14 New Restaurant Openings to Try in Austin This Winter

EAST CESAR CHAVEZ — The team behind Jacoby’s introduced beachy and beautiful Grizzelda’s and its Mexican food with Texan influences in late November. Executive chef Albert Gonzalez and chef de cuisine Austin Ewald helm the kitchen, and the menu ranges from tacos and enchiladas to ceviches and dry-aged steaks. The bar menu shows lots of love for tequila and mescal, but you'll find plenty more to cheers.

WEST FOURTH — The ’70s basement cocktail lounge Sellers opened from the owner of Icenhauer’s on Rainey Street. Cocktails take inspiration from films of the same decade, and there is an emphasis on martinis. The space includes a DJ booth and dance floor, and was formerly Castro’s Warehouse.

Julia Keim

EAST ELEVENTH — East Side, meet your new neighborhood Chinese-American spot Old Thousand. Helmed by SMGB Hospitality group and chefs James Dumapit and David Baek, the vintage-hip spot is dishing out modern interpretations of familiar favorites like honey prawns, dan dan noodles, kung pao cauliflower, and more. And don't miss beverage director Dahl Smith's colorful cocktails. (And yes, it offers takeout).

MUELLER — Freshii, the fast casual chain with a healthy slant, is now slinging its signature and customizable salads, wraps, bowls, soups, smoothies, and more at its first Austin franchise. Look for prepackaged themed meal plans and juice cleanse programs too. Find it at 1200 Barbara Jordan Boulevard.

DOWNTOWN — As part of Hilton Austin’s revamp, Cannon + Belle debuted with an all-day menu centered on new Texas comfort food (read: wood-fired pizza, vegetable and grain bowls, entrees like hot chicken and pickled shrimp tamales, cobblers, and more. It replaced Finn & Porter, which closed last spring, though former Finn chef Peter Maffei stayed with the hotel to helm this new venture.

Courtney Pierce/EATX

SOUTH LAMAR — Mexican restaurant and margarita cantina El Burro joined Lamar Union thanks to restaurateur Vincent Manguino and the rest of team behind VOX Table. The casual eatery focuses on modern Mexican fare meaning tacos, enchiladas, fajita plates, and more. Beer by the bucket, margaritas, micheladas, house-made sangria, are among the drinks that anchor the beverage menu.

SOUTH CONGRESS — Elgin-based Aviator Pizza brought its cheesy pies and craft beer to Austin taking over Billie Jean's Burger Pub's location in South Austin. The pizzeria is known for pizza made with dough drizzled with pizza oil infused with rosemary, craft beer, along with chicken wings, sandwiches, and salads. Brunch will be added in the coming months.

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Treaty Oak Brewing & Distilling opened the doors at its craft brewery. First known for small batch craft spirits, the distillery relocated to a sprawling ranch in 2015 giving it space to experiment with brewing. The beer program rolled out with three year-round brews and are planning to add a variety of special and seasonal beers.

Rio Rita/Facebook

EAST TWELFTH — After a quick temporary shutter, Rio Rita’s reopened at its new home on East 12th Street, taking over live music venue and bar Badlands' former space.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN — Wok China Cafe is now serving up Chinese and Vietnamese pho, Mongolian beef, sweet and sour shrimp, and more at 10700 Anderson Mill Road. It offered delivery too.

CAMPUS — Fans of In-N-Out Burger can now fill up on double doubles, creamy shakes, and order for that not-so-secret menu right next to campus. Find the sit-down spot/drive-through on Guadalupe Street, in the former Burger King building. This the California-based fast food chain's sixth Austin location.

Wayback Burger/Facebook

ALLANDALE — The first Austin franchise of the fast-casual Wayback Burgers is now open in Northcross Mall at 2525 West Anderson Lane. You'll find classic American burger joint fare including burgers, chicken tenders, hand-dipped milkshakes, and more.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN — Cajun-centric Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen opened its second Austin outpost at 11617 Research Boulevard. You'll find a familiar menu like oysters on the half shell, jumbo lump crab cakes, fried platters, and gumbos a plenty. It's open for lunch and dinner.

SOUTH AUSTIN — The El Paso-based chain Wing Daddy’s Sauce House just opened its first Austin outpost at 9811 I-35 South on the Frontage Road, just south of East Slaughter Lane. In addition to wings, you’ll find nachos, baby back ribs, burgers, chicken and waffles, beers, and margaritas.

Past Openings

Find every Austin restaurant that opened in the fall here.