Like a Cowboy: Saddle Up
A Classic Icehouse with an Austin Twist
Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos By Baptiste Despois
In Texas, some traditions don’t change; they simply get upgraded. Today, the team behind Micklethwait Craft Meats and its sibling taco truck, Taco Bronco, has taken the Texan icehouse tradition and given it a modern-day Austin twist.
In cities like Houston and San Antonio, the icehouse has historically been the go-to for essentials like bread, milk, eggs, pre-packaged snacks, and of course, ice and cold beer—all in an open-air setting. According to some, it’s a concept that can be traced back to the 1840s. “I think this model is going to be a popular, relevant thing,” owner Tom Micklethwait says of his take on a traditional concept. “It’s an experience [that] people are looking for.”
In 2020, Tom and his partners started to feel the effects of the pandemic firsthand as work projects began to get axed. While seeing the business next door to Micklethwait Craft Meats vacate the space was tough, they knew it was an ideal space to proceed with their next concept.
As the team fine-tuned their idea, a neighborhood grocery store with all kinds of snacks and plenty of beverage offerings came to life. “We wanted it to be a place people could visit, chill out, and get some food to take home,” Tom explains. In February 2022, Saddle Up finally opened its doors, creating a place where the whole neighborhood, including kids and furry friends, could hang out all day.
Today, the Saddle Up backyard offers 10,000 square feet of space nestled under giant, shady oak trees that are perfect for keeping cool in the heat. “We have this unique location that’s close to downtown but also has this small-town vibe,” describes Tom.
On most weekends, guests can catch a vinyl set or two from local DJs in addition to talented musicians. Whether there for the live music or to catch up on school or work, there’s something for everyone. Saddle Up offers a full espresso menu, a variety of natural wines, draft beer, local ciders, and plenty of alluring cocktails, like a refreshing Prickly Pear Frosé. For groups looking to unwind, Saddle Up serves prosecco, sparkling rosé, as well as mimosa kits with freshly squeezed orange juice, in buckets of ice with plenty of cups to go around.
In addition to a cool beverage, patrons can munch on delicious house-made goodies, like the cheekily named twonkys, ding dangs, and oatmeal cream pies—the team’s richer, and more indulgent, take on classic Little Debbie snacks. With plenty of yummy eats and thirst-quenching beverages from which to choose, guests will find a reason to keep coming back to this modern-
day Austin icehouse.
Contact:
1309 Rosewood Ave.
saddleupbeerhouse.com
@saddleupaustin
