recommend places to many friends and customers all the time. Don’t go here

The bar tenders here are great! They anticipate the choices and needs of their patrons. It’s a great bar in Austin!

I went here for a Sunday night cap. They have a great all day Sunday Happy Hour menu which features Burgers, Teriyaki beef skewers, shrimp fried rice and more. I got the 6 oz sliced New York Strip steak for $ 11. It came with a side of spinach and garlic mash potatoes. For the price you can’t go wrong! RJ gave us exceptional service. They also have good selection of alcoholic beverages for $ 6. There is also a nice TV set up for you to watch sporting events on. I will definitely be back.

Ok, snooze alert. Only giving this place an extra star because we loved our server. Louis from Cambridge. Ask for that charming young lad and you’ll be happy you did. His thick English accent had me wanting more… Of him. And him only.
The whole Sullivan’s joint is undergoing some renovations so understandably there’s some awkward transitions between the side bar and the main joint. But omg, for a Saturday afternoon at a place that used to be known as a decent game-​watching spot, I literally felt like we’d just rolled in to a ghost town. Only one other couple in there, and their regular menu ceased to exist. I was craving some of their yummy street tacos but apparently those are no longer being offered. Instead, we were stuck with the non-​impressive bar menu from the Sullivan’s awkward piano bar side of the venue. #fail
I will say, Louis made it up to me by preparing an exclusively made cocktail just for me. Needed a little spice in my life, so he whipped up a jalapeño margarita. Thanks to my English lover, this place scored itself a higher score than it deserved. Great flavors in the cocktail but the $ 12 price tag was a bit too high for a Saturday pick-​me-​up drink.
Fingers crossed Sully’s turns things around… Prime real estate and would hate for this corner joint to keep this spot that it did not deserve. Don’t go there now. Will try this place once renovations are complete. Hoping for a more lively atmosphere, drink specials (something less that 12 bucks for a drink please!) and a more appetizing menu.

I’ve been walking by this place for a while and always wanted to stop in. I was pleasantly surprised at the Reverse Happy Hour deals. $ 3 ritas and $ 2 tacos. Kinda unexpected for a place that’s associated with Sullivans right? The bartenders were super friendly and accommodating of special requests/​changes which I don’t find is very common during reduced price times. Major plus. There were tons of cool, friendly people there to talk to and coming and going… Have you not heard a thing I’ve said since ’ $ 2 tacos’? (I figured.) They were delicious! My favorite were the chicken and brisket. Full of flavor with well thought out contents inside of the tortilla. Sully will see me again soon.

My crew ended up here at the end of one Sunday Funday. After making the rounds of the usual bars downtown, several of us wanted to eat. Immediately.
We had no wait at all. Six or seven of us sat right at the bar and ordered a few of their specialty cocktails. They were tasty and just strong enough. The service was efficient, and the food came out super fast. I ordered a burger, which was delicious… just what you’d expect from a place that specializes in beef.

November 2012: We came here after wandering around downtown, looking for a place that would be able to seat 9 of us. Sully’s was not crowded, and despite being at two separate tables, sat us immediately.
The service was a little slow, but to be fair, it was pretty crowded. I think we got there right before the rush. The manager had to come over and apologize for the wait on our drinks, apps… well, everything.
The food, however, was delicious (albeit a little cold). We got nachos to start, and the toppings were cold, but quite tasty. I have always had warm nachos (they are always baked in the oven before serving), so maybe this is a Texas thing? Either way, the brisket on top was really good, and the guacamole is to die for.
I had the brisket salad, and others at our table got several different types of tacos. The dressing on the salad wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but it was still good. I was only allowed to sample the chicken taco since everyone devoured theirs so quickly, but that was very good as well.
The dining room menu wasn’t available to us for some reason, but given the quality of the food in the bar, I’d love to try the other side. I’d definitely stop back in the next time I’m in town.
EDIT — November 2013
I upped the review to 5 stars. The food, and service, is so incredibly improved, and I was really impressed.
We were in town for the F1 race, and stopped at Sully’s again, since we knew it had great food and was reasonably priced. The taco menu is no more, and the bar area is going to change into «something, we just don’t know what yet.» We ordered off the restaurant side menu, and the food was absolutely delicious.
We had a small mishap (being a former restaurant slave, this is not the worst thing that could have happened) — there was miscommunication and the food runner dropped four of our five meals at another table… and the other table started eating them.
The manager came over, offered us all — including the one person that got his meal on time — either a salad or dessert (and we picked salad), but since our replacement dinners came out nearly right away, he insisted on buying us all a dessert of our choice. Ok — sure — why not. The food was very, very good. Braised short rib ravioli, burgers, scallops and bacon… it was all delicious. And the desserts were fantastic. We all tried something different, and the apple crumble cake and chocolate cakes are worth it. I had the cheesecake, which was pretty good, but the other two desserts were really awesome.
As an added surprise, the manager also bought us a round of drinks, and apologized profusely. I haven’t seen service like that in a really long time, and it really went a very long way.

Sullivan’s is a guaranteed delicious slam-​dunk no matter how you slice it. Their little offshoot on the side is a bright, airy, fun spot that oddly seems not to share much of any of the feeling of Sullys. Not that it’s bad it’s just that it «seems» like it «should» feel related. Not a ding, just font think it’s Sullivans Junior, it’s its own place.
When the weather is nice they open the french doors, and with the tall tables it’s got a good feel. The bar is pretty standard, good drinks menu and the food offerings are their own taco /​guac /​nibbles plus the Sullivan’s bar menu which is a nice touch since they share a kitchen.
Here is the why you have to come here, it’s a perfect HH spot with the most innovative guac I’ve had. the smoky guac alone is worth a visit. It’s a fun spot that’s right downtown, and serves casual but good food in a area where you usually have to pick between formal and greasy bar food.
I’d like to see them have a slightly better margarita /​on-​brand drinks offering they’re a little all over the place and perhaps a few more substantial bites.

Dear Sullys:
PLEASE give me the recipe for that guacamole. I’ll do anything. Also, your pulled pork sliders, ahi tuna tacos and brisket MuST make its way back onto my palate.
What other place has tequila on tap? Seriously. I felt like wheezin the juice right there. Between the delectable food, the open air tables and the incredible tequila drinks, I’m a sullys fan 4 lyfe.
Love,
Kelly

Sully’s was a late night run for me and my business partner.
It was a damn good decisions.
Delicious food! We ordered the guac, with sweet potato chips, then I ordered the steak from the bar menu and my partner ordered the quesadilla, both entrees were full of mouth watery goodness!
The staff here is incredible, the décor is modern and welcoming.
I love Sully’s and can’t wait to go back.

The staff at Sully’s dealt with the Unilocal influx with grace and ease, armed with a barrage of sliders and hors d’oeuvres to quell the rising tide of hungry drunkards such as myself.
I’ll be sure to deliver a less subjective review on my next visit, but tonight the managers on duty and the cocktail waitresses were entirely attuned to our needs. And for that, Sully’s gets a high five.

Sully’s was actually the best meal we had in Austin, BUT we ordered from the Sullivan’s Steakhouse menu since they share a kitchen.
The Sullivan’s Steakhouse dinner we received was AMAZING! Crab cakes that are just ALL crab meat… delicious and uncluttered with too many breadcrumbs. The filet and lobster tail are expensive, yes, but because they’re that good! Crab fried rice… love it!
Friendly service, cool modern décor and lighting in Sully’s. We got the best of both worlds with the fun restaurant and the old-​school steakhouse menu.

Stumbled in for lunch and hard to believe the serious trouncing the other reviewers have given this place. Megan was a stellar waitress (and pleasant on the eyes to boot). Never missed a beat on service. Had the grilled chicken chopped salad and my wife had a pulled pork taco. Both well presented and tasty. Pricey? Whole tab $ 25. You decide.
I never experienced Ringside but Nathanael B’s review makes some sense to me in that the owners are attempting to straddle some lines between sports bar and lounge.
I’ll go back some evening and see how it plays out. Until then it most definitely deserves round two.

Ok fellow Unilocalers, this is a new bar in town so you need to give them some slack and be at the very least empathic to their situation. With that said, when my friend and I dined there last week for some much needed food I have to say, it not only was the BEST meal I’ve had in a really long time, it was the best service, atmosphere, and presentation, too! I kept saying to my friend the whole time we were there «WOW, this place is AMAZING!»
We went on a Sunday night where they offer happy hour prices all day, including Titos Vodka ON TAP (sounds weird, but they’ll explain). They’re known for their tacos; however, I’m used to the burgers that come from the Sullivan’s side, which I didn’t expect to get at all. Like I was say, best service in a long time, right? Our server said «not a problem» and ordered it for me anyway. I can’t say how impressed I was by this!
So Sullys used to be Ring Side Bar; however, it was really dark and out-​dated. The renovation has turned this bar into a new one, 100%. They have large sliding doors, and are located on the corner of the building, allowing for optimal airflow in the cool autumn evenings here in Austin, TX. The atmosphere that Sullys brings to their guests is unrivaled to many a bars in the downtown area, it’s a MUST see if you’re in town.
Finally the presentation and food quality that was delivered to us was OUT OF THIS WORLD! I can’t express enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Sullys. I’m going to recommend them to every guest that comes into my hotel, and continue to return on my own as a future regular. Way to go guys!!!

I hate to say it, but it was better as a Zoot Suit, Cherry-​poppin, swing dancing attachment to Sullivan’s, which is NOT a good thing. Listen, I’ve always thought Sullivan’s was just Ok. Decent food, decent prices, decent music, everything really, really… decent. Unfortunately, they really need to work the bugs out on the place next door, but not on the customers.
«Sully’s» The name evokes a neighborhood bar where you would go to watch a game, shoot some pool and have a few beers and a Jameson or two. Well, lets start over «Sully», you dirty Irish bastard. First of all, it’s too loud to get a drink with friends, unless you happen to have friends that are able to talk over the really loud music AND televisions. Second of all, it’s too expensive. Third, the service SUCKS! Sully, do you hear me? SUCKS!
The night we were there we joined some friends, who had already ordered, but were getting the shaft as far as service goes. We ordered two waters and an order of fish tacos while we decided what we would like to drink. Its a clear indicator that the service sucks when your tacos come out before the water. «Ok, it’s busy. Let’s not worry about it, let’s just get our drinks. Waitress, one beer and a diet coke, please?»
What I should have asked was «Waitress, how long should I give those drinks before I have to go find a manager at the bar, *wait in line* to bitch about the shitty service and then ask for my drinks AGAIN? 10 minutes? 15 minutes?» Like all those empty promises you’ve made before Sully, maybe you’ll get it together, but I won’t be around to see it. Clear the building for the next trendy place Sully. Your time is up. :(

Maybe go here for drinks? Definitely NOT for food. TWENTY-​FIVE bucks for four small, shitty tacos. Really?
I got the «seafood» tacos. The tortilla was hardly filled, and the fish, ehmm I mean. seafood, wasn’t even seasoned. The two tacos came with a side of black beans, which comes in a large ceramic bowl, except… they put enough beans in there that you can hold it with one hand. For real.
MAYBE I’d eat here again if it was priced appropriately. For a $ 13 lunch, I should be full after I eat. With the amount of food you get, you should be paying closer to $ 5. And it sucks.
Maybe I’ll come back when I’m in the mood to get robbed again.

The SSB is UT’s Student Services Building. The only reason you go in is for health-​related issues or administrative junk. Downtown, the SSB stands for Sully’s Side Bar… great concept. Instead of offering condoms and financial aid advice, you get alcohol and new Mexican fare.
Why not a little casual joint attached to the oh-​so fancy Sullivan’s? Instead of Cab and cattle, some people may want tequila and chicken tacos! The simple menu provides you wth sections brilliantly labeled: snacks, tacos, dessert, and tons of alcohol. Local beer too!
Their happy hour is pretty decked out, with a great selection of $ 3 tacos and some bucks off of booze. The restaurant itself is cool, sleek, and relaxed. Just a great Sunday brunch kinda joint. It is new, so give it a shot.
The smoky guacamole contained smoked gouda, a bit of jalapeño, and some assorted spices. With sweet potato chips. The sweet potato chips were slightly bland, but the complex avocado mash made up for it.
The tres leches was a smidgen too dry and a touch too sweet. Overall, still a great cake, though. The adornment of 2 cinnamon churros provided a disappointingly bland garnish, but the sweetened flavored cream was outrageously flavorful and good. Unique, to say the least.
SSB is a new kid on the block that deserves a chance, so go check them out. You will not be disappointed. Plus, who does not like excellent service?

I was excited to try out this happening new place, and overall, think it will be fine. Unfortunately, going early on a Tuesday evening, there were 3.5 servers per customer and someone was at our table no less than every 5 minutes. But they were all very friendly!
Appetizers were a mixed bag — neither of the queso’s in the duo appetizer were particularly good, and they also were very small portions. While the smoked guacamole/​sweet potato chip appetizer was also fairly small, it was out of this world. As another review said, the shredded gouda sounds odd but is really great.
The tacos were delicious, although odd that they didn’t have any vegetarian options? My companion had to order chicken tacos and ask them to sub avocado for the chicken. I had the pork and the brisket — the brisket was pretty darn spicy but they were both first rate — I would go back just for those and the guacamole.
One very odd thing — only 3 customers in the place and they suddenly doubled the music volume where you couldn’t talk. We asked our server and she had it turned down, but when it happened the second time, we just left. For a place with tables and a full menu, I don’t expect nightclub levels of sound?
Worth a return visit.