For planners looking to host outside the city, the new Whiskey Ridge restaurant opening in Driftwood in November will feature an expansive, curated menu of whiskeys and private event space just 30 minutes from downtown Austin. The new establishment comes from the restaurateurs behind Austin’s Cover 2 and Cover 3 concepts, Matt Dodson and Doug Young.
“Coming to Driftwood to open our doors feels just right,” says owner Doug Young in a prepared statement. “We’re not just bringing another restaurant to town; we’re bringing our Texas heritage to every dish we serve. This team has over 50 combined years of cooking and serving in Texas kitchens, and we can’t wait to share our passion for good food, fine whiskey, and exceptional hospitality with our neighbors.”
Whiskey Ridge’s menu features fresh Gulf seafood, and elevated classics such as chicken-fried steak made with hand-cut aged ribeye, as well as braised beef short rib with jalapeño cheese grits and a molasses guajillo glaze. Lighter fare like delicious salads, broiled Gulf oysters, and various chilled and raw bar items will also be available. Executive Chef Steve Warner will oversee Whiskey Ridge’s culinary program; Warner has previously held positions at iconic Austin establishments such as ATX Cocina, Bulevar Mexican Kitchen, and J Carver’s Oyster Bar and Chop House during his 20-year career at Guy & Larry Restaurants.
A carefully curated whiskey selection is at the core of Whiskey Ridge’s beverage program. It features an array of rare and small-batch bourbons, ryes, and other fine whiskeys, with a special focus on Texas-distilled spirits. Complementing the whiskey selection is an innovative cocktail program featuring local spirits, beer, wine, and Hill Country-inspired ingredients. The restaurant tapped Jimmy Joe Zumwalt, the longtime operating partner of Cover 2 and Cover 3, to help bring the cocktail menu to life.
The restaurant’s private event venues include The Ranger Room, an intimate space that can hold up to 40 guests for a seated dinner; and an expansive covered porch that accommodates up to 70 guests for a cocktail-style gathering.
