Italian Café​ Uncle Nicky's Coming To Hyde Park In North Austin

NORTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Uncle Nicky’s, a casual Northern Italian café and bar located in Hyde Park, is scheduled to open on Feb. 4, officials said.

The new offering is the brainchild of Nicholas Yanes, owner and executive chef of Juniper, and partners Brandon Hunt and Zane Hunt, the brothers behind Via 313 and Nickel City, along with Nickel City partner Travis Tober. The restaurant at 4222 Duval St. is slated for a Feb. 4 grand opening.

To celebrate the launch, official will offer half-priced spritzes, Negronis and cocktails all day long, along with a complimentary Italian aperitivo buffet from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. With straightforward all-day offerings, gelato, and refined grab-and-go fare, Uncle Nicky’s will then be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Inspired by Yanes’ culinary training and travels through Italy, the concept behind Uncle Nicky’s was born from the desire to create a classic Northern Italian cafe in Austin, officials described. Chef Derrick Flynn helms the pastry program featuring assorted pastries, breads, and handmade gelato. Nick Intonti, formerly Chef de Tournant at Juniper, heads the café as chef and operator. Uncle Nicky’s has also partnered with Matthew Bolick of Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, Better Half, and Little Brother Bar on the coffee and espresso offerings.

The menu features an assortment of antipasti, including the Wagyu beef carpaccio and stuffed peppers with mortadella and provolone. Uncle Nicky’s will serve a selection of pane tostato - Italian bread topped with Italian ingredients - highlights of which include the What’s ‘Nduja? with smoked spicy Calabrian sausage and Gorgonzola, and the PB&J with pine nut butter, dried fig compote, and roasted garlic. Guests will also find a creative take on traditional salads, including the classic Caprese and Kale e Tartufo topped with pine nuts, pecorino, and truffle honey. Rounding out the menu are piadinas, or rustic Italian flatbread sandwiches, and classic sandwiches served on fresh focaccia or a roll, like the Italian tuna & hots, and the sweet Capricollo and Scamorza. Weekly specials and off-menu items will be available on the menu board at the back of the cafe.

"One of my favorite things about Northern Italy is the ease and simplicity of the cafés," Yanes explained. "I knew that I wanted to bring the same energy to Hyde Park and create a version of that same simplistic experience in Austin."

As for the cocktail program, it features a menu of classic Italian cocktails, spritzes, and Negronis selected as complements to the casual Northern Italian fare. Classics include the Aperol Spritz, Americano, and Garibaldi, along with a tropical Dolce Vita made with Plantation 3 Star Rum, Plantation Pineapple Rum, coconut sorbet, pineapple, lime, and prosecco. Guests can also enjoy a selection of beers, Italian wines, and add an authentic Italian amaro alongside any beverage.

"Our cocktail program will focus on the beauty of the European style aperitivo bar with an Austin flair," Tober said. "The drinks will focus on Italian liquors, amaros, and fresh cold-pressed juices."

Officials behind Uncle Nicky’s said the site is intended as a spot where one can hang out any time of day — with flexible indoor and outdoor options for working or gathering — in capturing the Italian vibe it replicates locally. The four partners worked with Sanders Architecture, which also designed Juniper, on the design of the space, conceptualizing an intimate setting inspired by the Campari bottle. The interiors strike a contrast between minimalist exposed brick walls and rich navy blue accents.

For more information, visit unclenickys.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook. To see the full menu: JPG version + PDF

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>>> Photos of Uncle Nicky's offerings by Consumable Content used with permission