Brew Crew: The Front Page
An East Austin Pub
Words by Chris Ferguson, AIA Photos by Baptiste Despois
In Govalle’s bustling Springdale General complex, this casual neighborhood hangout offers a full bar and New York-style sandwiches to a growing community of weekday regulars.
Amid the happy din of a dwindling lunch rush, longtime friends and business partners Shafer Hall, Andrew Porter, and Dick Hall take turns describing the origins of The Front Page, an easygoing neighborhood pub they opened together in 2019.
“We all overlapped in New York for about ten years and lived together for three of them,” explains Shafer. “We were very invested in our original community bar, The Four Faced Liar. It was a place where, at any given time, you knew 80% of the people inside, and 50% of them were in your phone [contacts]. We really liked that situation, so that’s what we’re building here.”
Much of the pub’s décor was directly inspired by the group’s time in New York, such as the wainscoting and dark wood walls behind the bar that serve as a backdrop for an expanding collage of photos and tchotchkes from new and former regulars alike.
And suddenly, a series of modest metal trays arrive in unison, and there were sandwiches, closely followed by the aroma of their signature fresh house-baked bread.
The no-nonsense caprese boasts thick slices of tomato, mozzarella, pesto, basil, and arugula, while a neighboring smokey turkey sandwich competes for attention, topped with a savory combination of Swiss cheese, spinach, mustard, and tomatillo chutney. A hearty southern Italian sandwich and some Texas bruschetta round out the spread, all flanked by several tall, frosty pours from the sixteen available brews on tap.
The drinks and counter-style sandwiches pack a genuine punch, noteworthy not only for their taste but also their price. It’s refreshingly clear that Shafer, Andrew, and Dick are more concerned with their community and craft than slinging twenty-dollar slices of bread. As the saying goes, ‘the clothes make the man,’ the bread really does make the sandwich at this brew house.
One visit and it’s easy to see why the place has earned its growing momentum.
Neighborly Spirit
The rich wood interiors and bar were designed and installed by Blue Sky Design, who also call Springdale General home.
To Go!
Find options for delivery and corporate catering at
thefrontpage.pub.
Contact:
(512) 712-4005
1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste. F
thefrontpage.pub
@thefrontpageatx
