Eater Austin - AllThe Austin Restaurant, Bar, and Nightlife Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52682/favicon-32x32.png2024-03-18T16:28:30-05:00https://austin.eater.com/rss/index.xml2024-03-18T16:28:30-05:002024-03-18T16:28:30-05:00Austin Restaurant Olamaie Opens a Casual Texas Icehouse With Beers and Burgers
<figure>
<img alt="A burger with the text “coming attractions” written four times on top of it." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rsZnb-6IUz7_0bGUHoMCFg_onmM=/86x0:1414x996/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72990864/ComingAttractions_Burger2.14.jpg" />
<figcaption>Redbud will serve burgers. | Getty images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Redbud Ice House is taking over the restaurant space previously home to BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya and Contigo in the MLK neighborhood</p> <p id="DHcnXA">The company behind Southern restaurant <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/11344/olamaie">Olamaie</a> is opening a new casual bar in the former <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/6/13/23759606/bbq-ramen-tatsu-ya-closed-austin-japanese-restaurant">BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya</a>/<a href="https://austin.eater.com/2021/12/17/22842970/contigo-austin-restaurant-closing-december-2021">Contigo</a> space in Austin next year. <a href="https://www.redbudicehouse.com/">Redbud Ice House</a> will open at 2027 Anchor Lane with a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bc0vaPKY0/?hl=en">spreview party</a> on Sunday, March 17 and then its opening date is on Tuesday, March 19.</p>
<p id="4FlWU8">The casual bar from the MaieB Hospitality will serve beers, burgers, and soft serve ice cream. Originally, the press release had noted the burgers would be in the smash burger style, but that has since changed to Wagyu cheeseburgers.</p>
<p id="tkMTnl">Redbud partners are MaieB’s Michael Fojtasek and CEO Ben Fordham, along with Contigo Group’s Andrew Wiseheart and Ben Edgerton, and neighborhood restaurant and brewery <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/26520/batch-craft-beer-kolaches">Batch Craft Beer</a>’s Noah Lit and Laura Lit. The Lits actually own the property since 2020. Batch will brew up an exclusive beer for Redbud too. </p>
<p id="T6Ffjx">Physically, the space will include its expansive patio with lots of picnic tables. The redesign plans will be taking its cues from long-shuttered music venue and beer garden <a href="https://www.awhq.com/">Armadillo World Headquarters</a> and more-recently-closed dive bar<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/dry-creek-cafe-closing/">Dry Creek Cafe</a>. There are plans to host events and community outings. Working on the design is <a href="https://www.annedgerton.com/">Ann Edgerton</a>, who worked on First Light Books and the Contigo Group’s previous, now-closed restaurants (i.e. <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2018/6/18/17475142/chicon-closed-east-sixth-street-restaurant">Chicon</a>). </p>
<p id="7z5oIY">Redbud’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4bc0vaPKY0/?hl=en">first party</a> also happens to fall on Saint Patrick’s Day and the last day of South by Southwest. The space is hosting a live music showcase from nonprofit label Spaceflight Records, while serving a truncated burgers and drinks menu. The event begins at noon with music from 2 to 6 p.m. And then Redbud will fully open to the public on March 19, with further details to come later.</p>
<p id="86NHRx">Before Redbud, the Anchor address had been Austin restaurant group Tatsu-ya’s <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/3/2/22958364/bbq-ramen-tatsu-ya-opening-new-restaurant-ramen-barbecue-contigo-austin">barbecue ramen restaurant</a> BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya. That <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/10/17/23408929/bbq-ramen-tatsu-ya-open-austin-restaurant-barbecue-japanese-mlk">opened</a> in October 2022 but <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/6/13/23759606/bbq-ramen-tatsu-ya-closed-austin-japanese-restaurant">closed</a> in June 2023, with plans on reopening it somewhere else. </p>
<p id="3KWEHu">And then, before BBQ Ramen, the address was home to longtime essential New Texan restaurant Contigo. Wiseheart and Edgerton <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2011/4/11/6687477/east-austin-patio-restaurant-contigo-to-open-may-7">opened</a> the restaurant in 2011, and it became one of the definitive Austin dining experiences for 10 years. It <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2021/12/17/22842970/contigo-austin-restaurant-closing-december-2021">closed</a> at the end of 2021 because the team felt “it [was] time for us to let Contigo rest.”</p>
<p id="zmajr6">Also under the MaieB umbrella is South Congress hotel restaurant Maie Day, fast-casual shop Little Ola’s Biscuits, and forthcoming restaurants within upcoming <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/4/12/23679068/albert-hotel-fredericksburg-restaurants-bars-opening-2024">Fredericksburg hotel the Albert</a>.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A computer-generated image of a bar." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v1CJij7rXNQpn-EB_Ck9u9fzLgM=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25179993/image2.png">
<cite>Rendering: Redbud Ice House</cite>
<figcaption>A rendering of Redbug Ice House. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="8JOJpV"><em>Update, March 18, 2024: This article, originally published on December 22, 2023, has been updated to include and clarify when Redbud’s opening date and pre-party will be, as well as to clarify the updated style of Redbud’s burgers.</em></p>
<aside id="uw2xiV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Very Great Burgers in Austin","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-burgers-austin-restaurants"},{"title":"Excellent Austin Dive Bars","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-dive-bars-austin"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="ltU4kS"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside><p id="eS3OzG"></p>
https://austin.eater.com/2023/12/22/24010932/redbud-ice-house-austin-bar-open-mlk-contigo-olamaie-burgersNadia Chaudhury2024-03-18T12:04:01-05:002024-03-18T12:04:01-05:00Beloved Texas Cake Shop Returns as a Home Bakery in Buda
<figure>
<img alt="A white frosted square cake in a tin with colorful sprinkes." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ne6X_ZdgAdCf_Yp3obOpqkzBQJ4=/0x711:3024x2979/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215573/image_50455297.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>The sweet vanilla cake from Sweet Cakes 4 U. | Sweet Cakes 4 U</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sweet Cakes 4 U is offering whole square cakes and baked goods for pickups now</p> <p id="bIby3f">A shuttered bakery in Buda reopened as a home bakery this spring. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sweetcakes4ubudatx/">Sweet Cakes 4 U</a>, which closed in <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/3/17/23645409/sweet-cakes-4-u-buda-bakery-closing-vegan-truck-forking-vegan-bakery-knead">closed</a> in 2023 after ten years of service, returned as a home bakery business since March 12. </p>
<p id="R4gcZ7">Co-owners mother Dolores Diaz and daughter Victoria Diaz had to modify their pickup menu because of <a href="https://texascottagefoodlaw.com/">Texas cottage food laws</a> which dictate what home bakers are allowed to sell. This means eight-inch square cakes in flavors like double-chocolate and sweet vanilla (which will be available weekly), along with rotating ones like red velvet and pineapple-upside-down. And then there will be other baked goods like white chocolate chip/walnut blondies, s’mores squares, and pound cakes by the slice.</p>
<p id="hEkk6v">When the Diazes shuttered Sweet Cakes in March 2023, it wasn’t an easy decision for the family. “Our lives had been the shop for the last decade and it was scary thinking of doing anything else,” Victoria wrote over email. But they had to close then. “The rising cost of goods and the shortness of staff was not helping us. It was putting a lot of stress not only on my mom but on our employees as well. They had been working very hard and we are still extremely grateful for them.”</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A chocolate cake with chocolate frosting in a square tin." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nV30TlVx1AWUD9XI77JRStLxe4U=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25342608/image_50449665.JPG">
<cite>Sweet Cakes 4 U</cite>
<figcaption>The double-chocolate cake from Sweet Cakes 4 U.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="JXaFF1">After the physical bakery <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/3/17/23645409/sweet-cakes-4-u-buda-bakery-closing-vegan-truck-forking-vegan-bakery-knead">closed</a>, people asked if they’d ever do home pickups, and they said no because Dolores — who had been leading the baking — wanted to take a break from the baking business. But then, after some time away, in October 2023, she decided to come back to the bakery business but in a different form. </p>
<p id="zLIryo">For the first week, Sweet Cakes had accepted orders through Facebook and Instagram messaging, but that was too overwhelming. Now orders can be places via <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16Ijc_NDRdfFglSivrwgTRWLLZtBjuuc1B3onMCahkNY/viewform?edit_requested=true">a Google form page</a>. Weekly menus for timed pickups on Fridays and Saturdays will be placed on the Monday before at 11 a.m., with advanced payment via Venmo and Cash App. The Buda address will be disclosed after orders are confirmed. </p>
<aside id="Ntws6w"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Austin Bakeries With Outstanding Baked Goods ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-bakeries-austin-baked-goods"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="EgD9eb"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/3/18/24098729/sweet-cakes-4-u-buda-bakery-reopens-home-bakery-cakes-pickups-ordersNadia Chaudhury2024-03-18T10:30:46-05:002024-03-18T10:30:46-05:00Southeast Asian Food Truck’s Opening a Laotian Restaurant in Far East Austin
<figure>
<img alt="Beef on skewers on top of rice." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Pyv3abZVHuECixGM-h9kKTRvZcc=/0x0:1280x960/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73019321/s959764302487059609_p27_i2_w2048.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>The beef skewers from Sekse Fud Ko. | Sekse Fud Ko</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sekse Fud Ko is now closed, but its new Lao’d Bar will open in the spring</p> <p id="wtw6em"> Austin food truck <a href="https://www.sxsefoodco.com/">Sekse Fud Ko </a>is going open a new Laotian restaurant this year out in far east Austin. Lao’d Bar will open at 9909 Farm to Market Road 969, Building 4 starting sometime in the spring. </p>
<p id="vJLgF4">Owner and chef Bob Somsith tells Eater that the the restaurant will be a full-service one. The food menu will be contemporary Laotian that is more like Laotian American. There will be similar cocktails, lagers, and rice lagers. Further details will be released later. </p>
<p id="JJjP4j">This also means that the food truck is closing ahead of the restaurant opening. Somsith’s truck — whose name is styled Sek-sē•Füd•Kō, pronounced “sexy food co.,” and formerly known as SXSE — focuses on Southern American and Southeast Asian cuisines with an emphasis on Laotian food, with both a la carte and tasting menu meals. The food truck had <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4nzH_NuOrx/?igsh=dXliNGNueWh2ODVo">its last day of service</a> at Vacancy Brewing in the East Congress neighborhood on March 17.</p>
<p id="Iy3AX1">Somsith started cooking on his own via SXSE in 2014 for pickup/delivery orders, catering gigs, and events, and he sold packaged jerky. He opened the food truck in 2018 at Celis Brewery. Then it had moved around before <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2020/11/9/21556632/uchi-co-owner-buys-trudys-tex-mex-four-stars-texas-craft-brewers-festival-virtual">landing</a> at North Austin brewery 4th Tap Co-op since November 2020, but had to leave when the brewery <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/7/28/23282196/4th-tap-brewery-closed-bankruptcy-austin">closed</a> in the summer of 2022. After that, the truck changed its name and then <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/8/24/23320778/dream-bakery-austin-closing-gluten-free-cakes-baked-goods">temporarily roamed</a> around the city and then landed a permanent home at South Austin brewery Vacancy Brewing in September 2022. </p>
<p id="js4By4">Lao’d Bar’s neighbors include Sign Bar, which has a bunch of food trucks, including Spicy Boys; Mexican restaurant Mi Casita; and barbecue restaurant Donn’s BBQ.</p>
<aside id="XSAC2N"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"13 Incredible Southeast Asian Food Spots in Austin ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-southeast-asian-austin-restaurants-thai-vietnamese-filipino-burmese-indonesian-laotian-food"}]}'></div></aside><p id="SWctcQ"><em>Update, March 18: This article, originally published on January 3, has been updated to include the food truck’s last day of service.</em></p>
<aside id="o7zEVj"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside><p id="ZVNns2"></p>
<p id="7zNn6A"></p>
<p id="n7RaND"></p>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/1/3/24023778/laod-bar-austin-restaurant-laotian-southeast-asian-food-sekse-fud-ko-closedNadia Chaudhury2024-03-15T14:03:57-05:002024-03-15T14:03:57-05:00A Rainey Street Bar Closed Right Before SXSW
<figure>
<img alt="An indoor bar." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oNkhn9WWg2LMBt9EcbL_xSg5yE4=/114x0:1934x1365/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210266/Stagger_Lee.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stagger Lee. | FBR Management</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In early March, Stagger Lee shuttered in downtown Austin</p> <p id="G4vgy1">Downtown Austin bar <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/41621/stagger-lee">Stagger Lee</a> suddenly closed in early March. The bar’s last day of service at 87 Rainey Street<strong>,</strong> along with that location of American-ish restaurant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thunderchief_atx/">Thunder Chief</a>, was on March 3, just before <a href="https://austin.eater.com/sxsw-austin-food-restaurants">South by Southwest</a> (SXSW).</p>
<p id="0bqKcW">A rep for Stagger’s ownership company FBR Management told Eater that the shutter happened because it was the end of the bar’s lease and there was an “inability to agree on updated terms.” The company doesn’t have any plans to relocate and reopen the bar elsewhere. Thunder Chief’s other location at another FBR bar, Lavaca Street Bar on South Lamar, remains open.</p>
<p id="NmALcU">The FBR team <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2019/3/15/18267302/stagger-lee-rainey-street-bar-open-sxsw">had opened</a> the bar also during SXSW in March 2019. They <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2018/2/2/16958544/stagger-lee-bar-rainey-street">took over</a> what had been New American bar No Va, which <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2013/8/15/6386117/brad-sorensons-no-va-on-rainey-street-to-open-august-20th">opened</a> in August 2013 and <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2017/5/25/15691714/no-va-kitchen-bar-closed">closed</a> in June 2017.</p>
<p id="0kEOKk">FBR is growing with other bars though. There’s that planned expansion of Christmas-forever dive bar Lala’s into <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/9/29/23896284/lalas-austin-bar-south-austin-opening-dive-bar-christmas-2024">South Austin</a>, it’s behind the relocation of campus bar <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2023/8/30/23851516/cain-and-abel-bar-austin-campus-reopens-west-24th-street">Cain & Abel’s</a>, there’s upcoming Pflugerville brewpub <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/09/07/old-gregg-brewpub-austin-matt-luckie-max-moreland-mean-eyed-cat-sign-bar/70781402007/">Old Gregg Brewery</a>, and it’s helping with Miami hospitality company <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2024/2/1/24058309/downright-austin-hotel-downtown-opening-bars-restaurants-lost-boy-and-co-fbr-management-spring-2024">Lost Boy & Co</a>.’s two downtown Austin hotel bars and restaurants.</p>
<aside id="2RSG7S"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Where to Eat and Drink on Rainey Street in Austin ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/rainey-street-downtown-austin-best-restaurants-bars-dining-guide-where-to-eat"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="V2XyhN"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/3/15/24102157/stagger-lee-austin-bar-closed-rainey-streetNadia Chaudhury2024-03-15T11:26:34-05:002024-03-15T11:26:34-05:00Two Big-Deal Chefs From Mexico Open a New Downtown Austin Restaurant
<figure>
<img alt="A plate with brown sauce and a triangle-shaped bread." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9ir40YJPrZQkHywzGm2sRpVl6Ik=/0x27:1080x837/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73209775/2._Tetela_.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The tetela at Mexta. | Nitya Jain</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Mexta is opening with a finer-dining menu off Congress Avenue</p> <p id="Fh3EZa">A new modern Mexican restaurant from <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2024/1/25/24047397/mexta-restaurant-downtown-austin-mexican-jonatan-gomez-luna-torres-mikel-alonso">two big-name chefs from Mexico</a>, is opening in Austin this month. <a href="https://mextarestaurant.com/">Mexta</a> will open in downtown Austin at 106 East Sixth Street, Suite 110 starting on Friday, March 22.</p>
<p id="uk4liZ">Mexta — whose name is a mash-up of “Mexico” and the abbreviation for Austin — boasts what is describes as “Mexican gastronomy.” This means higher-end pan-Mexican dishes, such as tetelas (masa) with pork belly cracklings and grilled avocado; shrimp aguachile; slow-cooked pork belly served with a peanut sauce, and cauliflower with salsa macha. Desserts include arroz con leche (rice pudding) and the chocomaíz, a masa brownie with salted toffee butter, carmelized popcorn, and a chocolate powder.</p>
<p id="Vpuwub">Behind the restaurant are co-founders chefs Jonatan Gómez Luna Torres and Mikel Alonso Garcia, Jesús Chávez, Benjamin Arriola, and Rodrigo Quintanilla. The chefs, Torres and Garcia, are two of the co-founders of the <a href="https://culinaryinstitute.southwestuniversity.edu/">Culinary Institute of Southwest University</a> out in El Paso. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A palte of cauliflower with spices." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ud_glemMy1KkVU-TRj3lEQVRhXQ=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337904/8._Macha_Cauliflower_.jpg">
<cite>Nitya Jain</cite>
<figcaption>The macha cauliflower at Mexta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A plated dessert." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sYxcuSP49GLRR4aLPrudwU4JCGc=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337906/5._Chocomai_z.jpg">
<cite>Nitya Jain</cite>
<figcaption>The chocomaíz at Mexta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="icouqW">Torres grew up in Mexico City, and eventually opened Mexican fine-dining restaurant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lechiquerestaurant/?hl=en">Le Chique</a> in Cancun in 2008, which nabbed a spot on the <a href="https://www.theworlds50best.com/latinamerica/en/the-list/le-chique.html">Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants</a> since <a href="https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/latin-americas-50-best-restaurants-2018-list-in-pictures.html">2018</a>.</p>
<p id="OHNMxd">Garcia grew up in southwestern France and studied cooking in Spain, after which he moved to Mexico City to work. He opened Basque-style restaurant Biko with co-owner Bruno Oteiza, also in 2008. That landed on the <a href="https://www.eater.com/2016/6/13/11923536/worlds-50-best-restaurants-2016">World’s 50 Best Restaurants</a>; and the Latin American edition since its inauguration in <a href="https://www.eater.com/2013/9/5/6377083/latin-americas-50-best-restaurants-for-2013-revealed">2013</a> (it closed in 2017). The pair also worked on Riviera Maya resort restaurant Cocina de Autor.</p>
<p id="41yzxE">Mica Rousseau is the restaurant’s mixologist, where he developed its cocktail menu. He is the co-owner of Mexico City cocktail bar <a href="https://www.casaprunes.com/">Casa Prunes</a>, and before that, he had been the head bartender of <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/nzk35z/behind-the-bar-with-mexicos-top-mixologist">the Fifty Mills bar</a> at the Four Seasons in Mexico City</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Three cocktails on a table." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SbEXRKEsf5jwsEmpzgMgi5Qcpv4=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337907/12.__Margarita___Mole_Old_Fashioned__Palomazo.jpg">
<cite>Nitya Jain</cite>
<figcaption>Cocktails at Mexta.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="haUo7v">Mexta’s drinks includes cocktails as well as lots of mezcals, sotols, and tequilas. Drinks include a mole Old Fashioned; the Palomazo, a paloma made with a beetroot shrub; and the ¿Margarita? with mezcal and Champagne. Mexta is found in downtown’s Littlefield building, taking over what had been the Simi Estiatorio space. That Greek restaurant had suddenly closed in March 2022 <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/4/15/23023933/simi-estiatorio-closed-austin-restaurant-workers-rent-unpaid">because of very messy circumstances</a>.</p>
<p id="7OZ4w8">Mexta’s revamped space was designed by architect Carlos Castroparedes, adding in wooden ceilings and stone details. There’s the main indoor dining room and bar and the upstairs private dining room. </p>
<p id="lU4xGU">Mexta’s hours are from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and then from 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. There are indoor dine-in services. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A restaurant." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DeYc_QezqNxOdZu1VbjpClQHUTU=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25337908/14._Mexta_Interior.jpg">
<cite>Nitya Jain</cite>
<figcaption>Mexta’s dining room.</figcaption>
</figure>
<aside id="qxfTbb"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown Austin ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-downtown-austin-restaurants-bars-dining-guide-where-to-eat"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="4cHPL0"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside><p id="gkzW91"></p>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/3/15/24099011/mexta-austin-restaurant-mexican-downtown-austinNadia Chaudhury2024-03-15T10:06:02-05:002024-03-15T10:06:02-05:00Stellar Farmers Market Bagel Stand Opens a New Austin Truck
<figure>
<img alt="A bagel half with cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, dill, and onions." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dGivsi1wmw6k_66f71nBNQhnJtI=/0x180:1440x1260/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73116407/image0__1_.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>One of David Doughie’s smoked salmon and cream cheese-topped bagels. | David Doughie’s</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>David Doughie’s food truck is coming to far south Austin bar</p> <p id="TxJc3J">Austin farmers market stand <a href="https://www.daviddoughies.com/">David Doughie’s</a> — known for its <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/11/17/23461337/david-doughies-bagels-austin-texas-farmers-market">New York-style bagels</a> — is going to be <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AbIuoOhoG/">opening a new food truck</a>. David Doughie’s Bagelry will be found at <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/57205/lustre-pearl-south">Lustre Pearl South</a> on 10400 Menchaca Road in the far south Austin <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4fnSwlOxHd/">starting</a> on Sunday, March 17.</p>
<p id="xDiXPl">Co-founders and couple chef Devin Broder and Ashley Broder announced their plans through their newsletter and Instagram. The truck will serve their New York-style sourdough bagels made using Barton Springs Mill flours in flavors like everything, za’atar, and jalapeno-cheddar cheese, with mini-versions too. Then there are along with cream cheeses and schmears like scallion cream cheese, smoked salmon cream cheese, and honey butter.</p>
<p id="fKhrrj">The food truck’s newer items will include expanded smoked and cured offerings, like smoked salmon, pastrami-smoked salmon, smoked white fish, and more. Plus they’ll be able to add more fun cream cheeses and schmears. They’re also going to add egg sandwiches. And then they’ll add snacky items on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 4 p.m., such as bagel chips with dips and pickle bowls.</p>
<p id="e49SsC">David Doughie’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4fnSwlOxHd/">first day of service</a> is a limited one from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Generally, orders will be placed via QR code found on-site.</p>
<p id="9xZqYp">The Broders began their bagel journey by making the bread roll at home during the pandemic. They turned it into a pop-up in August 2022, and then it morphed into a farmers market stand at the Texas Farmers Market at Lakeline in November 2022. </p>
<p id="J1aSmz">Currently, David Doughie’s offers <a href="https://www.daviddoughies.com/order">preorders</a> for pickups and in-person orders at the Texas Farmers Market’s Lakeline and Mueller markets. </p>
<p id="QxdvXw">Lustre Pearl South’s current food trucks are <a href="https://www.praxiscoffee.com/s/order/2?location=11e9f44a1cc417a9bdc20cc47a2ae638#2">Praxis Coffee Roasters</a>, fried chicken spot <a href="https://www.pollolasabuelas.com/?location=11eca40ec7743d41a0fdac1f6bbbd01e#2">Pollos Las Abuelas</a>, and burger and sandwich spot <a href="https://theperfectbiteatx.com/menu">the Perfect Bite</a>.</p>
<aside id="1PXXRz"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Where to Find Actually Good Bagels in Austin ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-bagels-austin-bagel-shops"}]}'></div></aside><p id="dCRZho"><em>Update, March 15: This article, originally published on February 6, has been updated with David Doughie’s food truck opening date and details.</em></p>
<aside id="RazQc9"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/2/6/24063649/david-doughies-bagels-austin-food-truck-open-lustre-pearl-southNadia Chaudhury2024-03-14T17:23:25-05:002024-03-14T17:23:25-05:00Austin Chef Dies in Hit-and-Run Incident During SXSW
<figure>
<img alt="A man posing on an outdoor patio." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nJUFOsd1qAtEvaa3LfBQV65oqWo=/180x0:720x405/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73208014/78864119_1710301752610302_r.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Cody Jordon Shelton. | Courtesy of Angel Scallion</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cody Jordon Shelton died after he was hit by a car during SXSW</p> <p id="2jJK4e">Chef<strong> </strong>Cody Jordon Shelton, who <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/03/13/downtown-austin-hit-and-run-tyrone-thompson-arrested-death-chef-cody-shelton-sxsw-2024/72956490007/">worked</a> at the <a href="https://www.thelinehotel.com/austin/restaurants-bars/arlo-grey/">Arlo Grey</a> restaurant in the Line Austin, <a href="https://www.statesman.com/story/news/local/2024/03/13/downtown-austin-hit-and-run-tyrone-thompson-arrested-death-chef-cody-shelton-sxsw-2024/72956490007/">was killed</a> in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Austin on Tuesday, March 12. Shelton, who was 26 years old, had been on the East Seventh and Red River streets crossing when the car hit him and another person at 1:09 a.m. Shelton died on the scene; the unnamed person was injured severely.</p>
<p id="Bfg3Dz">A rep for <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/42919/arlo-grey">Arlo Grey</a> told Eater that the restaurant was closed on Wednesday, March 13, to let the staff have time to process what happened. Arlo Grey chef/partner and new <em>Top Chef</em> host Kristen Kish shared a statement:</p>
<blockquote><p id="6UQvFN">Cody was kind, respectful, and worked incredibly hard. His passion for cooking and learning was evident by the way he approached his craft on a daily basis. Cody was a valued member of our Arlo Grey team, and he will be genuinely missed by all of us. My sincerest condolences and care go out to all that knew and loved him.</p></blockquote>
<p id="B67hnM">The Red River district is one of Austin’s busiest entertainment areas, especially during SXSW when many of its bars and venues host showcases and events. The festival <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C4aeBW-u_DD/">shared</a> a statement about the incident on Instagram, noting that the organization is “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of an individual” and that their “thoughts are with all affected by this tragic accident.” In 2014 during SXSW, an inebriated person <a href="https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/1057-revisiting-the-car-crash-that-shook-sxsw-two-years-later/">drove a car past barricades</a> on Red River, hit several people and <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/54545-fourth-death-confirmed-in-sxsw-car-crash/">killed four</a>. </p>
<p id="bP0mXq">The Austin Police Department arrested Tyrone Thompson, who allegedly had been involved in another car crash early Thursday morning. Thompson has been charged with a second-degree felony, accident involving death, among other charges. </p>
<p id="U91UpY">Shelton also ran his <a href="https://www.chefcodyseats.com/">own private chef service</a> and had previously worked at Austin restaurant Wink. His aunt, Angel Scallion, <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-cody-shelton?attribution_id=sl:2ceff909-6204-4d0d-8883-5e19dbf4faf7&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined">launched a GoFundMe campaign</a> to help the family with the funeral services in Fort Worth. </p>
<aside id="vUxEeA"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/3/14/24101099/cody-jordon-shelton-died-austin-hit-and-run-sxsw-arlo-greyNadia Chaudhury2024-03-14T16:36:05-05:002024-03-14T16:36:05-05:00Where to Eat and Drink in Round Top
<figure>
<img alt="A cafe." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PPhzLY13EeQ84ab0X0BJiQbbGCs=/57x0:968x683/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55302527/428649639_801552472013556_6119321390253886620_n.7.jpg" />
<figcaption>Royers Round Top Cafe. | <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=802120265290110&set=pb.100064764303634.-2207520000&type=3" target="_blank">Royers Round Top Cafe/Facebook</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While scouring the town for antiques, find sustenance at these restaurants, bakeries, and bars</p> <p id="MLLUbW">With a population of just over 94 people, Round Top, Texas has earned a big reputation as the host of the state’s premier tri-annual shopping event, <a href="https://www.roundtoptexasantiques.com/">the Original Round Top Antiques Fair</a> in the spring, fall, and winter. During those weeks, the rural town swells, attracting tens of thousands of collectors and dealers selling and/or searching for and selling antiquities, garage sale goodies, and more along a 20-plus-mile stretch of Highway 237.</p>
<p id="pewGQd">The antiques fair may be the small town’s claim to fame, but Round Top is just as worthy of a visit on non-market days, thanks to its serene environs and year-round shopping opportunities. With storybook lodging options like Hotel Lulu and Round Top Inn, and funky new additions like Hotel Bebe, the once-sleepy town, nestled quietly between Austin and Houston, has become a popular weekend escape for Texans. And whether you’re setting out for marathon antiquing, a girls getaway, or a romantic weekend for two, there are dining options galore.</p>
<p id="QNi4EW">Consider this map of the most interesting places to dine in Round Top, from bustling Royers Round Top Café (which is considered a Texas bucket list essential) to more mellow sanctuaries like Prost, a wine bar with quintessential country views.</p>
<p id="TCDxF3">Looking for other restaurants outside of Austin? Check out Eater’s picks for the <a href="https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-texas-restaurants-austin-road-trip">best ones</a> within driving distance of the city.</p>
<p id="lLlspX"><em>This map was originally written by Elizabeth Leader Smith.</em></p>
https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-round-top-restaurants-where-to-eat-texas-antiques-fairMegha McSwain2024-03-13T11:30:00-05:002024-03-13T11:30:00-05:00Austin Restaurant L’Oca d’Oro Opens Its New Pizzeria in Govalle
<figure>
<img alt="A pizza" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a3nVORFzoO3d5zc5uWn8MwRQXJU=/139x0:2362x1667/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73204196/Coppa_Cabana_Pizza_Pie_Credit_Jody_Horton.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Coppa Cabana pizza from Bambino. | Jody Horton</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bambino will start slinging pies, desserts, and drinks in East Austin in March</p> <p id="Q5onR0">Austin Italian restaurant <a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/22163/loca-doro">L’Oca d’Oro</a> is opening its new pizzeria this month. <a href="https://bambinoaustin.com/">Bambino</a> will open at 979 Springdale Road. Suite 153, in the Govalle neighborhood starting on Thursday, March 14.</p>
<p id="AHchwC"><a href="https://austin.eater.com/venue/93944/bambino-austin">Bambino</a>’s main focus is <a href="https://austin.eater.com/2022/12/22/23522560/bambino-austin-pizza-restuarant-opening-loca-doro">pizza</a>, where the round pies are made with dough using flour from Texas grain-focused Barton Springs Mill. Expect traditional options like the Rosso, a tomato--garlic-olive oil-oregano pie with an option to add anchovies. And then there are its house pies, such as the Coppa Cabana, which layers coppa with orange marmalade and mozzarella); the No, You Da Bomb with a chile bomba and garlic breadcrumbs; the Uncle Frankie with fennel-pork sausage, sweet peppers, broccoli rabe, and red onions; and the Mi Scusi, where the crust is covered in sesame seeds. </p>
<p id="iTTIUu">Non-pizza dishes include snacks and appetizers like roasted beets with pistachio brittle; smashed cucumbers and crispy chickpeas; and Italian meats with pickles. There will be tinned fish and a burger special of the day too. The kids menu has items like cauliflower nuggets and chicken fingers.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A table of food." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6TAIYyzQHNn8MBbuef-YTAEUo7A=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25333983/Bambino_Spread_w__Cocktails_Credit_Jody_Horton.jpg">
<cite>Jody Horton</cite>
<figcaption>Dishes from Bambino.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="bZ6XDI">For sweets, there are the Bambino nachos, which are made up of cinnamon sugar pizza crisps, soft serve ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, and cherries. Elsewhere for desserts, there’s a peanut butter chocolate pie, a la carte soft serve gelati, and pecan shortbread cookies.</p>
<p id="aCNQm1">Drinks include cocktails like the Cherry Coke, a take on the Manhattan; and the Bambina ‘Tini, a martini with an olive stuffed with Parmesan cheese; and frozens like the blood orange Negroni and a margarita made with turmeric. Then there are wines by the glass and bottle and beers and ciders in tap, can, or bottle forms. Nonalcoholic options include spritzes and yaupon Negronis, as well as sodas and cold brew. </p>
<p id="drCV7F">The physical space is meant to feature a ton of 1980s aesthetic sensibilities, designed by Chioco Design. There re bar seats and tables inside, as well as an outdoor patio. Also outside will eventually be a children’s playground. The casual pizzeria will function with bar-service-style, plus QR code or server ordering at tables.</p>
<p id="3yk5JU">Co-owners chef Fiore Tedesco and Adam Orman went about opening this pizzeria using their New York and Philadelphia backgrounds for the menus. They opened their first restaurant, Italian spot L’Oca d’Oro, in 2016. </p>
<p id="aLnA5V">Bambino’s hours will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday; and then from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Takeout orders can be placed online or in person; there are DoorDash deliveries; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A restaurant bar." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GNnU5ur_vfuoocNbuYu1Niki5Rk=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25333987/Bambino_Bar_Horizontal_Credit_Jody_Horton.jpg">
<cite>Jody Horton</cite>
<figcaption>The bar area at Bambino.</figcaption>
</figure>
<aside id="p0Pe67"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"17 Most Anticipated Austin Restaurant, Food Truck, and Bar Openings of 2024 ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/24000556/austin-new-restaurants-bars-food-openings-2024-anticipated"},{"title":"Great Pizza Spots in Austin ","url":"https://austin.eater.com/maps/best-pizza-austin-pizzerias-restaurants"}]}'></div></aside><aside id="FOGC3o"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"austin-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://austin.eater.com/2024/3/13/24099023/bambino-austin-pizza-restaurant-open-loca-doro-govalle-pizzeriaNadia Chaudhury