Inside Loro, the Asian Smokehouse From Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole

Loro, the casual Asian smokehouse restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin, is set to open this week on Wednesday, April 4 on 2115 South Lamar Boulevard.

Eater photographer Robert J. Lerma previewed Loro’s sprawling space, which is meant to look and feel like a Texas dance hall. This leads to wood details everywhere, from Shaker-style peg racks, charred walls, and hardwood floors. The high, triangle-shaped ceilings are lined with skylights, and there are hanging terracotta pendant lamps.

One side of the dining room is dedicated to the bar, where people will order their food and drinks before they grab seats, from counter stools, booths, longer tables, and high-tops (the tables were made from salvaged wood). The menu will be written on the wall behind the bar with changeable white letters.

Out in the back is the patio built around giant live oak with a covered deck, gravel gardens, and picnic tables, rocking chairs, and more. Working on the design of the space were Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and interior designer Craig Stanghetta from Ste. Marie Design.

For lunch and dinner, the counter service menu is full of smoked meats and dishes with Asian influences. There’s Japanese with chicken karaage, Thai green curry sausages, grilled chicken done up Malaysian-style, and Cantonese-style char-siew pork shoulder. The dinner-only brisket is paired with a sweet chili sauce and Thai herbs. Scope out the full menu below.

Loro’s hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Source: Austin Eater