Bamboo House

A few things people in Austin will readily line up for: Barton Springs on a Saturday afternoon, barbecue at literally anywhere, and the peking duck at Bamboo House, a Sichuan Chinese restaurant near Airport and Lamar in Crestview.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Bamboo House is originally from the Houston area, but opened up in Austin after the overwhelming success of the first location. But unlike in Houston, production is a little more limited here, meaning peking ducks are only available for dine-in, and quantities are limited (with both a lunch and a dinner drop). It’s also the best version we’ve had in town, with crispy, brittle skin draped over incredibly tender meat. Each order comes served on a duck-shaped plate to remind you what you’re eating—in case those first few bites really take you out of it—and the side of thin flour pancakes allows you to feel the texture of the crispy skin better than the steamed buns we sometimes see peking duck served with. Everything arrives on a large bamboo platter that reminds us of a breakfast-in-bed tray, but instead of croissants, it’s covered in roast duck, hoisin and plum sauce, cucumbers, green onions, brown sugar, and a bowl of duck soup. There’s a limit on how much duck you’re allowed to order based on your party size, so prepare to order a few other dishes for the table. The rest of the menu varies from above-average Sichuan specialties like mapo tofu and mala chicken—AKA the “spicy and crispy chicken”—to some really excellent preparations of lobster and other seafood. 

photo credit: Richard Casteel

The dining room is large, with red paper lanterns hanging from tall, exposed ceilings, But despite the size and airiness of the space, it feels pretty cozy inside—probably due, in part, to how packed it always is, and the loud “oohs” and “ahhs” of everyone who managed to secure a duck. Come here early with a group to get a whole one and contribute to the sounds yourself, but also to sample more of the menu. Bamboo House is a BYOB establishment (there’s a convenience store next door), so grab a bottle of wine or some beers to pair with it all and stay a while. Then bring whatever leftovers you have home (the portions are pretty generous) and enjoy them the next morning. You can even try waiting in line to get into the kitchen to recreate the full experience. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Peking Duck

This is what you’re here for. The fat is perfectly rendered through on every slice, with skin crispy enough to register an audible crunch. It comes with thin flour pancakes, hoisin and plum sauce, shredded cucumbers, green onions, brown sugar, and a small bowl of duck broth to sip between bites. Try to get a little bit of everything into each pancake (except for the broth) for the full experience.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Breaded Lobster

Each order of lobster at Bamboo House comes with two full lobsters, so this is one you’ll definitely need a few people to help you out with. The lobster is cut up into large shell-on segments, then lightly breaded, deep-fried, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a small mountain of crispy breading. This is one of our favorite lobster dishes in town.