A Luxe New Dining Destination Has Arrived in West University

West University’s newest restaurant has arrived, complete with quirky decor and a lush raw bar serving up oysters, crudo, and carpaccio.

Gratify, the newest eatery from the minds behind Coppa Osteria and Brasserie 19, opened quietly this week at 5212 Morningside Drive. The restaurant occupies the former home of Punk’s Simple Southern Food, also from restaurant group Clark Cooper Concepts, which closed last summer.

Whereas Punk’s focused on Southern dishes like fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and unfussy cocktails, Gratify brings a more sophisticated vibe, similar to sibling restaurant Brasserie 19, but focused on American food instead of French cuisine.

Gratify is also meant to serve as a neighborhood bistro. The menu includes dishes like chicken Provençal with pickled vegetables, housemade taglierini pasta with shaved truffles, a wedge salad, and a charcuterie station to accompany the raw bar.

Bar-wise, diners can expect a menu of agave-focused spirits, including drinks inspired by other drinkeries, like the Chateau Marmont hotel bar in West Hollywood, and Joanne’s Fine Foods in Austin. Gratify will also offer weekend brunch.

Decor-wise, Gratify takes an eclectic boho approach, with items collected by Grant Cooper and wife Jacy on their various travels. That includes a loveseat that used to grace the office of former Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Mid-Century-inspired atomic chandeliers, Voutsa wallpaper, and a disco ball. The patio lends a European street cafe vibe with wraught-iron benches and railings.

For now, seating at the restaurant is limited, with dinner service from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Expanded service, as well as brunch, will arrive later this year.