Discovering Hamilton’s, A Cedars Neighborhood Gem With a Killer Happy Hour

A too often overlooked neighborhood, The Cedars is home to quite a few great restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels. Full City Rooster, Opening Bell, Monica’s Mex-Tex, and CANVAS hotel have gained popularity over the years, but the Lorenzo Hotel (known for its extravagant art theme and colorful rooftop pool) holds a bit of a hidden gem. The hotel’s restaurant Hamilton’s, recently renamed and revamped with a new menu, is just another spot I am so glad I finally discovered.

The Pitch

Hamilton’s at Lorenzo Hotel is a lounge-y restaurant and bar that focuses on cocktails, classic Texas bites, and jazzy vibes. They also have a killer daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm which includes $5 well drinks, house wines, and domestic beers. But it’s the martini list you’re going to want to take a look at. There are eight kinds of martinis on the menu including a Vesper (the drink preference of James Bond), Lemon Drop, Espresso, Astor, and more flavors. The cocktail menu boasts 12 kinds of unique cocktail creations such as the Picasso (bourbon, strawberries, honey, and mint leaves).

The Vibe

The dining room has a strong art theme with photos of Picasso, Andy Warhol, and more famous artists. Large round mirrors cover the ceiling by the bar and seating includes bright pink and cow print chairs.

The Food

Chef Kubilay Onder (also Lorenzo’s food and beverage director) created a new menu for Hamilton’s earlier this year. For dinner (or happy hour), make sure to try the brisket empanadas. Handmade with slow-cooked brisket and served with guacamole taquero, the starter comes with three empanadas. Tip: If there are two of you, you might want to order more. The roasted artichoke hummus was also a light and tasty appetizer served with warm pita bread.

For mains, Hamilton’s is known for its chicken fried chicken. They also offer shrimp and grits, salmon, chicken fried steak, and filet mignon. A few lighter options include Lorenzo’s signature gumbo, poblano chicken soup, and a couple of salads. The sandwich portion of the menu also includes a burger with a jalapeño cheddar bun and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich.

On Saturdays evenings, you can also catch live music in the dining area. Goga will be performing this Saturday, October 16, from 7 pm to 10 pm.

Bottom Line: The menu is solid, and the location would be great for those attending a concert at Gilley’s or catching a movie at Alamo Draft House. But that happy hour, which also includes $5 bites (including the brisket empanadas and a cast-iron mac n cheese), is what I’ll be coming back for.