Most of us have had the typical cheese fries and hot wings from a bar, but Academia is taking bar snacks to a brand new level. These are hand crafted by Chef Victor Sandoval, formerly at Parkside Projects. They’re perfect accompaniments to the already established cocktail menu.

We started with the Plancha-Crisped Blue Crab Cake with remoulade blanc, fennel slaw, herbs, house made aioli. These were heavily filled with fresh crab – I could’ve eaten the whole tray myself! The Deviled Eggs are drizzled with Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and smoked paprika. Again, could’ve eaten the whole plate… Chef turned simple menu items into truly amazing creations (like, I’m already planning my next visit).

Can’t forget about their incredible cocktails: this is the Raw Dill with Linie Aquavit, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, St. Germain, Dill and Salmon Roe

And another fabulous choice: Fresh Cranberry Cosmopolitan with Wodka Vodka, Lime, Sugar, Cranberry, Cointreau, and Lemon Oil

Next round of drinks included Le Bonne Vie with Highborn Dry Gin, Grapefruit, Lemon, Sugar, Basil, Orange Bitters and Negronen with Tapatio Reposado Tequila, Cynar, Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Steak Tartare with 44 Farms Beef, green goddess dressing, salt cured egg yolk, pickled mustard seeds on rye bread. Absolutely delicious. Not only is it a nice portion size but the quality is exceptional! We also ordered the Southern Fried Chicken Wings with crispy collard greens, honey bacon jus, and benne seeds. We ordered the half portion (although we regretted that later because they were sooo dang good).

Pictured are the “Waiting For Chinola” with Santa Teresa Claro Rum, Passion Fruit, Lemon, Becherovka, Lazy Day
Lager, and Pomegranate and a specially made drink of Gin, Lemon, Tonic and Roasted Rosemary.

This is their incredible chocolate tart with vanilla bean cream and sugar coated almonds. The chocolate was fudgy and decadent. The tart was flaky, buttery, and just right. And that cream was the perfect addition on top. This is my kind of dessert! Plus the bite sized tarts are easy to share (or not share).

Academia also has a happy hour M – F from 5 – 8pm! It includes $5 and $6 cocktails (and who knows, maybe they’ll add some food items to it, too!) All I know is that you NEED these bar snacks.