Austin, Texas, is a city brimming with culinary hotspots, but for a truly unique and satisfying experience, look no further than . This all-day restaurant has garnered local and national acclaim, including being named Eater Austin’s Restaurant of the Year. Better Half isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a neighborhood hub where friends connect, coworkers unwind, and couples share intimate moments, all within a welcoming and thoughtfully designed space.
What makes Better Half so special? It starts with the people behind it. Co-owner Matthew Bolick, along with brothers Matt and Grady Wright, have cultivated a space that prioritizes exceptional service and a genuine sense of community. Bolick’s background in the Austin coffee scene, notably at the once-beloved Frank, instilled in him a deep understanding of hospitality. He fondly recalls serving the Wright brothers their daily coffee, even crafting left-handed latte art for Matt. This camaraderie forged at Frank became the foundation for their future ventures.
Bolick, who already co-owned Flat Track coffee shop, found himself at a crossroads, contemplating opening his own restaurant. Serendipitously, the Wright brothers were also seeking a change, eager to leave their respective careers in construction and media to pursue their passions for craft beer and coffee. It was a natural fit for them to invite Bolick, their favorite barista, to join forces and create something new.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13745229/demboys2.jpeg)
Image: Co-owners of Better Half Austin, Grady Wright, Matt Wright, and Matthew Bolick, stand together showcasing their partnership in the vibrant Austin restaurant scene.
Bolick playfully refers to himself as “the wrong brother” in the partnership with the Wrights, acknowledging their complementary skills. While he brings the hospitality expertise, he credits the brothers for grounding his sometimes extravagant ideas with sound business acumen. Their first joint venture was Brew & Brew in East Austin, opened in 2013. However, the realities of operating a coffee and beer bar with three partners led them to seek a new, more expansive project.
In December 2016, Bolick stumbled upon a property on West Fifth Street, near Clarksville, that immediately sparked their imagination. The unique quonset hut in the back of the property became the catalyst for a bigger vision. Initially considering ideas ranging from an event space to a music venue, they eventually landed on the concept of a brewpub, which would become Hold Out Brewing. Despite lacking brewing experience, they embraced the challenge, later bringing in Brent Sapstead from Real Ale Brewing to ensure top-notch beer offerings.
With the brewpub concept solidified for the back building, their attention turned to the front structure. They envisioned a space distinct from the brewery, a sort of “handshake” to the property. The aesthetic vision was “Scandinavian meets Texas,” aiming for a desert-inspired yet welcoming atmosphere.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13746574/untitled-13_2.0.jpg)
Image: The inviting bar area at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails Austin, featuring patrons enjoying drinks in a relaxed setting.
Initially planning another coffee and cocktail bar, city regulations nudged them towards incorporating a more substantial food menu. To realize this culinary ambition, Bolick enlisted his friend Rich Reimbolt, then chef at Josephine House. The goal was to create food that was refined and exciting, yet approachable and unpretentious – “chef-y enough that it’s exciting,” as Bolick described it, but not overly fussy. And so, Better Half, the all-day dining gem at 406 Walsh Street, Austin, TX, was born.
The dual address property allowed for a multifaceted culinary destination. Hold Out Brewing offered craft beers and burgers, while Better Half provided coffee, cocktails, wine, and a more diverse food menu. An expansive patio seamlessly connected the two spaces, creating a unified and inviting environment.
“It’s basically the entire gamut of culinary [spectrum],” Bolick notes, highlighting the ambitious scope of their project. This expansive vision, undertaken by a small team of friends, is a testament to their dedication and passion. Interestingly, the trio operates without an official restaurant group name or corporate structure. This independence, while allowing for creative freedom, also presents challenges in building restaurant teams from scratch in Austin’s competitive market. Bolick acknowledges the saturation of the Austin restaurant scene, praising figures like Brandon Hunt of Via 313 and Larry McGuire of McGuire Moorman Hospitality for setting high standards.
Beyond Better Half and Brew & Brew, the team has continued to expand their Austin footprint. They recently opened Little Brother, a downtown coffee and shots bar on Rainey Street. The concept for Little Brother, a cozy 367-square-foot space, actually predates Better Half. Bolick envisioned it as “his dream room” from his teenage years, filled with nostalgic touches like VHS tapes, his childhood TV, and a curated selection of sandwiches, music, and whiskey.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13746576/chickensandwich.0.jpeg)
Image: A close-up of the popular chicken sandwich at Better Half Austin, showcasing its delicious and satisfying ingredients.
Currently, the team is focused on several ongoing projects, including the imminent opening of Hold Out Brewing. Bolick is also lending his coffee expertise to Uncle Nicky’s, a collaboration born from friendship and a shared appreciation for Austin’s bar scene. Another Little Brother project is also in the works, hinting at further expansion for this dynamic team.
Looking ahead, Bolick emphasizes a commitment to refining their existing ventures. This includes preparing Brew & Brew for the changes brought by the Saltillo development and making upgrades to Better Half. For Bolick, the driving force remains the personal connection with customers. He expresses his passion for service, aiming to create memorable experiences for each guest.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10286279/IMG_5369.jpg)
Image: Better Half’s healthy and flavorful greens and grain bowl, featuring fresh ingredients and a perfectly fried egg.
Bolick’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Let me make you the best possible thing I can make you, and be super nice to you and welcome you into my space and just chat with you and hear about your day. That sort of stuff is why I’m in this industry.” This dedication to quality and genuine hospitality is at the heart of Better Half’s success and enduring appeal as a must-visit destination at better half coffee & cocktails walsh street austin tx. Whether you’re craving a morning coffee, a midday cocktail, or a delicious meal, Better Half welcomes you to experience the best of Austin’s all-day dining scene.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13669339/better_half_pancakes.jpg)
Image: A stack of Better Half’s signature sweet potato pancakes, showcasing a popular brunch item at the Austin restaurant.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10125097/IMG_5934.jpg)
Image: Better Half’s hearty pastrami sandwich, a testament to the diverse and satisfying menu options available.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13746586/IMG-8426.0.jpeg)
Image: The interior of Little Brother bar, highlighting the cozy and intimate atmosphere created by the team behind Better Half.
