Austin just got a little bit spicier. And no, not in the usual taco-truck-outside-a-brewery way.
Old Alley Hot Pot is officially open in North Austin on Metric Boulevard, and if you’re into bold flavors and long dinners that turn into longer conversations, you’ll probably want to check it out. The team behind Mian and Bao brought this one to life. Same folks, new idea, and honestly, it feels like a strong follow-up.
This place is all about Sichuan hot pot, the kind that makes your lips tingle and your brain question why you’re still eating it… while you keep eating it. That numbing spicy flavor, known as mala, is kind of the main character here. The house-made broths come in a few varieties, from classic beef tallow spicy to chicken and tomato, which happens to be fully vegan.
Ordering is a choose-your-own-adventure setup. You pick a broth, then add ingredients to cook at the table. There’s premium beef and lamb for sure, but also traditional Sichuan cuts that might raise a few eyebrows, like duck gizzards and beef aorta. If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. The staff knows the drill and they’ll guide you through.
Vegetarian options are solid too. Things like lotus root, wood ear mushrooms, Japanese yam. Thoughtful stuff. Not just a sad little plate of cabbage like you get at some hot pot spots.
The inside of the restaurant feels like a love letter to 1980s China. The design pulls inspiration from old Chengdu and Chongqing, where hot pot culture really took root. It is warm, a little moody, kind of nostalgic in a way that’s hard to explain unless you grew up there. But it works.
Even the name, Old Alley, comes from a Sichuan expression about people gathering to tell stories. That’s the idea. It is not a quick bite spot. You come here to hang out, to cook your food at your pace, and maybe lose track of time in the process.
Co-founder Tony Xu calls it a love letter to Texas. And you know what, that checks out. It is hot. It is a little wild. And it is built for people who love food with personality.
Just maybe skip the white shirt.