From Colorado to Austin: 8 Expansions to Check Out

With plenty of hot restaurants to try now, it’s not that Austin needs outside help but in some case, why reinvent the wheel? From urban and eclectic Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery to the brunchers’ meca Snooze, Colorado is sending some of its finest down south. Read on to learn more about which have arrived in Austin in the past two years or are on the way.

Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery — The pretentious-free winery now calls Pickle Road, near South Congress and Ben White, home. Stop by for tastings (wine slushies and Texas wines), yoga and wine sessions—yes, really—or make a match on Tinder Tuesdays.

MAD Greens — With a mission to make healthy, fast, and fresh food mainstream, MAD Greens sources from local purveyors like JB Organics. The Rock Rose District location in the Domain marks the first of four slated for the Austin-area including downtown, Lakeway, and Round Rock.

Snooze — Breakfast pot pies and Bloody Marys for all! Gifting Austin with another brunch spot, the highly anticipated Snooze recently opened its doors on South Lamar location, which will be closely followed by the North Lamar opening this Friday, June 10.

Oskar Blues Brewery — Get your Dale’s Pale Ale here! Located at 10420 Metric Boulevard, the 50,000-square-foot brewery and 5,000-square-foot taproom and music venue is coming this summer, marking the brewery’s first location in Texas.

Modern Market — Spotlighting seasonal ingredients and satisfying special-diet needs, this counter-service cafe opens on Tuesday, June 7 in the Arboretum at Great Hills. Expect salads, soups, sandwiches, pizzas, entrees, and breakfast plates for around $10 and under. There are plans for two future outposts serving downtown and Westlake Hills.

Punch Bowl Social — The adult playground Punch Bowl Social landed in the Domain nearly two years ago with games (bowling to ping pong to karaoke), craft cocktails and a "gastro-diner" concept.

Smashburger — The Denver-based fast casual burger chain puts a spin on the humble burger by smashing seasoned raw beef with a special mold, then searing it on the grill. Bonus points for the chain’s attention to local craft beers. The three Austin-area locations include Mueller, Lakeline, and Southpark Meadows.

Snarf’s Sandwiches — This Boulder-based chain settled near campus two years offering made-to-order oven-toasted subs. A second location is slated to open near South First Street and Elizabeth Street.

Like any good chain exchange, this one goes both ways. Austin made its mark in Colorado with the Alamo Drafthouse, Hopdoddy, and Torchy’s Tacos.

—Elizabeth Leader Smith