Along with Japanese eatery Ichi Ni San and cocktail bar Hard Shake, Ounce is one third of a culinary collaboration at the Exchange food hall, part of the AT&T Discovery District. This “Texas-inspired brasserie” is sleek, dark, lively, and already attracting a sophisticated younger crowd for chef Brian Zenner’s Euro-Mediterranean small plates. Order this to go: Allowing for plenty of variety are tapas-style offerings like lamb tartare, grilled octopus with gigante beans and salsa verde, and fat prawns a la plancha bathed in garlic and chiles. Vegetarians will enjoy the tian, with its layers of seasonal vegetables. Pro tip: Finding Ounce is tricky if you’re unfamiliar with downtown’s Akard Street Mall. Enter on foot from Commerce, across from the Adolphus. Then go right, heading toward the exterior stairs on the east facade of Exchange Hall. You’ll be greeted at the host stand and escorted upstairs; outside seating is available.
Note: Review reflects COVID-19 protocols in place at the time of visit.