Goodall’s Kitchen is named after Goodall Wooten, a local doctor who originally received the home as a gift from his father, Dr. Thomas Dudley Wooten, a Confederate veteran and one of the founders of the University of Texas. It is located inside the Hotel Ella, which is named after Goodall’s wife, a woman known within the community for her hospitality, culinary talent and impeccable taste. The restaurant, like the hotel itself, was designed with Ella’s aesthetic and culinary vision in mind.
The dining room is bathed in neutral blues and warm earth tones. Slate blue leather chairs and a dusty navy fireplace pair nicely with soft gray walls and the taupe-upholstered booth lining one side of the space. Bare walnut tables glow in the soft light, sans white linens. Large, curtain-less windows to the north and south fill the room with indirect sunshine during the day, and mirrors also brighten the space with reflective light.
The dining room is bathed in neutral blues and warm earth tones. Slate blue leather chairs and a dusty navy fireplace pair nicely with soft gray walls and the taupe-upholstered booth lining one side of the space. Bare walnut tables glow in the soft light, sans white linens. Large, curtain-less windows to the north and south fill the room with indirect sunshine during the day, and mirrors also brighten the space with reflective light.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The cool dining room features several floral paintings that pay homage to Ella’s love of flowers and add gentle accents of color to the muted elegance of the dining room.
- While the menu at Goodall’s Kitchen has a global influence, Texas shines through in many of the signature dishes, such as flavorful bacon-wrapped roasted quail with garlic cream, roasted jalapeño and avocado and the aromatic cinnamon-smoked duck breast with butternut squash, caramelized pear and truffle consomme.
Things to Know
- Though a button shirt and pants (or casual dress for women) seem most appropriate in this welcoming environment, the staff of Goodall’s will undoubtedly greet you warmly no matter what you’re wearing — as will the rest of Austin.
- Reservations can be made on the Goodall’s Kitchen website. Guests may also call the restaurant (512-495-1800) or stop by in person to secure reservations. It is recommended that you reserve a table as far in advance as possible during event weekends (such as a festival or a University of Texas home football game).
- Goodall’s offers dishes à la carte or three courses prix fixe (starter, main and dessert) with an optional wine pairings.
The Food
- Desserts include a decadent molten chocolate cake paired with banana sorbet and peanut butter ribbons, and a marzipan-inspired almond cake topped with basil cream and fresh berries.
- Breakfast ranges from the simple (pastries, granola and oatmeal) to the standard (farm fresh eggs and potatoes) to the more elaborate (Chai spice French toast or the local-leaning Pancho and Lefty, which contains all the makings of huevos rancheros).
- With brunch comes the addition of comfort food selections such as steak frites, buttermilk fried chicken and a duck bacon- and Boursin-topped burger.
- Goodall’s has an extensive menu of carefully crafted cocktails inspired by classics as well. The bar offers a menu from 2:30 until 10:00 p.m., with offerings such as a cheese and charcuterie plate and fries with roasted Brussels sprouts and celery seed aioli.
Getting There
Goodall’s Kitchen
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