New Parking Options Downtown; Afin Closes

DOWNTOWN — Good news for fans of the eats, drinks and shops downtown around Second Street (La Condesa, anyone?): the Silicon Labs building is taking paid public parkers as of today. Parking will be limited during work hours, but should free up lots of space during nights and weekends. [Statesman]

NORTH LAMAR — The Afin Modern Japanese Tapas restaurant on North Lamar has closed, their Facebook page seems to have disappeared, and there's no word on future plans from the owners. [Eaterwire]

DOWNTOWN — Mail yourself back in time with this vintage postcard from the Crystal Bar at 706 Congress Avenue downtown. [Austin Post Card via Tipsy Texan]

La Condesa. [Photo: Raymond Thompson/EATX]