"The restaurant features a large raw bar and a regular bar, along with ample traditional seating both indoors and outdoors. After we were seated, we were promptly greeted and informed about the specials while our drink orders were taken. This was my first time trying 512 Brewery, and I have to say it has quickly become one of my favorites!
We began our meal with salads—the Caesar and the Blue Cheese Wedge—both of which were excellent. We also enjoy peel-and-eat shrimp, so when we find a place that serves it, we can't resist trying it. They advertise their shrimp as Gulf shrimp, and having moved to Austin, we've tasted fresh Gulf shrimp before, which is some of the best out there!
While the shrimp was good, it didn't quite match the freshness of some we've had from vendors who bring it straight from the Gulf. The shrimp served here were quite large, more akin to what you'd find in a shrimp cocktail rather than the typical peel-and-eat variety. Typically, when I've had peel-and-eat shrimp elsewhere, it’s served in a pound size of 16/20 or 11/15. I'm not sure if we got a full pound as it isn't specified on the menu, and we didn't ask, but again, they were the size you'd expect in a jumbo shrimp cocktail.
The dish came with a cocktail sauce that had a unique flavor—spicy, yes, but there was an undertone we didn't particularly enjoy. While we managed to eat it, a straightforward cocktail sauce with a side of horseradish would have been preferable. They do cook the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, which is a rare treat that we enjoyed immensely! However, the shrimp could have been chilled more adequately, as the meat wasn't as firm as we expected. Sometimes, when shrimp are boiled, they aren't allowed to cool down long enough, resulting in softer meat.
We look forward to returning someday to try more of their fish dishes. They have screens on the walls displaying various sports, making it an excellent spot to watch football when the season kicks off again. If you're a seafood lover, you will definitely enjoy this place!"
