ANTHEM, “A Tex-Asian Pub for the People”

The Omaha-based Flagship Restaurant Group (FRG), has announced their latest concept, Anthem, opening late September 2018 in Austin. The new bar and restaurant will fuse nostalgia-evoking American classics with Asian and Latin influences, offering quality pub food, craft beer and specialty cocktails. Opening in the Millennium Rainey Street development, Anthem will mark FRG’s first concept in Austin.

: Anthem Brisket Rangoons

: Anthem Freaky Tiki Taquitos, Crawfish Hushpuppies, Miso Mac

: Anthem Coastal Fish & Fries, Chicken & Waffle

A Food Journey

The concept behind Anthem was born from Austin native, Anthony Hitchcock’s desire to provide a place that highlights the diversity and range of food he experienced in his childhood.

“Our newest concept, Anthem, is a place for friends, shenanigans and great food. It pays homage to the exuberant freedom of being young and the eclectic group of friends I had in my days here in Austin. We all came from different backgrounds – growing up on dumplings and casseroles, okra and brussels sprouts, hoisin and aioli – but we always found a common ground,” says Hitchcock.

Anthem boasts a uniquely-crafted, borderless menu, playing an ode to Texas roots, offering guests comforting classics with Tex-Asian flair. Dishes are intended for sharing and have a variety of cool, warm, small and large plates. Austin foodies can anticipate unexpected flavor combinations such as Yummy Fries with sweet potato waffle fries, furikake, scallion and pickled ginger shoots, served with sweet soy and truffle yuzu sauces, and topped with miso and spicy aioli.

Other dishes include Shishito Pepper Queso with chopped five spice barbeque brisket, ginger & yuzu guacamole and Polynesian pico; Coastal Fish & Fries (Anthony’s favorite) served with Sriracha ketchup, mashed mint & edamame, Chinese grain mustard aioli and malt vinegar. The pub will also offer an array of vegan dishes, including the Vdog, a house-smoked, vegan curry hot dog with pretzel bun, Korean kraut, scallion, sesame seeds and spicy vegan aioli. Anthem will add three signature pupu platters to the menu which will serve 4-6 people, further adding to the concept’s convivial dining experience.

: Anthem Eggs

Tiki Time

This adult beverage program will feature several classics, new spins on old favorites and fun tiki drinks. With 40 craft beers on tap, guests can enjoy everything from local, boutique options to national favorites. The cocktail menu includes a variety of drinks like the Kegged Mai Tai, served in a Chinese takeout box and a selection of tiki drinks such as the Zombie with Bacardi Anejo, appletone estate, Cruzan 151, falernum, Don’s mix, fresh lime, grenadine and Absinthe. Anthem will also offer wine and sake by the glass or bottle and their plays on the sake bomb, like the Autumn Bomb, which includes Takara Okkomon sweet potato shoshu with Amber beer.

Nostalgic Atmosphere

Anthem’s atmosphere offers customers a plush lounge setting boasting velvet-lined booths, rattan accents, tropical wallpaper, and hanging lanterns, adding to the hygge of Anthem’s interior. The playful and eclectic accents celebrate the journey taken and the journey still to come. The restaurant establishes its Texas roots by showcasing a hand-painted mural of Hamilton Pool by local Austin artists, Jason Archer and Josh Row of Show Goat Mural Works.

Its prime location on buzzy Rainey Street, coupled with weekly specials, are sure to position Anthem as a hot spot for happy hour – which will include 15 small plates, frozen drinks, beer and wine, every Monday – Saturday from 3 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 9 p.m. Anthem will also offer reverse happy hour called Late Night Munchies, Thursday – Saturday from 10 p.m. – midnight, making it an ideal stop before and after the bars.