Planners approve extended hours for Odd Duck

After postponing 12 other public hearings Tuesday, the Planning Commission approved a request for a late-night permit to serve alcohol from Odd Duck, a restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard.

The conditional-use permit, which allows the eatery to stay open until 2 a.m., seven days a week, puts the Odd Duck in line with neighboring bars and restaurants, including Gibson Bar, Highball, Corner Bar and Barton Springs Saloon.

The restaurant’s owner, Sam Hellman-Mass, told the commission he would continue to serve food as well as alcohol until closing time.

“We’re not going to try to be a wild bar; that’s not what we are,” he said.

The only opposition came from Lorraine Atherton, who spoke on behalf of the Zilker Neighborhood Association Zoning Committee. She said the committee requested a stipulation to the permit that there be no amplified outdoor sound at Odd Duck, but received no confirmation from the city or the restaurant owners.

Katherine Loayza, who represented the owners, said the cover of the site plan for the property clearly states there will be no amplified sound outside. She said she also confirmed that restriction via email.

Planning Commissioner Brian Roark made a motion to approve the city staff’s recommendation to approve the conditional-use permit. Commissioner Nuria Zaragoza amended the motion to say the permit is contingent upon the Odd Duck having no amplified sound outdoors.

Richard Hatfield seconded the motion, and it carried 7-0 with Commissioners Roark, Zaragoza, Alfonso Hernandez, James Nortey, Stephen Oliver and Jean Stevens all voting in favor.

Commission Chair Danette Chimenti and Commissioner Lesley Varghese did not attend the meeting.