Discover Loro, where award-winning chefs Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole serve up a delicious and daring blend of barbecue and Asian fusion.
In a world where eateries pop up faster than you can say, "Extra guac, please," it’s a treasure to find a spot that’s actually worth your time and taste buds. So, pull up a chair — let’s gab about Loro, nestled right in the culinary heart of Austin, Texas. Mmmhmm, we're talkin' South Lamar Blvd, where the energy is just as sizzling as the grills.
What makes this joint truly unique is its fusion, not just any fusion, but a mouthwatering amalgamation of Texas BBQ and Asian cuisine. Each dish is a harmonious symphony orchestrated by none other than Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue fame and Tyson Cole, the man behind Uchi.
Together, they’ve created something more memorable than your Aunt Karen's passive-aggressive holiday toast.
The brilliance in Loro's kitchen is as dazzling as your latest shopping spree. Aaron Franklin — the BBQ virtuoso whose brisket could make grown men cry — is one half of this gastronomic dynamic duo. Franklin's BBQ temple has a line longer than a drag queen's lashes on a Saturday night, and its worshippers are more than justified in their esteem. If there’s one thing you can trust when it comes to a Franklin establishment, it’s good, down-home BBQ.
Then you've got Tyson Cole, the sushi whisperer from Uchi. Individually, they've revolutionized their respective culinary realms. Now imagine, just for a second, the food coma of a lifetime when these two geniuses join forces.
When you sashay through Loro's doors, you're not just another face in the crowd but the VIP, the belle of the ball. The indoor ambiance is all about laid-back luxury with wooden accents and high ceilings. And like any good Texas barbecue joint (although this is a bit more than a joint, as such), let's not forget the outdoor seating.
You can luxuriate under the Texas sky while biting into a slice of heavenly pork belly or fried chicken karaage. From the moment you step inside to the minute you leave, you’re in a sumptuous foodie haven designed just for you. Get ready to be enveloped in an atmosphere that’s as welcoming as your mom's kitchen but with a wine list that's way more exciting than her usual bottle of Barefoot.
Grab your squad because Loro is the place where you don't need a reservation to feel fabulous. Forget the formality and high-society hoopla you might find elsewhere. At Loro, the vibe is all about inclusivity and that fabulous, laid-back Austin spirit.
Walk right in, place your order at the bar — yes, they serve everything from bo ssam to bavette — and find yourself a swanky spot. The place is decked out in a way that marries rustic charm with an urban edge. That outdoor patio is a full-on experience, too, complete with twinkling lights and a space that makes you forget you're smack dab in the middle of South Lamar Blvd.
You know you're in Austin when your four-legged friend gets a warm welcome. Oh, you heard me right. Loro loves the pooches almost as much as they adore a perfectly smoked brisket. Bring Fido along and make a whole day of it.
For the millennials out there, think of this as a perfect Instagrammable moment: you, your friends, your pet, and a table overflowing with culinary wonders. Who wouldn’t double-tap that?
Darling, hang on to your cocktail because Loro's happy hour is where you’ll want to park yourself after a long day of adulting. Happy hour here is more than just a time slot; it's a whole mood. They've got cocktails that’ll tickle your fancy and small bites that will seduce your palate.
Sip on a refreshing slushee as you people-watch, or dive into a plate of crispy potatoes that’ll have you questioning all your previous life choices and why they didn’t bring you to Loro sooner. The bar scene at Loro is as eclectic as its menu, pulling in everyone from the post-work crowd to adventurous foodies, all uniting under the universal banner of scrumptious deals.
We need to talk about Loro’s appetizers. We’re not dealing with just chips and salsa here. Honey, we're diving into an appetizer menu that could win pageants.
How about some corn fritters paired with habanero aioli? Bite into one, and it’s like your taste buds are throwing their own little party. If you’re the sort who believes the smokier, the better, then the burnt brisket ends in your candied kettle corn are going to be your new soulmate.
And we can't forget the Asian influences. The chicken karaage, fried to golden perfection, parades on your plate like a runway model. With starters like these, you'll have more than enough material to fuel conversation — whether you’re out for a date night, meeting friends, or just treating yourself because, let’s be honest, you’re worth it. These appetizers are the opening acts that set the stage for a meal you'll be talking about long after the final curtain call.
Look, let's not mince words — just beef. You're in Texas, darling, so you best believe you’re going to find some killer BBQ. Loro has got the BBQ game down pat. You might've tried beef brisket, but you haven't lived until you've sampled Loro’s brisket.
It's got that fall-apart texture and a smoky flavor profile so divine you'll want to write poetry about it. For those in the know, beef brisket is like the Beyoncé of BBQ, and at Loro, Aaron Franklin ensures it’s always ready for its spotlight.
It would be wrong not to also give some love to bavette. This unsung hero of the beef world is seared to perfection and sliced just right, and it's cooked in brisket drippings — so if you’re looking for unctuous, you’re in the right place. It's the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
And the pork belly. Oh, the pork belly. Cooked slow and low, this fatty goodness is the epitome of savory decadence. For all the pork enthusiasts out there, Loro serves up a dish that may just become the high point of your gastronomic life. Trust, this is the stuff foodie dreams are made of.
Loro doesn't just throw in some Asian dishes for flair. No, sweetie, this is a carefully curated blend of Asian fusion and American BBQ. For those days when you're craving more than just a good ol' American meat fest, opt for chicken karaage.
This Japanese fried chicken masterpiece is given a kick with numbing Szechuan salt and Thai herbs. This isn't your grandma's fried chicken, although no shade — that’s delicious, too.
Don’t sleep on the Malaysian chicken bo ssam, either. This dish blends the rich, complex flavors of coconut rice, veggies, and mouth-watering chicken. Loro takes you on a round-the-world trip with every bite. Seriously, where else are you going to find BBQ that moonlights as an international ambassador?
Still on the fence? Allow us to push you over the edge with two words: chili aioli. The chicken karaage comes served with this stuff; let me tell you, it will snatch your wig. You won’t know what hit you, but you’ll love it.
Veggies at Loro are not wallflowers. They’re not backup singers. They're front-row divas giving their own solo performance, so take note! Oak-grilled snap peas sprinkled with sriracha powder? These babies are both smoky and zesty.
Coconut rice is another show-stealer. You don't need a passport for this tropical escape. Each forkful transports you straight to an exotic beach. It's fragrant and fluffy and gives you those vacation vibes without ever leaving Austin.
For the health-conscious, Loro makes sure to include a healthy dose of delectable veggies. They understand that a balanced meal doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. For instance, the rice bowls offered come loaded with greens and veggies that are as much about taste as they are about nutrition.
Dessert, you say? Now you're talking our language! The sweet offerings at Loro are not your basic cupcakes or brownies but rather grown-up indulgences. The chocolate chip cookie is a mouthful of heaven bursting with salted toffee and almonds. Think of it as the diva of the cookie world — no basic dough will do.
But if you're feeling something a bit more tangy, the key lime pie is your go-to. It comes with a gingersnap crumble base that's better than your best pair of stilettos and a toasted meringue that might just be the crowning glory of your meal.
This key lime pie doesn’t just walk the walk; it’ll stop even your most motor-mouthed friend from talking because they’ll be too busy stuffing their face.
This Austin-based culinary wonderland is the blockbuster hit of dining experiences, and you better believe the critics agree. With mavericks like Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole at the helm, it's no wonder Loro has been lighting up the food scene like a marquee sign on Broadway.
Loro has mouthwatering meats, transcendent Asian fusion, tempting veggies, and more. So gather your fabulous friends and hit up this gem on S Lamar Blvd. The only smoke you'll see is the mesmerizing aroma wafting from the grill unless you're turning heads — because, let's face it, you're the other thing smokin’ at Loro.
