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Photo of Soni & Henri: A. Garland

5 Places in Seattle to Get Your Austin Fix, as Chosen by Henri and Soni Schock of Bottlehouse

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As proprietors of Madrona's Bottlehouse, Henri and Soni Schock may have their collective head in the vineyard during business hours, but when it's time to punch the clock, the two often head to a Lone Star State-inspired oasis. Soni is from super laid-back Austin, Texas: "There's a creative casualness to it." Hubby Henri, who loves Austin by association, adds: "There's always an element of music and al fresco-type of energy to it. It's almost like people run from work to get a spot on some patio to relax."

So, where in Seattle does the duo run to get swept away in Austin-like comfort? Here's an alphabetized map of their top 5 picks.


· Bottlehouse [Official Site]
· All Eater Maps [~ESEA~]

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Soni: "We do love going to Barrio and just sipping on some mezcal. They have an amazing menu of mezcals, and for us, we love mezcals over tequila, if we had to choose. We geek out. I love their agua frescas (fresh juices) and in Texas, that's what they have there: horchata, watermelon, cantaloupe, whatever it is. I don't know how many people order it, but I always go for the agua fresca and then I have my little mezcal."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Fonda La Catrina

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Soni: "That's our rendezvous for lunchtime." Henri: "We get their black bean tamale." Soni: "I love their soups. Their soups are amazing. They always have a veggie option. It's just a really nice curated simple menu." Henri: "And it's a cool curated space, too. It definitely has that Austin feel."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Little Water Cantina

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Soni: "Really, it's the vibe and the margarita. In Texas, there's a lot of places to sit by the lake and it's just very...chill. And a lot of communal seating, which I love."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Santa Fe Cafe

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Henri: "Santa Fe Cafe for the queso." Soni: "Nowhere else in Seattle can you just get creamy cheese sauce — that's what it is — with a little spice." Henri: "It's basically like Velveeta but they use good cheese. And they don't muddy it up. Every other place adds chorizo and a bunch of other stuff." Soni: "It's just simple like they do in Texas or New Mexico. We will go there just to get their queso and drink a margarita. It reminds me of home."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Sitka and Spruce

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Henri: "Sitka & Spruce taco night for the guacamole and the Michelada. [Both are] so classic and undisturbed. If you order a Michelada in Texas, especially in Austin, that's what you get — lime juice, salt and beer. It's just simple and satisfying. Same with the guacamole. It's simple as well." Soni: "Not a lot of fuss, just lime juice, avocado, delicious. And quality chips, which is important."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

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Barrio

Soni: "We do love going to Barrio and just sipping on some mezcal. They have an amazing menu of mezcals, and for us, we love mezcals over tequila, if we had to choose. We geek out. I love their agua frescas (fresh juices) and in Texas, that's what they have there: horchata, watermelon, cantaloupe, whatever it is. I don't know how many people order it, but I always go for the agua fresca and then I have my little mezcal."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Fonda La Catrina

Soni: "That's our rendezvous for lunchtime." Henri: "We get their black bean tamale." Soni: "I love their soups. Their soups are amazing. They always have a veggie option. It's just a really nice curated simple menu." Henri: "And it's a cool curated space, too. It definitely has that Austin feel."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Little Water Cantina

Soni: "Really, it's the vibe and the margarita. In Texas, there's a lot of places to sit by the lake and it's just very...chill. And a lot of communal seating, which I love."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Santa Fe Cafe

Henri: "Santa Fe Cafe for the queso." Soni: "Nowhere else in Seattle can you just get creamy cheese sauce — that's what it is — with a little spice." Henri: "It's basically like Velveeta but they use good cheese. And they don't muddy it up. Every other place adds chorizo and a bunch of other stuff." Soni: "It's just simple like they do in Texas or New Mexico. We will go there just to get their queso and drink a margarita. It reminds me of home."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

Sitka and Spruce

Henri: "Sitka & Spruce taco night for the guacamole and the Michelada. [Both are] so classic and undisturbed. If you order a Michelada in Texas, especially in Austin, that's what you get — lime juice, salt and beer. It's just simple and satisfying. Same with the guacamole. It's simple as well." Soni: "Not a lot of fuss, just lime juice, avocado, delicious. And quality chips, which is important."

[Photo: Photo Credit]

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