Madge Cleveland in front of a huge mixer that once was used in the production of Kern’s bread. Madge is related to the Brown family that formerly owned Kern’s Bakery.
On Wednesday night, some close girlfriends and I decided to try something new for dinner and drinks. We went to Kern’s Food Hall. It was a lot of fun — and the food was terrific.
Some of the best things:
- Among all the food vendors, there’s also some interesting — and fun — retail sprinkled in. Several of us bought a few things.
- Even though the majority of the facility is “child-friendly,” there’s also a section of the building that is for adults only. And that part is on a beautiful rooftop deck overlooking the outside entertainment area.
- The attendees are incredibly diverse, both racially and age-wise. Folks ranged from UT students who seemed to be studying, to families with children and dogs, to people like us just out for a good time with friends.
- Every Wednesday night, there are free movies. Last Wednesday, the movie was the original “Mean Girls.” They start at 8 p.m. in the outside entertainment area.
We were a little concerned, however, that there weren’t more people there. And several of the vendors we talked to — both food and retail — expressed serious edginess about that. I really haven’t seen much promotion or advertising for the food hall and I wonder how long the vendors can hang on if more customers don’t show up.
But, at least this past Wednesday, I felt like we did our part!
There’s plenty of room to sit and enjoy an evening of food, drink, and camaraderie. Johnson Architecture designed the restoration of the building that originally opened in 1931. Click here for a history of Kern’s Bakery.
The main bar area.
Susan Brown after making a purchase at the first retailer we visited, Archer Paper Goods.
Katie Kline posing in Mellow Knox, a cute and trendy gift and lifestyle store.
Mellow ducks.
Need some cute things for Halloween? Love these ghost candles — and the name of the scent of this jar candle: “Smells like a bunch of hocus pocus!”
Katie bought his great pink purse there!
A photography and marketing studio, Vella Crew, is coming soon.
Next stop: Mae Lee’s boutique, where Katie and Madge met some new friends!
Clever shirts.
If you were selling doll pillows featuring Elvis, Dolly, and Taylor Swift, which do you think would be the most popular?
If you guessed Dolly, you’d be correct! Mae Lee’s owner, Kristen Heath, said this one she’s holding is the last Dolly doll pillow she has in stock! Still has plenty of Elvis and Taylor, though.
Guess what this satchel holds!
A lot of other Dolly stuff available for purchase!
This sweet floral shop, Flourish, was the first vendor to sign a lease at Kern’s Food Hall.
There are several vintage signs throughout the property. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The outdoor entertainment area at dusk.
Ha. This sign was calling our name!
Here’s the view from the upstairs balcony. Madge and I got up there first.
We spotted Katie and Susan below!
We settled in on the balcony for a few minutes to plot our next activities.
It was dinner!
Susan went for Cuban food at Hemingway’s!
Here’s her Cuban sandwich with potatoes and fried yucca.
Loved the art at Hemingway’s!
Madge went straight for Indian food at Ooh Lala!
She raved about her butter chicken.
Katie and I headed for Amaryllis Taqueria for Mexican.
We both had quesadillas. Huge portions. And delish.
The movie had started when I snapped this at about 8:15.
I saw these pretty flowers in the dining area as we were leaving.
Kern’s Food Hall is located at 2110 Chapman Highway. You should try it out.
