Vic & Al’s

About Vic & Al’s

Vic & Al’s is a local neighborhood eatery and watering hole, serving up dishes inspired by the rich cultures and cuisines of Louisiana and the Texas Gulf Coast. We believe in the simple joys of life: eat, drink, and be merry. It’s all about great food, good company, and making memories.

A Legacy of Family and Flavor

In 1948, my great-grandfather, Vic, left Chicago with his wife, Irma, and their 3-year-old son, Dan, to start a new life in Beaumont, TX. There, they opened a Zesto frozen custard stand. By the 1950s, Vic’s brother, Al, joined him, and together they opened Vic & Al’s restaurant. In the 1960s, another brother, Ralph, came aboard, and the name was changed to Patrizi’s Restaurant. For 50 years, Patrizi’s served some of the best food in the state and became a staple in the community. It wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a family establishment where everyone had a role to play.

The Heart of the Family Business

At Patrizi’s, the whole family was involved. From Grandma Mildred and Irma making meatballs by hand to Gayle working the line, cousins were always behind the bar or bussing tables. The restaurant became a central part of our family’s identity. It was a place where connections were made, stories were shared, and traditions passed down. The food wasn’t just a meal; it was a link to our Italian heritage and a catalyst for family bonding.

Growing Up Around Food and Family

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to grow up—surrounded by handmade pasta, homemade gumbo, and scratch-made sauces so delicious they could make you cry. And believe me, we cried, laughed, and talked—loudly. Food was at the center of everything, and it was never just about feeding our bellies. It was about feeding our souls, connecting to something deeper, and celebrating life together. The meals we shared were an extension of our love for one another, a way to honor our history, and a way to make lasting memories.

Bringing Back the Family Dining Experience

Food has always been an expression of culture, history, and love. It’s where our biological and spiritual needs come together. With Vic & Al’s, we wanted to bring back the family-centered dining experience I grew up with—the kind of meals that stay with you long after the last bite. When we decided to reopen Vic & Al’s, it wasn’t just a business decision; it was about paying homage to the old family restaurant and bringing back that same sense of warmth, connection, and delicious food. Austin’s dynamic culinary scene was the perfect place for us to continue this tradition.

Our Commitment to Tradition and Quality

The reopening of Vic & Al’s was always a long-term goal for us, a way to restore pride in our family’s heritage and bring back the flavors and experiences that meant so much to us. We are excited to continue our tradition of creating a welcoming atmosphere, serving up some of the best food in town, and giving our guests an experience that they’ll carry with them, just like we have for generations.