The bustling array of bars and nightclubs that lines Austin's famed 6th Street welcomes a new upscale restaurant for urban-chic and late-night diners. Parkside's austere, cavernous interior features exposed brick walls and long black cables dangling single lightbulbs above each table. Celebrated Austin chef Shawn Cirkiel has created a menu as simple as the restaurant's decor, but more than delivers on taste with fresh oysters and ceviche-style offerings from the raw bar, as well as bistro entrées including steak and fries, and roasted chicken. Fried oysters with a garlicky aioli make for a great start. The savory grilled lamb served with tangy roasted peppers is perfectly prepared and surprisingly un-gamey. Buttery snapper arrives sashimi-style with piquant lime and chili accents. For dessert, order the homemade doughnuts, which arrive warm and sugar-dusted in a plain paper sack.
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