Legendary Bar Taco Flats Revived in Allandale, Will Serve 'Gourmet' Tacos

A new Allandale bar will bear an old name: Taco Flats. The original Taco Flats on North Lamar played a key role in the 70's Austin music scene before shuttering. Now, the once-dive is getting second lease on life at 5520 Burnet Road, next to the future Peached Tortilla. According to a press release:

Austinites will recognize inspirations drawn from the original Taco Flats, which closed in the early 80's. This revamped hangout will feature 30+ craft beers, gourmet tacos and wine on tap, combining the hip and eclectic style the new Austin is known for, with the vintage feel of Taco Flats' original location.

Austin design firm McCray & Co is involved, and Aaron Fresas of Midnight Cowboy and The Highball is developing the cocktail menu. According to a rep for the bar, owner Simon Madera received a blessing from former Taco Flats co-owner Linda Steele to revive the bar. This Statesman profile of the late "Cozzmic Carl" Steele offers a good primer on the bar's former incarnation as a hippie Austin institution. The full press release is below.

Legendary Austin Spot, Taco Flats, to Make a Loud Comeback

AUSTIN, Texas-- After nearly 30 years, Taco Flats returns to Austin to serve up fresh tacos, craft cocktails, good times, and good beer. The renowned bar and restaurant was known as an Austin institution in the 1970s and is now being revived by local business owner Simon Madera as a trendy neighborhood spot in BuRo. Taco Flats opens this summer at 5520 Burnet Road.

Austinites will recognize inspirations drawn from the original Taco Flats, which closed in the early 80's. This revamped hangout will feature 30+ craft beers, gourmet tacos and wine on tap, combining the hip and eclectic style the new Austin is known for, with the vintage feel of Taco Flats' original location.

Owner Simon Madera worked with a dedicated team of designers from McCray & Co., craftsman Bill Brasher, and students from the University of Texas' Creative Advertising Sequence to create the new Taco Flats' singular style and branding. The decor is more than just an environmental feature; it's an invigorating design concept that permeates into the menu Madera has planned for this upcoming Austin gem and its new generation.

"Taco Flats is a preservation project," explains Madera. "My hope is to bring new life to an old local favorite so it can once again be enjoyed by the people of Austin. The story is really something special and we have a talented team working to do it justice."

Behind the bar, Aaron Fresas of Midnight Cowboy and The Highball leads the development of the cocktail menu, featuring modified cocktail classics that compliment the entrees and satisfy a discriminating palate.

Madera intends to make his spot a staple in BuRo with good drinks and a menu that's sure to please. By bringing the Taco Flats story back to the community that shared in its glory, it's sure to have another successful run in the city that deserves it most.

· Taco Flats [Official]
· All Coming Attractions [EATX]

Taco Flats

5220 Burnet Road Austin TX