There’s Something for Everyone
Sour Duck Market
Words by Clara Broomfield Photos by Will Bowling
A sense of community is the hallmark of Austin’s Eastside. With their emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and a friendly atmosphere, Sour Duck Market has proven a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
An offshoot of Odd Duck, Sour Duck Market is bringing the same craftsman approach to the fast-casual dining scene. Zechariah Perez and Katon Claborn, Sour Duck’s chef de cuisine and general manager respectively, speak enthusiastically about their first year into this venture. “We want this place to be ‘the every man’s place, the every woman’s place, the every person’s place,’” says Katon.
The eclectic mix of café style seating, a chic bar, and an outdoor courtyard perfect for live music and family gatherings reflect their mission. In combination with a menu packed with local flavors, Sour Duck captures the spirit of Austin.
The Eastside can be a challenging market to navigate for new entrants, but it is clear that community is at the heart here. Katon says that their relationship with the neighborhood is important to them. Included in their event cycle are fundraisers for local organizations like Blackland Neighborhood Center and farmers markets. Zech adds that their desire is “to make roots here.”
The versatile space appeals to a broad demographic. Katon and Zech were initially surprised by the number of families frequenting Sour Duck, but they quickly embraced their reputation as a neighborhood hangout. The original Odd Duck Farm to Trailer has been repurposed as a stage and play space complete with toy trucks and a life-size Connect 4 set. Even in this new venture, Katon and Zech are never far from their roots.
An inviting space and friendly staff allow Sour Duck to offer an all-day experience. The warm scent of freshly baked pastries greets the nose upon entering the café. The perfectly flaky croissant is a standout in the pastry case. A cup of freshly brewed coffee and a giant chocolate chip cookie are enough to cure even the worst case of the Mondays. The lunch crowd is treated to equally delicious smoked meats and sandwich offerings, while the happy hour is packed with quirky draft cocktails including a refreshing Turmeric Mule. For those who care to linger into the evening, the outdoor courtyard is the perfect watering hole with live music and trivia throughout the week.
Did you know?
Sour Duck is passionate about giving back to the community. They work closely with Blackland Neighborhood Center and host fundraisers throughout the year. They strive to embody the farm to table spirit. Zech and Katon work closely with local farmers markets to source unique ingredients and produce a seasonal menu. Zech enjoys the creative challenge of working with unexpected ingredients.
Contact:
(512) 394-5776
info@sourduckaustin.com
1814 E MLK Jr. Blvd.
sourduckmarket.com
@sourduckmarket
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