24 New Restaurant Openings to Try In Austin

STEINER RANCH — Big Kahuna Donuts opened in June on Quinlan Park Road where it doles out deep-fried goodness, gluten-free alternatives, and single-origin 100% Kona Coffee. Bonus: It will deliver anywhere in Austin with a minimum order of $20.

EAST RIVERSIDE AND DOWNTOWN — The hybrid of bar/cafe/speciality grocery shop Mour Cafe opened two locations this summer, the first within the South Shore District apartments on East Riverside, followed by the second one in the Colorado Tower downtown.

NORTHWEST — Baretto has opened adjacent to Brick Oven Pizza on Research Boulevard just south of West Braker Lane last month. The neighborhood wine bar offers simple snacks and cocktails too.

LAKEWAY — California-based liquid nitrogen ice cream chain Creamistry debuted in the Oaks at Lakeway complex with time to catch the heat of the summer, bringing with it made-to-order ice creams—including organic, sorbet, and vegan-friendly coconut options— plus, milkshakes and floats. Two more Austin outposts are planned.

EAST SIDE — For when you can’t decide between booze or ice cream there’s Prohibition Creamery, the alcoholic ice cream shop. Get your virgin ice cream, milkshakes, wine and beer here too.

SOUTH CONGRESS — Known for its build-your-own bowls, Los Angeles-based Poke Poke opened an entire restaurant on South Congress dedicated to on-trend Hawaiian fish dish poke.

SOUTH LAMAR — The South Lamar expansion of Round Rock favorite Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood is now open and serving up fresh and fried Gulf Coast seafood fare, plus Cajun and Thai-inspired dishes.

SUNSET VALLEY — Dallas-based Cane Rosso took over the former St. Philip’s space, where it is now dishing up its famed Neapolitan pizza, pasta, and salads. Nextdoor former trailer Cow Tipping Creamery, took over the St. Philip’s bakeshop area in June where to continues to sell its photo-friendly soft serve stacked sundaes.

SOUTH CONGRESS — McGuire Moorman Hospitality’s newest restaurant, June’s, debuted with a notable wine list and cocktail program, and a menu of bistro fare including housemade baked goods, seasonal salads, bar snacks, and entrées. There’s a dog-friendly patio too.

[Photo: Frost Gelato/Facebook]

NORTHWEST — After closing its campus location in 2011, the Hao-Q Asian Kitchen has reopened on Far West Boulevard doling out familiar Chinese and Vietnamese dishes like chicken lettuce wraps, pho, and kung pao beef. There is a second location on William Cannon Drive.

CRESTVIEW — Offering barbecue and sides for lunch and dinner, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q is now open adjacent to the recently refreshed Lala’s Little Nugget. The two Austin favorites share a patio.

SOUTH FIRST — Winner, winner, more chicken dinners. Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon’s expansion to South 1st Street brought with it a to-go window, new menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and a playscape for children and live musical performances.

NORTH AUSTIN — Campus favorite Julie’s Handmade Noodles truck has expanded opening a brick and mortar location in the Research Boulevard shopping center that is home to Ramen Tatsu-ya and Din Ho Chinese BBQ. Made popular by its fresh homestyle noodle soups, the truck will remain at the food trailer park on 26th and Rio Grande streets.

EAST SIDE — East Side Showroom is now Ah Sing Den, a stylish cocktail and sake-slinging bar with Asian-inspired bites.

BRENTWOOD — Butter coffee alert! Paleo-friendly trailer Picnik successfully opened a brick and mortar on Burnett Road where it dishes out gluten-free pastries, shared plates, and main dishes, plus bone broth and juices.

FAR NORTH — Downtown hot spot Second Bar + Kitchen opened a second location as part of the Archer Hotel within the ever-growing Domain Northside. Breakfast and lunch are being served now with dinner service starting Friday, September 2. Service on the terrace and by the pool will be added by Saturday, September 10. Founding chef David Bull runs the kitchen.

NORTH BURNET — The Colorado-based Oskar Blues Brewery opened its newest outpost in a former recycling center on Metric Boulevard, where it has a tap room, bars, a stage, and a patio that hosts food trucks.

EAST SIDE — The owners of Corner Bar have opened neighborhood spot Revelry Kitchen and Bar for cocktails, beer, and bar food served counter-service style. A second location is planned for North Lamar Boulevard.

BEE CAVES — Frost Gelato, the Arizona-based chain is now scooping Italian ice cream and gelato in the Hill Country Galleria. A second location is coming to Domain Northside this fall.

WEST SIXTH STREET — Taking over the shuttered Bess Bistro space, Sophia’s, the Italian-American supper club-meets-speakeasy spot, opened with familiar favorites, cocktails, and a prosecco-focused wine list. The space includes a bar and lounge area, an open dining room, and a covered terrace upstairs.

FAR NORTH — The Brass Tap, a chain of upscale craft beer bars founded in Florida, added a second Austin location when it opened its doors in The Domain. Enjoy pub fare and a wide selection of beers come with a side of live music on the weekends. There is already a location in Rock Rock.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN — MoMo Korean Cuisine & Sushi on Spicewood Springs has become Seoulfood serving up fresh Korean fusion under the same ownership. The menu includes a bibim bowl, poke nachos, and its version of kimchi fries.

CENTRAL EAST AUSTIN — Burger, fry, and milkshake peddler P. Terry’s added a 13th location to its local empire when it opened its flagship drive-thru within Capital Plaza off I-35.

NORTHWEST AUSTIN — Situated on Pond Springs Road, Texas Wings & Grill opened and is bringing wings, burgers, seafood, and sandwiches to the masses.

[Photo: Deckhand Oyster Bar/Facebook]

July

East Side — Kitty Cohen’s exudes a retro, easy vibe (flamingo wallpaper, grand piano, shallow outdoor pool where swimsuits are encouraged) and drinks to match, including punches. It will host pop-up events and dinners with rotating chefs.

Far North Austin — All-you-can-eat sushi comes to Austin with Sushi Bang Bang, just on the other side of 183 from Lakeline Mall. Just for $22.99, you can take your pick from all sorts of rolls, cooked and raw, nigiri, sashimi, and much more. The price rises up to $25.99 on weekends and holidays.

Sweetbriar — Far south Austin gets a new bar with The Little Darlin’ Bar, which made its first appearance quietly during spring. Booze and hearty food are on deck, with small plates like chili cheese corn dogs, and entrees like pork po-boys.

Green Light Social. [Photo: Green Light Social/Facebook]

West Sixth — Rooftop bar Green Light Social opened in the end of May right above Benji's Cantina, serving frozen and non cocktails and beers paired with bar snacks.

Rock Rose — The last bar of Union Venture Group’s Domain Northside collection is dance club The Rose Room which opened this month. It holds three different bars, access to next-door patio at newly-opened 77 Degrees, and bottle service.

Arboretum — Fast casual chain Modern Market, catering to all sorts of healthy fare and diets, opened its first Austin location in early June up at Great Hills Trailer. Look out for the second one at the base of the Frost Bank Tower, and a third out in Westlake.

[Photo: T.D./Yelp]

Emerald Point — Rusty Rudder's lake bar slings beer, burgers, and seafood fare, with a great view of the water.

Downtown — Just on the side of the Four Seasons Hotel is downtown’s latest cafe Forthright, which comes bearing easygoing and solid breakfast, lunch, and brunch staples, ranging from eggs, waffles, sandwiches, and salads, plus actual cocktails.

Wells Branch — South Indian chain Godavari storms Wells Branch with with weekend and lunch buffets and regular dinners.

Toss Pizzeria. [Photo: Angie L./Yelp]

South First — New pizzeria Toss focuses on with New York-style pies (including a brisket-topped one) from pizza veteran John Pennington, who cut his teeth at Southside Flying Pizza. The cocktail program comes courtesy of mixologist master Jason Kosmas.

Downtown — Along with the impending roastery and cafe out on Springdale, Caffe Medici quietly opened a second location on Congress Avenue, though it’s only a window counter.

Greystone Center — The Musashino-Chinatown switcheroo led to owner Ronald Cheng's exploration of Asian street food with Street, where the menu features city tributes in lunchbox form like Tokyo and Hong Kong, plus sushi and yakitori during the evenings.

Venezia Gelato. [Photo: Sarah S./Yelp]

South Lamar — Italian owners of gelato contender Venezia, Alice and Nicola Morello, studied the craft in Italy and came to Austin to open up the shop, where flavors run from vanilla to mint. Indulge in the fun frozen doughnuts, filled with gelato.

West Austin — From La Traviata chef Marion Gillcrist, along with sister-in-law Joan, arrives another Italian restaurant in the form of 68 Degrees, which took over Stinson's Deep Eddy Grill location out on Lake Austin Boulevard. The menu includes a rotating ravioli special and other pastas.

Far South Austin — For southern Vietnamese fare, go to Me Con Bistro along West William Cannon Drive, where where the dishes range from stir fry, pho, and vermicelli bun bowls.

Clearport. [Photo: Clearport/Official]

Dirty Sixth — Airport-themed bar Clearport finally lifted off with bottle service where you clarify the number of male or female guests, music, and DJ sets.

Arboretum — Hanabi’s northern location opened in May serving the same loved sushi and entrees like the Burnet Road location.

Hudson Bend — Seafood Shack brings grilled lobsters, and other water-dwelling fare to Hudson Bend.

La Patisserie on Burnet. [Photo: La Patisserie/Yelp]

19.Crestview — South First bakery La Patisserie’s twice as sweet now with a second location with macarons, coffee, and daily pastries.

Crestview — Micro-grocery and deli Dia's Market quickly opened with drinks and speciality foods.

Lakeway — Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham stretched her entrepreneurial skills by opening Froco, the quick-service frozen yogurt shop, out in Lakeway. Look out for a second location headed to South Congress somewhere.

[Photo: Delicious/Facebook]

South Lamar — For multitasking eating and shopping purposes, Delicious is a good bet for creative sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and a hearty brunch, plus the market is filled with take-home goods.

Lake Creek — Fast casual Mediterranean/American wrap spot Pita Fusion debuted its second location last month.

Far North — Trailer OneTaco added a brick and mortar restaurant to its family, where flour, corn, or wheat tacos are accompanied with beer.

East Riverside — Campus eatery Taco Joint spread the tortilla-filled love with a second location right off South Congress, which opened in May, with weekend tortas.