The newest spot on Austin’s east side, Parley, opened its doors on December 19 at 1628 E Cesar Chavez Street. The bar, founded by Irish mixologists Terance Robson and Jack “Slim” Hogan, promises a relaxed, community-centric atmosphere that blends coffee, cocktails, and casual pub fare.
A Concept Rooted in Connection
Parley’s name, meaning “to meet up,” reflects its core mission: to bring people together. By day the space transforms into a cozy coffee bar in partnership with Idlewild Coffee, offering espresso and light bites to early-risers. In the afternoon and evening, the venue shifts into a vibrant neighborhood bar featuring $10-$16 craft cocktails, globally-influenced dishes from Oseyo, and a weekly lineup of inclusive events.
The founders, both from Ireland, see the bar as a love letter to the pubs that shaped their hospitality roots. “We grew up in places where the pub wasn’t just where you drank, it was where you gathered,” says Robson. “That energy of catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, and just enjoying good company is exactly what we’re bringing to Parley.”
A Lineup of Bold, Playful Drinks
Curated by Robson, the cocktail menu balances creativity with accessibility. Highlights include:
- Golden Brown – milk whiskey, spent coffee, Café Borghetti, clarified citrus & soda
- Straight In No Kissin’ – gin, burnt lemon, pink peppercorn, limoncello, pinot gris & bubbles
- Slims Americano – vermouth, Barolo, passionfruit and raspberry syrup & Italicus
- Fish & Chips Martini – gin or vodka, nori, olive oil & saline
- Ranch Water – butter tequila, clear lime, Salers, padron pepper & spice
- Miso Smooth – whiskey, miso, lemon, Ceylon tea & cacao
- Oochi Wally – tequila, wasabi, pistachio, citrus & cucumber
- Cesar Pleaser – bourbon, apple, grapefruit, snap pea & eucalyptus
- Parley Punch – tequila, pisco, tamarind, watermelon, milk, mint oil & orange brandy
- Olive Oil Collins – gin, orange blossom, Italicus, olive oil & soda
- Finding Memo (Frozen) – rum, Guinness, allspice, condensed milk & vanilla gelato
- Tri Colour Coffee – whiskey, salted coffee liqueur, mente and dulce de leche cream, & orange dust
- Mascarpone Carajililo – mascarpone tequila, Idlewild coffee & Liquor 43
- Marg Simpson – pineapple-infused tequila, mezcal, orange curacao & blue corn salt
The bar also offers a wide beer list, from Guinness to Kirin Ichiban, and a rotating selection of natural wines, including red, white, orange, pét-n-at, and bubbles. Non-alcoholic options such as the Penichillin’ (pear, honey, ginger & lemon) and The Beetrooter (beet, apple, carrot, orange & cinnamon) cater to sober-curious guests.
Food That Complements the Experience
Oseyo, a neighboring eatery owned by Robson, Hogan and friend Lynn Miller, provides a globally inspired menu that pairs well with Parley’s drinks. Available daily from 11 am to 12 am (with a late-night menu on request after midnight), key items include:
- Boxty Balls – mashed potato + mozzarella croquettes, parmesan, parsley, kimchi marinara
- Krab Rangoon – crispy corn cheese + krab wontons, sweet chili sauce
- Ham + Cheese Toastie – pressed Dubliner cheddar + smoked ham, grain mustard, spicy tomato jam, cornichon
- Spice Bag – 5-spice chicken tenders & waffle fries, fermented chili relish, curry mayo (sub cauliflower wings)
- Gochujang Buffalo Wings – half-dozen wings, carrot, celery, perilla ranch (sub cauliflower wings)
- Crispy Pork Belly Sliders – sweet chili soy glaze, kimchi fresno slaw, pickled cucumber
- Snack Plate – gochugaru pimento cheese, cowboy candy (candied jalapeños), Opah’s smoked beef sausage, grain mustard, green olives, crackers
Community-Focused Events and Atmosphere
Parley’s interior is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and lived-in-a place where hospitality comes first and everyone feels like a regular. The bar will host a robust calendar of events, such as first-Sunday golf outings, weekly run-club meetups, Newcastle United Premier League watch parties, pop-ups, takeovers, and wellness-focused gatherings.
“Hospitality doesn’t have to mean expensive or exclusive,” says Jack Hogan. “Parley is for everyone – industry folks, creatives, neighborhood regulars, and anyone else looking for a place to feel at home.”
Hours, Reservations, and More
Parley opened its doors on December 19 and will be open daily from 4 pm to 2 am. In the new year, the bar will expand to daily hours from 8 am to 2 am with the launch of coffee service, featuring the Idlewild Coffee menu. A limited food menu by Oseyo is available now, with the full menu debuting in early January. Parley will stay open 4 pm to 2 am on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, and will close on New Year’s Day. No reservations are required; walk-ins are welcome.
For more information, upcoming pop-up events, and the full menu, visit parleyatx.com and follow @parleyatx on social media.
Key Takeaways
- Parley opened December 19 at 1628 E Cesar Chavez Street, offering coffee, cocktails, and pub-style food.
- The bar is founded by Irish mixologists Terance Robson and Jack “Slim” Hogan, who emphasize community and inclusivity.
- A rotating menu of craft cocktails, beers, natural wines, and non-alcoholic drinks pairs with Oseyo-produced dishes and a wide event calendar.
Parley’s debut marks a fresh addition to Austin’s nightlife, blending Irish hospitality with local flavors and a commitment to creating a welcoming space for all.
