How is Second Bar + Kitchen restaurant rated?

Name: Second Bar + Kitchen
Address: 201 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, United States, 78701
Telephone: (512) 827-2750
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

Second Bar + Kitchen

4.3

41 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Second Bar + Kitchen serves lunch and dinner seven days a week and offers a new downtown option for late night food, wine, and cocktails. Executive Chef Peter Botcher offers an array of dishes from pizza and pasta to vertical rotisserie options. Beverage Director Jason Stevens and Wine Director Paula Rester feature regional drinks and interpretations of classic cocktails.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily: 11am - 4pm Weekend Brunch: 11am - 4pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4pm - 11pm, Friday - Saturday: 4pm - 12:00am
Phone number
(512) 827-2750
Website
http://www.secondbarkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Casey Wilcox

Location
201 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Second Street
Parking details
Valet ($10 per car) and street parking available.
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Cinnamon Roll$6.00
bourbon caramel, cream cheese frosting
Grilled Pineapple + Berry Salad$8.00
basil mint syrup, whipped yogurt, house granola
House Chorizo Chili Cheese Fries$10.00
queso fresco, cilantro
Black Truffle Pomme Frites$8.00
grana padano, truffle aioli
Buffalo Fried Pickles$6.00
gorgonzola, bull's hot sauce
Chicken Fried Olives$6.00
stuffed with pimento cheese
Blistered Shishito Peppers$7.00
miso aioli
Today's Cheese Board$16.00
fruit preserves, marinated olives, toasted ciabatta
Pepperoni Soup$6.00
san marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic croutons
Carrot Gazpacho$8.00
snap pea, jalapeno, peanut, ginger yogurt
Petite Green Salad$7.00
radish, radish sprouts, chives, red wine vinaigrette

Eggs + Plates

Smoked Salmon Rillettes$16.00
caper, red onion, cream cheese, dill, hard boiled eg, everything toast
French Toast$12.00
ginger snaps, blueberry agro dolce, vanilla maple syrup
Two Eggs Your Way$12.00
house pork sausage, hashbrown potato cakes, sherry-maple gastrique
Sausage Gravy Benedict$14.00
buttermilk biscuits, poached eggs, herb salad
Texas Benedict$16.00
poached eggs, pulled pork shoulder, jalapeno corn biscuits, chorizo gravy
SBK Benedict$13.00
poached eggs, hashbrown potato cakes, tomato, kale, brie cheese mornay
Steak and Eggs$18.00
grilled flank, migas frittata, jalapeno, asadero, chimichurri

Brunch Salads + Sandwiches

Raw Kale and Carrot Salad$15.00
grilled shrimp, red quinoa, red grapes, red onion, chickpea dressing, dill
Romaine Chopped Salad$11.00
almond, avocado, grapefruit, queso fresco, jicama, chile vinaigrette
Roasted All Natural Chicken$17.00
arugula, beets, candied pecans, shallots, camembert, cranberry vinaigrette
Breakfast Club$12.00
cheddar scramble, bacon, avocado, tomato, black pepper aioli, texas toast, gaufrettes
Short Rib Sliders$12.00
herb brie, arugula, tarragon dijonnaise, port wine caramelized onion
Roasted Rainbow Trout$17.00
black eyed pea salad, tarragon mustard, kale
Congress Burger$14.00
house ground brisket and chuck, shallot confit, gruyere, green, horseradish pickles

Pizza

Pomodoro$12.00
san marzano, e.v.o.o., mozzarella, basil
Pizza Bianco$13.00
ricotta, goat cheese, arugula, grana padano
Black and Bleu$16.00
black truffle, bleu cheese, pork belly confit, medjool dates, red onion

Sides

SBK Home Fries$5.00
crisp golden potatoes, fresno chile, parsley, sherry vinaigrette
Two Eggs Any Style$4.00
Smoked Bacon$3.00
House Pork Sausage$5.00
ginger, sage
Black Truffle Grits$6.00
tobacco onions
Nine Grain Toast$2.00
Crispy Pork Belly$5.00
sherry-maple gastrique

What 41 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
2.9Value

Noise • Moderate

41 Reviews

LB
2L1B3
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2017
overall5food5service5ambience4
I had heard Second Bar + Kitchen was delicious, and I was not disappointed. All the food was very flavorful and fresh. The portion sizes were perfect. The service was outstanding. We will definitely be back!
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DA
DonA
Dallas
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2015
overall5food5service4ambience4
We wanted to go to Congress but it isn't open on Mondays. However, the restaurant impressed and everyone enjoyed their meals. The fried pickles and the black and bleu pizza were to be enjoyed.
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z
zendog
Chicago
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2014
overall4food4service4ambience4
Ate with a party of 6. We all ordered different things and sampled each other's dishes. The highlights were the flank steak accompanied by the most delicious potatoes, the braised short ribs and the soba veggie noodles. The best dessert was the salted caramel mousse. The disappointing dishes were the spicy veggie pizza (which was overpowered by curry) and the strawberry shortcake. The service was really nice hut a little slow. Overall we enjoyed ourselves and would return.
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K
Katie
Chicago
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2014
overall5food5service4ambience5
We were there for a pre celebration happy hour, the cocktails were very creative and the appetizers were great. We had a group of 6 and they handled us very well. We were there pre dinner rush so I am not sure how busy it got, but it was getting very busy as we were heading out at 7. Great atmosphere!
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LS
LollyS
Austin
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2014
overall4food5service1ambience3
Went with some friends on our anniversary; requested a booth or table against a wall; we were seated in the walkway near Bar Congress (closed at the time). No server appeared or even walked by. After 25+ minutes, we asked the hostess for help. In moments our server arrived, pad in hand: "What can I get you?" No introduction, no welcome, never asked if we had questions, or how everything was. Main courses arrived 10 mins after apps, bad timing. She didn't return or ask about drink seconds for another 15 mins. I'd had dinner the week before at Congress, so I was quite disappointed in the indifferent, borderline hostile service & awkward placement of the table. That said, the food was delicious esp. the salmon, chicken breast, and desserts.
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R
Roman
Dallas
5 reviews
vip
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2014
overall3food2service2ambience3
Typical Austin establishment. Don't expect either extreme of spectrum. It was just OK
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WW
WaynesWorld
Austin
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2014
overall5food5service5ambience5
Congress burger tasted really homemade, wonderful soft buns, side of handcut potato chips My Chianti was best I've had in an Austin restaurant There were five of us dining and the others in my group also praised their food choices. Waitstaff was very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive
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HF
HornsFan73
Austin
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2013
overall4food5service4ambience4
We took our entire family - ages 7 to 67 - for brunch while all were here for the Christmas holidays. Had a great time and everyone really liked the food. Our grandchildren, who are notoriously picky eaters, devoured what they ordered. I would highly recommend this restaurant for brunch, and plan to go back soon to try their dinner menu.
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S
Sally
Denver
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience4
Seven of us dined at Second Bar & Kitchen, and every single one of us was very happy with our food. Service was also very good and unobtrusive. Pretty noisy, but not impossible to carry on a conversation. Their chocolate pot de creme was OUTSTANDING! Pretty unusual to have a party of seven when EVERYBODY was happy!
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WF
WillFed
Austin
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 18, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for a late Friday night dinner. Deeeelicious! Get the bacon and eggs and shisito peppers for sure, all of the salads are tremendous and of course the burger is one of the best in Austin.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2013
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my parents and boyfriend's parents here for a Saturday lunch, and couldn't be happier. Everyone loved their food, including their gluten-free options! And, the staff was super friendly and very quick in providing service. Overall, a great experience!
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AW
AngelinaW
Austin
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Salmon I have ever had. Had 7:30 reservations and was seated as soon as we arrived. Great service.
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MK
MartinK
Austin
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience5
I rated the noise as "Energetic" based upon dining inside. They have a helpful range of options -- a couple of different outside dining regions (one heated, one not) would afford a quieter dining experience if that is desired (and as the hostess offered as an option when confirming the reservation). In any case, we had a great experience inside with a group of six "energetic" diners.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2012
overall4food4service2ambience4
The restaurant atmosphere and food were excellent. However, our waiter was rude and condescending to the group. He didn't deserve the 18% tip that was included on the bill.
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FY
ForestY
Austin
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2012
overall4food5service4ambience4
This is one of the best brunch selections in Austin. Give it a try!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2012
overall3food5service1ambience5
Great food awful service. Took an hour to get the check for no apparent reason.
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KV
KVTX
Austin
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2012
overall4food4service4ambience3
Great food and service, but the music was SO LOUD you could barely hear the person sitting next to you!
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JA
JimA
San Antonio
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2012
overall4food4service5ambience4
This is not your ordinary brunch. Specialty recipes galore. Variety to satisfy all.
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CD
ChelseaD
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food and great service!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2012
overall4food4service4ambience4
Perfect setting for girls night out. Seven of us dined on the upstairs balcony. The fans kept it cool enough despite the warm weather. We split several apps, a few salads and a few pizzas. Portions are not huge, but appropriately sized. Very reasonably priced, even with lots of wine! Everything was wonderful!
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s
susiek
Sacramento
151 reviews
vip
5.0
151 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything at 2nd Bar + Kitchen was great: the location, food, and service. We ordered a great sampling of various items on the menu and nothing disappointed. Particularly good were the buffalo fried pickles, the roast chicken, the short rib, and the sides (okra, brussels sprouts). Our server, Andy, was really fun and accommodating as well. we had a group of 8 and it was the perfect place for a large group!
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CD
CDogAustin
Austin
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2012
overall5food5service4ambience4
As with their other menus, the brunch menu mixes it up a bit and throws in a few surprises. I highly recommend Second for all meals.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2012
overall4food5service3ambience4
Hostesses were terrific and helpful in accommodating our group, which ended up being 9 people, even though our reservation was only for 8. The food was excellent. We had a great experience.
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RP
RandyP
Austin
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2012
overall4food4service5ambience3
It was great. We will definitely go again. It is a little noisy.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2012
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was excellent. Service was decent but could have been better (they took almost 45 minutes to bring my friend a glass of white wine bc they were "chilling it", meanwhile we had already finished a bottle of red). Good for groups who want to socialize with some drinks and lite bites.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2012
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went here for my brother's birthday party. The food was excellent. Just the right mix of unique but not too foodie. The service was spot on--and we had a party of six on a Friday night. I'm pretty critical of restaurants b/c I eat out almost every day, but I give this place two thumbs up.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Antonio
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2011
overall4food4service5ambience4
Was a great place to celebrate my birthday with family and friends. The appetizers and small plates are great for group ordering and allows you to get a taste of the eclectic menu. Our server, Andy, was fabulous and even helped tell my friends I was pregnant! He served me fake "vodka sodas" all night until it was time to tell my friends! Must try the fried pickles and the pommes frites!
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C
Cynthia43
Austin
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2011
overall5food4service5ambience5
2nd was a great place for a girls night out. The food and drinks were excellent. The only thing that wasn't great was the Tres Leche's dessert. It tasted like whipped cream and nothing else. The pizzas were yummy and we had several appetizers that were great. The ceviche lettuce wraps were ok but not my favorite. Will definitely go again!
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CP
CarterP
Exclusive
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2011
overall5food5service5ambience5
From David Bull's talents in the kitchen to the staff with whom he has surrounded himself...easily one of our Top 10 stops over many years of traveling via our taste for good food and wine! Our desire to be there include a four-hour drive from our home...little by Texas standards, and well worth the effort!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2011
overall4food4service5ambience3
The braised short rib was amazing!
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N
Niecy
Austin
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2011
overall4food4service4ambience5
I'm a huge David Bull fan and had been wanting to try this place since it opened. The mixologists behind the bar were extremely knowledgeable and made each cocktail with care (even crushing ice by hand). The food was fantastic. We tried all of the small plates and several apps. The blue crab and corn fritters, baked ricotta, and gnocchi were my favorites. The crispy pork belly was scrumptious. The only bad part was the dessert. We ordered most of them and were not impressed. If we had ended with our meal, it would have been perfect. Of course, having our waitress send Chef Bull out to our table kicked up way back up to excellence. It was a wonderful experience. I can't wait to try Congress. I just hope the desserts have improved.
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JW
JenniferW
Oklahoma City
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2011
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a wonderful experience here on Saturday. I was with a group of 8 women. We asked for patio seating and our table was set up and waiting for us when we got there. The service was great! Very helpful with cocktail and wine selection. We did a bunch of small plates and a couple pizzas and shared them. That was definitely the way to go. We got a great variety and everything was amazing. I would reccomend the cheese board, the buffalo fried pickles, and the beef short rib pizza. Also I had a Moscow Mule cocktail might be my new favorite drink. Overall it was a great night and a wonderful meal.
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k
kelibird
Austin
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on June 1, 2011
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, great atmosphere - every time we go to Second the food and service is spot on.
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l
lmh1
Austin
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2011
overall2food3service2ambience4
We were disappointed after all the hype. The food was fairly good, though the pork with grits was swimming in butter-- looked wholly unappetizing. Otherwise food was satisfactory. Service left much to be desired. Our waitress was nice and accommodating, albeit slow. Food came out at different times. We were asked to keep our forks/knives after our appetizers. Sat with empty plates in front of us for far too long before they were removed. Overall, disappointing experience.
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B
Bruncher
Austin
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2011
overall4food4service4ambience4
Innovative interior design, ubiquitous '2' branding, and very tasty food make for a memorable dining experience. Brunch was worthwhile.
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L
Laurel8
Austin
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2011
overall3food4service2ambience4
I have been to Second Bar+ Kitchen several times and have had good food and friendly service. So I thought it would be an ideal place for my friends 35th birthday dinner. Making the reservation for 8 people was impossible through open table and difficult even speaking directly with the restaurant. We brought a cake for the birthday girl and were told that that outside desserts are not allowed. Then he said there would be a $3/person cutting charge to use our cake and that that is standard for all restaurants - which is not true. I've brought cakes into other restaurants. The manager got involved, they waived the fee and cut the cake for us, but the whole experience was uncomfortable. Bottom line, good for small groups, not for parties.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2011
overall4food4service4ambience4
excellent service and interesting and well executed menus
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OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2011
overall5food5service5ambience4
Absolutely outstanding and original food
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E
Elizzle
Austin
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2011
overall4food5service4ambience4
Had a fantastic dinner of small plates, pizza and wine on tap before heading to the new ACL theater. The beef croquets and the ravioli are a must to start with!
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C
Chris
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2011
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was excellent. While the restaurant is still dealing with a few (minor) opening glitches, I am sure they will get those worked out. Likely to become a hot spot.
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FAQs

Second Bar + Kitchen is rated 4.3 stars by 41 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

201 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Additional information

Cross street
Second Street
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily: 11am - 4pm Weekend Brunch: 11am - 4pm Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4pm - 11pm, Friday - Saturday: 4pm - 12:00am
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Valet ($10 per car) and street parking available.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Casey Wilcox
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.secondbarkitchen.com/
Phone number
(512) 827-2750

Second Bar + Kitchen

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

To Start

Cinnamon Roll$6.00

Grilled Pineapple + Berry Salad$8.00

House Chorizo Chili Cheese Fries$10.00

Black Truffle Pomme Frites$8.00

Buffalo Fried Pickles$6.00

Chicken Fried Olives$6.00

Blistered Shishito Peppers$7.00

Today's Cheese Board$16.00

Pepperoni Soup$6.00

Carrot Gazpacho$8.00

Petite Green Salad$7.00

Eggs + Plates

Smoked Salmon Rillettes$16.00

French Toast$12.00

Two Eggs Your Way$12.00

Sausage Gravy Benedict$14.00

Texas Benedict$16.00

SBK Benedict$13.00

Steak and Eggs$18.00

Brunch Salads + Sandwiches

Raw Kale and Carrot Salad$15.00

Romaine Chopped Salad$11.00

Roasted All Natural Chicken$17.00

Breakfast Club$12.00

Short Rib Sliders$12.00

Roasted Rainbow Trout$17.00

Congress Burger$14.00

Pizza

Pomodoro$12.00

Pizza Bianco$13.00

Black and Bleu$16.00

Sides

SBK Home Fries$5.00

Two Eggs Any Style$4.00

Smoked Bacon$3.00

House Pork Sausage$5.00

Black Truffle Grits$6.00

Nine Grain Toast$2.00

Crispy Pork Belly$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Second Bar + Kitchen restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information