A popular bakery and brunch spot in Austin now has a stunning new space to call home. Located in a former auto shop, Swedish Hill opened its first South Austin storefront last week at 1804 S. First St., Austin, TX 78704.
The South First location takes over the former Foxtrot Market, a Chicago-based retail grocer chain that abruptly closed 33 nationwide locations last year, including four in Austin. Swedish Hill South First now joins the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, serving its signature menu of coffee, pastries, freshly baked bread, lunch favorites, rotisserie, beer and wine.
I visited the restaurant on its opening day (Thursday, May 16), and got to finally understand the hype. First, the open-layout concept has tons of natural lighting and plenty of seats inside or outside on the patio to enjoy. For lunch, I had the hot pastrami sandwich ($18) with Rotini pesto pasta salad ($7).
My favorite, which filled me up alone, was the sandwich since the bread was perfectly toasted and the thinly sliced pastrami paired well with the pimento cheese. I’m a sucker for all things pasta, so I enjoyed the pesto too but wish it came as a side with the sandwich since I also love a combo meal…