Poeta, New All-Day Italian Café by Intero Duo, Brings Culinary Excellence to East Austin

In December, East Austin welcomed an exciting addition to its culinary landscape with the unveiling of Poeta, an all-day Italian café at 1123 E 11th Street within the chic Frances Modern Inn. Poeta is the brainchild of award-winning chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter, esteemed proprietors of Intero Restaurant, renowned for its farm-to-table seasonal rotating menu, fresh pasta, and artisanal chocolate.

The all-day menu at Poeta is a delightful fusion of simplicity and exquisite flavors, complemented by an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and tempting desserts. The warm Victorian-style interior and the thoughtfully designed open patio by Austin-based interior designer Kim Lewis create an inviting ambiance suitable for year-round gatherings.

“We’re excited about Poeta’s potential to become a place that provides a built-in sense of community where everyone feels welcome and happy to be a part of it with us,” said Craig.

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Poeta (photo by Liz Harroun)

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Poeta (photo by Liz Harroun)

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Poeta (photo by Liz Harroun)

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Poeta (photo by Liz Harroun)

Diverse Offerings and Community Engagement at Poeta

Setting itself apart as the sole Italian breakfast venue in the area, Poeta caters to early risers seeking a superb breakfast experience, offering delectable options such as egg benedict and fried eggplant sandwiches. Lunchtime patrons can savor culinary delights like crab cakes and specialty salads, while dinner options include indulgent selections like wagyu beef brasato, tagliatelle, and antipasti. Save room for dessert, as Poeta boasts seasonal gelato and an irresistible “Wafflegato,” featuring a homemade waffle with maple gelato, praline, and espresso—a definite must-try.

Poeta goes above and beyond to accommodate various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free substitutions. Additionally, the establishment hosts weekly curated flight tastings every Friday from 3-6 p.m., showcasing a selection of wines, amari, or spirits. They also serve brunch on Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Their future goals for the restaurant include “establishing our space and services as a place for community functions and celebrations,” said Craig. Check out their event calendar for updates on live musical performances, monthly events, private event options, and other special occasions.

For more details about Poeta, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.