Loro Austin: Smoke-kissed comfort with a bright, Asian twist
When two culinary heavyweights like Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Tyson Cole of Uchi collaborate, the result is bound to be special. Loro, their Asian smokehouse on South Lamar, is exactly that—laid-back yet refined, playful yet deeply rooted in technique. It does not posture; it simply serves joyous food that respects the craft of smoking, grilling, and balancing flavors.
Step onto the patio and you will catch the vibe immediately: picnic tables under the trees, a busy bar, friends sharing plates, and the occasional dog napping under a bench. It is walk-in friendly and wonderfully unfussy—ideal for a weekday lunch, a breezy happy hour, or a dinner that drifts into the evening. Despite the star power behind it, Loro feels like a neighborhood spot that just happens to cook at a very high level.
The menu threads Central Texas smoke with Southeast Asian brightness. Brisket might arrive under a drizzle of chili gastrique and a tangle of Thai herbs; oak-smoked salmon leans on ponzu and yuzu marmalade; even the sides flex—think sesame noodles, miso-kissed potatoes, and Texas sweet corn with everything spice. In lesser hands this fusion might feel like a gimmick; here it reads as instinctive and sure-footed.
For a snackable start, the smoked shishito queso hits creamy, peppery notes that beg for another chip, and a brisket add-on nudges it into indulgent territory. Chicken karaage is shatter-crisp and herb-laced, and the corn fritters are the kind of shareable you order for the table and then secretly guard. If you are in a sandwich mood, the Loro Cheeseburger slathers on red-onion brisket jam for a smoky, savory lift, while the crispy smoked chicken gets hot honey and tangy slaw.
Bowls keep lunch light but satisfying: Malaysian curry chicken on coconut rice, crispy Szechuan tofu with pickles and herbs, or a steak bowl that walks the line between hearty and bright. Meat-centric plates roll out later in the day—oak-smoked brisket after 4 p.m., char siu pork belly, and a rotating lineup that keeps regulars on their toes.
Drinks are built for Austin weather. Boozy slushees like Mango Sake and a frozen gin and tonic cool the patio; house cocktails lean citrusy and clean rather than fussy; and the taps give local beer its due. It is the kind of bar list that encourages lingering, not lecturing.
Service is friendly and efficient, the room hums without shouting, and the pace invites one more round or one more plate. Loro succeeds because it understands Austin appetite: a love for smoke and heat, a curiosity for bold flavors, and a preference for places where you can just show up and have a good time. The result feels both novel and comfortingly familiar—very Austin in spirit, and very easy to love.
What to order
Start with smoked shishito queso or corn fritters, then share chicken karaage and a veggie like charred cabbage or noodles. For mains, the oak-smoked brisket with Thai herbs is a signature, while the Loro Cheeseburger with brisket jam is a sleeper hit. If you want something lighter, go for the Malaysian curry chicken or crispy tofu bowls.
Why it works
The smoke provides depth, the herbs and acids bring lift, and a little heat keeps it lively. Plates are built to share, the patio is easygoing, and the price point rewards trying a bit of everything. It is a fusion that feels natural because it is grounded in technique and restraint.
Contact and hours
Loro — South Lamar
2115 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 916-4858
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:00am–10:00pm; Fri–Sat 11:00am–11:00pm
Website: https://www.loroeats.com/locations/austin/south-lamar/
Menu: https://www.loroeats.com/locations/austin/south-lamar/menu/
Order Online: https://takeout.loroeats.com/order/loro
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loroeats/