The Hunt for Comfort Food

Over the past year in Richmond, I began to venture out.

Often times, I would grab a few friends to go with me. One of our favorite activities was going and sitting down to have a nice meal and chat in an inviting, hip, and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere (how millennial of us). 3 Monkeys Bar and Grill, located in the heart of the Fan District in Richmond was my favorite little restaurant to go to after class to enjoy affordable and delicious comfort food.

Of course, after moving to the Austin area I did not have to look far to find a restaurant that satisfies the need for a place that is comparable to 3 Monkeys. When the term “comfort food” comes to mind, I think about fried food and a full belly. Gourdough’s Public House offers just that and so much more.

According to its description on Google, it is a place with “ironic names and unique toppings on fried-dough treats served until late-night from a vintage trailer”. Say no more, I’m in. I grabbed a few friends and drove over to the Lamar Street location for a Friday night hangout session.

The atmosphere was also just what I was looking for—comfortable seating, rustic wood paneling, pretty lighting, and funky music. People were there on dates, with their families, or simply out with a group of friends. It offered an inviting vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu ranged from salads to burgers to chicken and waffles. I ordered a sandwich called “Bacon Me Crazy” (a good example of their fun menu item names) with a side of mac and cheese. The sandwich was a B.L.T. with loads of applewood smoked bacon and added ingredients, such as guacamole and garlic mayonnaise. It was served on a fried donut—basically a heart attack in a sandwich. It is definitely not food that can be eaten every day due to its high calorie and cholesterol content, but it is so good.

I would recommend the restaurant to anyone, and I would advise them to sit at the picnic tables outside. The pub lights, giant Jenga game, and vintage decorations make the experience entertaining and light-hearted. Plus, the food was incredible. I can definitely say I have found a spot worth returning to when I am craving some comfort food and a fun environment.