Moody’s Kitchen + Bar Opens Along The Drag In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — The Drag has gained a new eatery.

Moody’s Kitchen + Bar, described by its operators as a laid back spot on the University of Texas at Austin campus, is now open at 2530 Guadalupe St. serving up casual fare such as burgers, pizza and wings — as well as handcrafted cocktails and local beers on tap.

The new eatery is the brainchild of local MezzeMe Turkish kitchen owner Mahmud “Moody” Ugur, according to an advisory sent to Patch. Moody’s boasts a backyard “garden patio” and multiple indoor and outdoor TVs for game viewing.

Moody’s is now open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday-Saturday from 11 am to midnight. The casual menu includes pizzas, burgers, salads, bowls and toasts. Drinks include an extensive selection of draft and frozen cocktails, handcrafted signature cocktails and local draft beer. The full menu can be viewed here.

Game Day Saturday Happy Hour offerings at Moody's Kitchen + Bar features chicken wings. Photo by Hayden Walker.

Moody’s has also debuted a Game Day Happy Hour. Every Saturday during UT games, happy hour offerings include $1 wings, $6 burgers, $7 pizzas, $4 White Claw, $10 beer pitchers, free chips and salsa, and more. Moody’s offers a regular Monday-Friday happy hour from 4-7 pm with specials listed here.

“When the pandemic hit, we lost the majority of our student customer base at MezzeMe’s former Drag location," Ugur said in a prepared statement. "We were faced with the decision of permanently closing our doors at a location we loved, or reworking the concept to cater to a broader audience. MezzeMe was primarily a fast casual lunch spot. With Moody’s, we’re venturing beyond a fast casual concept to provide a bar and kitchen experience, with a wide array of cocktails, beers on tap, pizza, burgers, wings and more."

The restaurateur added he hopes to lure a diverse crowd: "We’re aiming to provide a space for not only students, but families, sports fans, and visitors from surrounding areas. We’ve also expanded our patio area and installed several TVs for a great outdoor dining experience and sports viewing.”

It's something of a drag to operate from the Drag, given the mercurial nature of the restaurant industry and patrons' evolving tastes. Before housing the Turkish/Mediterranean-focused MezzeMe, Patch learned the space once housed Noon, Daphne's and Verts Kebab — a series of tried-and-failed Mediterranean concepts that prompted the new, more mainstream offerings by Ugur.

For more information, visit moodysaustin.com and follow Moody’s on social media @moodysaustin

About Moody’s Kitchen + Bar

Moody’s is a laid-back drinking and dining experience. Specializing in modern American fare and handcrafted cocktails, Moody’s provides a comfortable environment for all with a focus on quality and connection! Catering to students, families, tourists, and locals, MKB keeps things fun and fresh from open until close. With a full bar, large dining interior, and an upbeat patio, Moody’s is a great spot for catching up with friends, watching your favorite sporting event, studying, or just grabbing a bite to eat with the family. Free parking is available behind the restaurant for your convenience.