Upscale, Intimate & Casual: Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in Salado
By Amy Rognlie | Photos courtesy of Dave Hermann
Situated right on Salado Creek, Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen boasts one of the greatest views in Central Texas. Couple that with award-winning cuisine and beverage offerings buttressed with exceptional service and you have the makings of a unique dining experience.
“We have folks who drive in from as far as Killeen just to sit on our outdoor deck with a glass of wine and watch the sunset over the creek. It’s their go-to place for relaxation,” says Dave Hermann, Alexander’s director of development and culinary operations.
Formerly known as Alexander’s Distillery, the restaurant was rebranded as Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in 2018 to better express who they are: an upscale bistro style restaurant (not fine dining) with an exceptional line up of wine and spirits. Expertly crafted cocktails from the classics (martini and old fashioned) to their current seasonal offerings are designed to pair and accentuate their culinary offerings.
Current fan favorites include Kung Pao Cauliflower and their featured 44 Farms (Cameron, Texas) rib eye. Also popular are the shrimp and grits, Texas striped bass, and their weekly specials.
“We are unique in that we are truly a ‘chef-driven’ concept,” Hermann says. “Other restaurants claim to be, however, we are constantly seeking out and sourcing local ingredients to feature in both our cuisine and cocktail offerings.”
In fact, Alexander’s has an ever-evolving list of local providers who supply the chefs with everything from yogurt, honey, and vegetables to olive oil and stone-ground grits.
If you’re looking for a great wine list, look no further.
“Our wine list compares to those you’d find at establishments in Austin, but at two-thirds of the price,” Hermann says.
At the time of this writing, cocktail offerings included Elderflower Gin Fizz (Aviation gin, lemon, aquafaba, simple, angostura, fever tree elderflower tonic) and Midnight Mule (Tito’s vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer). Folks love to enjoy a glass or two in Alexander’s unique third-floor lounge. The lounge’s around-the-world theme invites you in with understated elegance to enjoy the comfy chairs, indoor or outdoor seating, an outdoor fire pit, and a spectacular view of Salado Creek.
In addition to the lounge, Alexander’s offers a private guest room, large enough to host a special occasion get-together or a corporate lunch. Dinner guests also enjoy dining in the front porch, an intimate and quiet setting with a view of the lighted outdoor fountain.
“We are a special-occasion place, but also an every-occasion place,” Hermann says. “We are known for top-drawer offerings at unpretentious prices. Delicious, approachable, recognizable, tasty, beautifully presented, understated, elegant and an exceptional value for your money.”
And if you’d rather the food come to you, Alexander’s “catering arm,” The Range Full Service Catering will bring unique menu offerings to your next party or special event.
“We are seeing tremendous growth in this area, and people have a desire for something niche, out of the ordinary…not big box,” Hermann says. “Our vision is to keep growing our business to meet the needs of our ever-changing and growing community.”
Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen
602 Center Cir, Salado, TX 76571
254-947-3828
www.inncreek.com/alexanders
