By KIM ESTES, LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The owners of District Kitchen + Cocktails in Austin’s Circle C neighborhood opened their latest restaurant concept, Oasthouse Gastropub, in the Trails at 620.

“My brother and I have been eager to start a new concept together,” said Amir Hajimaleki, executive chef/owner.  

He and his brother, Ali, began working in the restaurant industry 12 years ago. As a chef, Amir wanted to prepare thoughtful, seasonal menus in areas of Austin that he thought were underserved. Ali, with a background in restaurant operations, worked with Amir to create District Kitchen in 2013.

This year, in mid November, the brothers opened Oasthouse Gastropub in Four Points. They chose the area and, in three months, redesigned the former Highlights Gametime Grill space.

“We thought the area was saturated with fast casual and Tex Mex concepts,” Amir said. “Also this is far from downtown and we wanted to bring a downtown feel to this area. We’ve had success in doing that with District.”

Oasthouse offers “elevated” pub fare, more than 21 beers on tap and craft cocktails in a modern farmhouse space. It is named for “oast house,” a building designed for drying hops as part of the brewing process. The structures can be seen in parts of Europe.

Oasthouse has a large patio area for a beer garden and the goal is to grow hops and herbs in the space as well.

Amir, 30, has dreamed of being a chef and restaurateur since he was 5, when he would cook with his mom and grandmother in Iran.

His family moved to Austin when Amir was 8 and after high school he attended Le Cordon Bleu in Austin. Ultimately he became the executive chef at Kona Grill and he worked with that company in San Antonio, Baton Rouge and eventually ran its flagship restaurant in Dallas.

Fast forward to today where Amir and his brother Ali, 35, who manages the operations side of the business, now have two restaurants.

“I love the whole package. It’s not work to me, it’s a hobby. I’m either here or there (District) every single day,” Amir said.

With their latest eatery, Oasthouse, the kitchen staff makes the sausage and bacon. Bakery items are shipped in from Marble Falls’ Brothers Bakery.

“Guests can look forward to our seasonal spin on traditional gastropub fare with a great selection of cocktails and local beers,” Ali said.

Its menu offers traditional German pub fare with a Texas twist. Highlights include bangers and mash with English peas, pickled onions, green tomatoes and a beer glaze as well as the “farmhouse pub burger”, featuring wood fired grass fed beef, Guinness cheddar, sunny duck egg, brown ale bacon mustardo and a brioche bun.

In addition to its beer on tap, the Oasthouse spirits menu includes an international wine list. The cocktail menu offers classic libations, such as the “Old Fashioned” and Manhattan, and original creations.

The restaurant’s design is “old meets new”. Reclaimed wood and rustic art pieces provide an oast house environment, while industrial metal detailing and a current color palate modernize the space. A chef’s table is created to give those who reserve it a special eating experience.

In addition to the main dining room, the restaurant features an expansive bar area and indoor and outdoor patios, which can be reserved for private parties and events.

Oasthouse Gastropub, at 8300 RM 620, is open Monday-Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Happy hour is daily from 4-7 p.m. and during the last two hours of operation in the restaurant’s bar and patio areas.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m., Friday with live music, specials and giveaways for early arrivals.  

“We’re excited to bring a different style of cuisine – offering a variety of high quality dishes and cocktails to the area,” Amir said.