Inside Irene’s, Austin's Newest Laidback Funky Restaurant

Nadia Chaudhury is the editor of Eater Austin covering food and pop culture, as well as a photographer, writer, and frequent panel moderator and podcast guest.

Irene’s, the New American restaurant and bar from ELM Group, opens near West 5th Street on Memorial Day.

The menu consists of easygoing familiar foods, like toasts, steaks, and meatball subs from partner and executive chef Andrew Curren. Beverage director Craig Collins pumped the drinks section full of cocktails, whiskeys, and sharable boozy rum, whiskey, or sangria punches. Eater photographer Courtney Pierce previewed the space before its official debut, where she encountered two bars, a massive patio overlooking Shoal Creek, a piano, and even a nifty breakfast counter window perfect for that morning coffee. Take a look inside Austin’s newest restaurant below.