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New Mediterranean Steakhouse Aris Makes a Splash in Clarksville

Houston’s James Beard-nominated Sof Hospitality brings upscale vibes, dry-aged meats and more to West Sixth Street

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Food and beverage offerings at Aris, a Mediterranean steakhouse located at 1111 W. Sixth St., in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Bethany Ellen Ochs)

Some restaurants just scream “date night!” Aris is one of those places. 

The fifth concept from award-winning restaurant group, Sof Hospitality (Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, Októ with outposts in Houston, New Orleans and Costa Rica), Aris offers an excellent new option for a romantic outing or special occasion dinner. With sleek black marble tables, intimate booths, mood lighting and large windows, the ambiance is perfect for a memorable dining experience.

This chic and seductive space combines vibrant flavors, top-tier dry-aged beef, and a whole lot of atmosphere. Opened on January 11 in the heart of Clarksville, Executive Chef Hai Avnaim is aiming to bring something different to the Austin steakhouse scene with a distinctly Mediterranean DNA. 

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Aris dining room and bar. (Photo by Bethany Ellen Ochs)

A design for the senses

Stepping inside Aris, you’re immediately struck by its intoxicating ambiance. The first thing that grabs you is the vibe. It’s a blend of 1950s steakhouse swagger mixed with the glitzy allure of a Vegas lounge. The design, crafted by Lin Ben Eli, Sof Hospitality’s in-house interior designer, takes cues from her global travels, bringing Mediterranean warmth and sophistication to the space. 

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The restaurant’s design embraces the concept of curves and fluidity — there’s a wavy theme that runs through the space, evident in the sinuous lines of the burnt sienna banquettes, columns and the horseshoe-shaped bar. Private booths, artfully arranged in a curve, ensure that diners never make eye contact with their neighbors — perfect for those looking to indulge in a romantic, undisturbed date night. The open kitchen and the gleaming dry-aging room add to the spectacle, with scents of sizzling beef and smoky cocktails wafting through the air.

RELATED: A Guide to Austin Restaurants with Gorgeous Interiors

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Food offerings at Aris. (Photo by Bethany Ellen Ochs)

Not just beef

Aris offers a unique dining experience, blending Mediterranean flavors with expertly prepared steak dishes. Their signature dry-aging techniques are showcased in a glass room at the entrance, setting the stage for a menu that goes beyond the traditional steakhouse offerings. Here, prime cuts of meat, such as the decadent 10-ounce A-5 Japanese Wagyu striploin or the show-stopping 34-ounce 21-day dry-aged porterhouse (for two), take center stage. 

But it’s not all about the beef.

Begin your meal with complimentary housemade bread and three spreads: olive oil marmalade (that, quite frankly, should be jarred and sold), sumac butter and a jammy tomato in olive oil. 

Next, move on to the inventive appetizer selection. The beetroot provides a visual and culinary explosion, with a server cutting open the roasted beet to reveal five types of cheese. The signature Aris Cigar features crispy, harissa-spiced ground beef wrapped and fried, served alongside velvety hummus. From the raw bar, a stellar tuna tartare blends Mediterranean and Japanese influences, topped with pumpkin seeds and enveloped with ginger eggplant spread. The octopus with crème fraîche offers a delicate balance of smoky and creamy flavors.

The Moroccan tiger shrimp entree, served with chickpeas and a rich sauce perfect for sopping up with challah bread, is a standout dish, featuring remarkably huge shrimp. Equally impressive are the sides, which include broccolini with labneh, honey-harissa carrots and butternut squash puree – all offering a Mediterranean spin on traditional accompaniments.

Dessert at Aris is an indulgence as well, of course. The chocolate hazelnut entremet is a luxurious treat, with caramel, black truffles, and a whiskey ice cream that adds an unexpected twist. Whereas, the tiramisu mille-feuille reimagines the classic with whiskey mascarpone crème and crispy phyllo layers.

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Aris Martini. (Photo by Bethany Ellen Ochs)

Drinks to match

The drinks at Aris are as thoughtfully curated as the food. The cocktail program brings Mediterranean ingredients to the forefront, with creative drinks like the Aris G&T, served in a large Spanish-style globe glass, overflowing with kalamata olives, citrus and herbs. Even a classic martini has its own twist, with a frozen onion and olives on the side for a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. Or, try the Pecan Old Fashioned, crafted with the group’s own Doris Private Selection Maker’s Mark. 

The wine list is equally impressive, with a focus on Old World and Mediterranean regions, France and Italy. Expect some splurge-worthy bottles.

Whether you’re there for a special occasion or simply want to indulge in an unforgettable meal, Aris delivers – albeit with a hefty price tag. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, fanciful cocktails and a menu that takes your taste buds on a journey, this Mediterranean steakhouse is set to redefine the traditional Austin steakhouse experience. Aris is located at 1111 W. Sixth St. and is open for dinner seven days a week at 5 p.m.

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