Certified Open: Guantanamera Cuban Cuisine, Lulu B's, And More

1) Guantanamera Cuban Cuisine - South Austinites got a new Cuban cuisine dining option at the beginning of this month with the opening of Guantanamera. The menu includes "Traditional Cuban cuisine," like "Ropa Vieja" and "Lechon Asado" as well as sandwiches, plus a beverage list featuring what one Yelper calls the "best Cuban handcrafted cocktails in town!"

[Photo: The Bee Grocery/Facebook]

2) The Bee Grocery - Located underneath the Corzaon apartments on E. 6th, The Bee Grocery is officially up and running and slinging banh mi, which are "great, with fresh ingredients," says one Yelper. The grocery also offers regular grocery items, coffee and espresso drinks and smoothies, and more Vietnamese-focused items from their deli counter, like vermicelli and spring rolls.

3) ISLA - After the former downtown rum bar Pleasant Storage Room shuttered at the end of last year, next-door neighbor Peche has officially moved in and opened Isla as of March 2nd. Like PSR, Isla also focuses on Tiki, rum-forward drinks, and features a menu inspired by Caribbean-fare.

[Photo: LuLu B's/Facebook]

4) LuLu B's - Another South Lamar food trailer has turned brick-and-mortar. LuLu B's, who made a name for itself serving fresh, delicious banh mi with fresh vegetarian options like lemongrass tofu, has an official roof over its head on South Congress now as of last month. Even better? It's BYOB—for now.

5) Burger Bar - Lines have been long for the JW Marriot's Burger Bar since it opened about a month ago. The most casual of the three restaurants the Marriott added to Congress Ave's restaurant scene, Burger Bar is a walk-up / counter-only spot serving—you guessed it, burgers. And while some Yelpers are sold—"the burgers are really delicious"—Statesman restaurant critic Matthew Odam isn't impressed.

6)The Wheel - On the heels of a new Juiceland opening in the former Wet Whistle space, The Wheel—a bicycle-themed bar from the folks behind high Star Bar and Gibson—has set up shop next door and is now open at the corner of East MLK and Chicon.

— Sofia Sokolove