Meet Chef Amir, Culinary Innovator and Owner of Oasthouse

Chef Amir is the culinary genius behind the array of flavorful menu items at Oasthouse, in North Austin. Oast Houses are houses in Europe that are used to roast hops and barley for brewers. Since their focus is local beers (and cooking with beer), Chef Amir and his team decided to use the name Oasthouse for their concept.

Chef Amir has been a restaurateur in Austin since opening Oasthouse 620 in 2015, and he recently opened his newest location on Slaughter Lane in 2021. Chef Amir has a passion for cooking that translates in every dish, and is a testament to the fact that he knew what he wanted to do from a young age. When he was 5 years old, he recalls hanging out in the kitchen with his mom and grandmother, watching and helping them cook. “I really enjoyed how delicious food brought people together”, states Chef Amir. “That is what really made me want to become a Chef/restaurateur because I want to create that moment for my guests everyday”. Oasthouse has many dishes that are a twist on the classics, like its Shepherd’s Pie made with lamb. Many of these creative menu options are inspired by the chef’s travels, as well as inspiration from local ingredients. Chef Amir is also adamant about crediting the wonderful chefs with whom he works, stating that even though he oversees every aspect of culinary operations, there are some great chefs who contribute to his menus.

Oasthouse is an elevated pub, chef driven, and locally sourced kitchen with a great cocktail program and locally sourced beers. They aim to be an elevated family friendly restaurant; somewhere you can bring the kids and have a great cocktail and delicious food while kids play at their playground. It is a great hangout spot for friends to hangout and catch up, or catch a game on one of their TVs.
Oasthouse has been a hit with locals for happy hour as well. They offer a great value for Happy Hour with a fresh variety of ingredients that can’t be beat for the price. Additionally, Oasthouse provides a great atmosphere that is hard to match in North Austin. In fact, Chef Amir has been updating all of their restaurants. Both District Kitchen restaurant locations are set to be remodeled this summer as they approach their 10 year anniversary. Their restaurant Keepers also got an amazing new look. Oasthouse 620 also had a much needed remodel, adding a private room for private parties (which has been very successful). Additionally, Chef Amir wanted to create a warmer atmosphere, so they changed lighting and seating, and they’re featuring some great artwork from local artists now, as well. “We are always looking to expand our brands”, states Chef Amir. “If the opportunity presents itself we would love to continue growing Oasthouse”.

Regarding the menu items that are most popular with patrons at Oasthouse, Chef Amir makes mention of their wagyu steak. It comes from Heartbrand Ranch in Harwood, Texas. The chef also recommends their fish and chips, as well as their chicken schnitzel which are both extremely popular. Oasthouse also serves traditional favorites such as burgers, and Chef Amir’s favorite, their Reuben sandwich.

Chef Amir is not only a restaurateur, he also acts as a mentor and culinary educator. For those that want to be a chef someday, Chef Amir implores them to be patient and whatever they do, to do it with passion and pride! “Work on your discipline both professionally and personally”, Chef Amir advises. “Take care of your mind and body because to be great at what you do you must have balance”. He also expresses how learning at a young age can really help young cooks become great Chefs.
Chef Amir has been providing quality service, great food, and alluring ambience, helping the people of Austin create memories for over half a decade.