The next new thing on South Main happens to be an old favorite — the new location of The Bearded Lady is nearing completion at 300 South Main St., expected to open by mid-April.
Shannon Osbakken uprooted her popular Bearded Lady from its original home of five years on Magnolia Avenue in June 2018. Her lease was ending, she had outgrown the kitchen and the bungalow was at capacity. "I wish the transition could have been a smoother one, but it turned out to be a great opportunity," she says.
Osbakken says she can't wait to get back in the kitchen and test some new recipes: “We'll have the ability to smoke our own meats now.” There are plans for a pulled pork and pimento cheese sandwich called the Pigmento.
Not to worry, she is bringing back crowd favorites like her crafty grilled cheeses, okra and her most famous burger — the L.U.S.T. Burger, which was No. 3 on Texas Monthly's top five burgers list in 2016. It is stuffed with roasted poblano pepper and feta cheese, slathered with melty Gouda, caramelized onion and avocado, served on a brioche bun.
The new space will have seating for 86 indoors, with bar top seating which has doubled from 12 on Magnolia to 24 on South Main. Garage doors will lead to a dog-friendly patio with space to host live bands as well. It faces South Main, so there will be plenty of opportunity for people watching.
Expect 25 rotating taps, the majority of which will be local brews. There is a full bar as well.
Osbakken has hired a new executive chef — Jacob Hunter, who most recently oversaw the culinary program at the Dallas Zoo. Hunter has a corporate background with Whole Foods and has opened several Torchy's Tacos locations in Texas.
Brunches will begin about a month after opening, with an expanded menu on Saturday and Sunday.