5 Updates on New Austin Restaurants and Bars

Alamo Drafthouse Mueller, Still Austin Whiskey Co, and more plywood

by Elizabeth Leader Smith Updated Dec 14, 2016, 11:15am CST

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MUELLER — Alamo Drafthouse is slated to open its sixth Austin area theater in the Mueller development early next year. Recent blog posts have revealed that there will be six auditoriums upstairs (two of which will be micro theaters) while the lobby and bar will be downstairs. The family-centric theater will also feature a wrap-around patio on the second floor and a designated space for custom photo ops.

A photo posted by abrick@apisaustin (@adambrick) on Dec 7, 2016 at 8:46pm PST

SPICEWOOD — Apis, the bee and honey-focused fine-dining spot, is expanding soon by adding Pizzeria Sorellina on its grounds. The pizzeria will fire up traditional Italian pizza, a mix between Roman and Neapolitan styles. Sorellina’s pop-ups earlier this year showcased toppings such as n'duja sausage, mushrooms, and smoked kale. The pizzeria’s sign is now out front under Apis' one.

SOUTH AUSTIN — Austin's first whiskey distillery since Prohibition, Still Austin Whiskey Co., is getting closer to opening its doors. Back in September the distillery installed its bourbon still, which stretches up 45 feet, and earlier this month a new copper pot still was installed in the whiskey test lab. You can find the grain-to-glass distillery in the new mixed-use development The Yard on St. Elmo Road.

El Chipiron plywood

SOUTH AUSTIN — El Chipiron, the long-awaited pinchos and drinks eatery at 2717 South Lamar Boulevard, is working towards a January opening. There are plans for an opening menu that includes potato coulant stuffed with Cordoba-style oxtail, creamy black rice, and confit cod with a garlic, olive oil and cayenne pepper emulsion, among other dishes. The kitchen continues to experiment with Dorper lamb, pig’s trotters, octopus, and more. Expect Spanish craft beers and raw cider as part of the bar offerings.

Alimentari 28 rending

SECOND STREET — The bakery, cafe and cocktail bar Alimentari 28 is setting up shop next to its sister Numero 28, the downtown pizzeria osteria. The expansion project will offer a petite bakery, lunch, coffee, and happy hour with an emphasis on Italian spirits. Brunch will be added later. The 2100-square-foot space was previously occupied by How Do You Roll? on the corner of West Second Street and San Antonio Street. Look for it to open in January 2017.

Previous Updates

November

SOUTH LAMAR — Hai Hospitality — formerly Uchi Restaurant Group — continues construction of its secret project at 2115 South Lamar Boulevard. Details remain under wraps, but it is projected to open sometime next year. The group oversees Uchi (Austin, Houston, Dallas), Uchiko, and Top Knot in Dallas.

SOUTH LAMAR — Vox Table's El Burro project, a casual Mexican restaurant with a Tex Mex twist, plows ahead on its bumpy road to completion. Last week it posted openings for servers, so expect tacos and fancy lobster tail fajitas to be ready soon at its Lamar Union location. Now open.

Progress!

A video posted by Bonhomie (@bonhomie_austin) on Nov 5, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT

BRENTWOOD — Bonhomie, a project from James Beard nominee chef Philip Speer is setting up shop on Burnet Road. Housed in the Amli 350 apartment complex on Burnet, the restaurant is now looking to fill front of house positions including servers, bartenders, support, and hosts. Speer recently participated in Park & Palate at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas where he served up French onion eclairs, which were also on the preview menu at his Houston pop-up last spring.

It's brightening up here at Sellers. #icenhauerventures #sellers

A photo posted by Sellers (@sellers_austin) on Nov 13, 2016 at 10:24am PST

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT — Sellers, an Icenhauer project, on West 4th Street has been sharing peeks of its 1970s-inspired space. The architecture and interior for the drinks-only lounge was designed by Michael Hsu’s firm and will feature an expansive bar, lounge seating, and a private event space. Now open.

EAST SIDE — As it inches closer to an opening date, Lazarus Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom has been sharing progress including the recent installation of a bar top made of reclaimed wood, construction of the tap handles and mahogany table tops, and the arrival of the branded glassware. The team has also been revealing glimpses of the stained glass skylight. Crowdfunding also continues with $35,000 of the $50,000 goal met. (Give and get a "free beer for life" thank-you gift.)

EAST SIDE — Old Thousand, the upcoming casual restaurant and bar, is now hiring servers and server assistants. Focusing on modern interpretations of classic American-Chinese recipes, James Dumapit (previously the executive sous chef of Uchiko) and David Baek (from East Side King Thai Kun and Uchi) are at the helm. The restaurant will offer for dine-in and takeout. Find it where Tex-Mex spot Mijo’s used to be on East 11th Street, just down from Franklin Barbecue. Now open.

October

SOUTH LAMAR — Construction is underway for Uchi Restaurant Group turned Hai Hospitality’s hush-hush project at 2115 South Lamar Boulevard, across from Black Sheep Lodge. Not much is known about the project other than it has a projected 2017 opening. The group, which oversees Uchi (Austin, Houston, Dallas), Uchiko, and Top Knot in Dallas, is currently seeking both a new general manager and restaurant manager.

This image gives me peace and anxiety at the same time. . Peace because though it took way more time/effort than it should have to get these awnings in place, I'm gratified in the fact that they are there. . Anxiety because the fact that they are there means this ish is really happening.

A photo posted by Sharon Mays (@mssharonmays) on Oct 13, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

WOOTEN — Salad-centric Baby Greens is coming back in what is easily one of the most anticipated openings of the season. The space at 1508 West Anderson Lane will feature outdoor seating, a double-lane drive-thru, walk-up windows, and a community garden. Employee training is underway, so you can fill up on made-to-order salads and wraps soon. Now open.

Up next: floor tile

A photo posted by Old Thousand (@oldthousandatx) on Sep 27, 2016 at 9:42am PDT

EAST AUSTIN — Set to open in November, cool kid Old Thousand is bringing a modern take on casual classic American-Chinese fare to 1000 East 11th Street #150, the former Mijo’s space. With Uchi alums James Dumapit and David Baek at the helm, the team continues building anticipation and revealing what’s to come by sharing dishes, construction progress, and dope beats. Expect dine-in and takeout options.

Brentwood Social House

BRENTWOOD — Opening at the corner of West Koenig Lane and Arroyo Seco, Brentwood Social House is set to bring coffee, tea, housemade sweet and savory English pasties and French-inspired quiches and salads to the Central Austin neighborhood this fall. The family-friendly (complete with a train set) cafe will also offer a reservation-only Sunday afternoon tea. Now open.

Second Bar + Kitchen plywood

AUSTIN AIRPORT — After opening its second location as part of the Archer Hotel within the ever-growing Domain Northside, Second Bar + Kitchen continues to expand this time at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Austin favorite known for small plates, salads, and pizzas is setting up shop between Gates 6 and 7 in a space that formerly housed ThunderCloud Subs and Ruta Maya, both which have new locations in the airport. It is expected to open before 2017.

SOUTH LAMAR — Vox Table's upcoming casual Mexican restaurant concept — El Burro Mexican Restaurant and Bar — in Lamar Union face been met with a challenging pre-opening. After Burro Cheese Kitchen sent the Mexican eatery a cease and desist over its similar name, the trailer’s owner Justin Burrows alleged that his business was harassed by a man wearing a donkey mask. El Burro’s name remains as-is for now and expansion plans include a north Austin location and outposts across the state. Expect the modern Mexican fare-focused menu to include tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas with a fancy touch (e.g. lobster tails). Now open.

Sellers plywood

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT—Michael Hsu’s firm is bringing Rainey Street bar Icenhauer's expansion project Sellers on West 4th Street to fruition. The 1970s-inspired (think velvet, brass and wood) drinks-only lounge will feature a bar, lounge seating, and a private event space. Construction forges ahead with the Sellers’ sign being added out front at the end of the September. The opening date is estimated to be mid to late October. Now open.

September

EAST SIDE — More barbecue is coming to East Austin when ~~Rustic East~~ EastSide Tavern (its new name) opens on East Cesar Chavez this fall. The modern rustic table-service tavern will serve up craft beer, cocktails, and a full menu including salads, sandwiches, tacos, though the barbecue is sure to steal the show thanks to pitmaster and chef Cade Mercer formerly of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue. The rooftop deck is being worked on currently. Opening Thursday, November 17.

HILL COUNTRY — After iconic Hudson’s on the Bend, originally run by Jeff Blank, was sold to chef Billy Caruso and advanced sommelier Chris McFall, it shuttered for renovations including the addition of a wine cellar and an expanded patio. The grand reopening is still on track for mid-October when it will serve "the finest Hill Country cuisine...and way too many wines," as summarized on its website. The opening restaurant team (both front and back of house) is now being hired.

EAST AUSTIN — Filling the role of neighborhood Chinese-American spot this fall, Old Thousand is taking over shuttered Mijo’s space on East 11th Street. The kitchen will focus on casual Asian fare for dine-in and takeout with Uchi alum James Dumapit and David Baek at the helm. Construction forges ahead with floor tiling, and the team continues to offer sneak peeks of the menu.

DOWNTOWN — Mort Subite, the anticipated authentic Belgian bar on Congress Avenue, is opening its doors any day now and will start pouring more than 20 Belgian draft beers, 40 or so Belgian bottled beers, Belgian spirits, plus local craft beers and ciders. Bonus: The Wafel Guys food truck will be parked outside in a small courtyard to serve up sweet and savory Belgian waffles. Now open.

NORTH SHOAL CREEK — Nashville-based DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, a, you-guessed-it, Neapolitan-style pie place, is opening just north of Anderson Lane on Burnett Road next month. The opening menu, which is centered on ingredients imported from Italy, lists 11 wood-fired pizzas including a verdura (with broccoli rabe and other vegetables). No custom pies, no slices. Now open.

DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — The Arizona-based healthy fast-casual chain Flower Child is scheduled to make its Austin debut in November. The expansion project is lead by Sam Fox, who is also responsible for True Food Kitchen in Seaholm and North Italia. The menu will include customizable salads, grain bowls, whole-grain wraps, homemade kombucha on tap, and plenty of vegan options. Staff positions are being filled now, and local artist Roshi K has been working on an art installation for the space. Now open.

DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — Like Flower Child, the Gastropub chain Culinary Dropout is another Sam Fox production coming to Rock Rose in November. Noted for its housemade pretzels bites with fondue, the menu will offer the usual fare with a rock and roll treatment. The search is on now to fill openings for a restaurant manager, and executive and sous chefs. Now open.

SOUTH LAMAR — Eberly, the part restaurant/part event space from former Stubb’s co-owners John Scott and Eddy Patterson, is scheduled to open soon with a study, rooftop terrace, and a menu featuring contemporary American cuisine. Eberly’s crowning jewel is the 50-foot mahogany bar from the storied booze-soaked Cedar Tavern in New York, which shuttered in 2006. It cost a cool $150,000. Now open.

SOUTH LAMAR — Pinchos and vermouth-centric El Chipiron continues construction within the Cielo apartment complex at South Lamar and Manchaca Road. The full-menu Spanish restaurant meets gastrobar will be run by executive chef Pablo Gómez Tollar, who hails from Spain. As for drinks, expect a Spanish-only wine menu, a mix of Spanish and local beers, a small cocktail menu (including a Gazpacho bloody Mary) and vermouth as a headliner. Look for an early October opening.

SOUTH LAMAR — The El Burro project, Vox Table's casual Mexican restaurant and bar with a Tex Mex touch (read: tacos and fancy lobster tail fajitas), has not been without drama. The restaurant recently made headlines as the recipient of a cease and desist from Burro Cheese Kitchen over its name. This eventually lead to a person dressed in a donkey head costume picketing in front of Burro Cheese Kitchen. In addition to this Lamar Union location, El Burro’s expansion plans include a north Austin location and outposts across the state. The spot is set to open this fall.

BRENTWOOD — A successful Kickstarter campaign meant the green light for Brentwood Social House, which will open at the corner of West Koenig Lane and Arroyo Seco this fall. The coffee house and cafe will offer housemade sweet and savory English pasties, quiches, salads, sandwiches, and a reservation-only Sunday afternoon tea. Front counter/barista positions are now open.

DOWNTOWN — Housed on the Colorado Tower's ground floor, Red Ash—an Italian concept from the original owners of Eddie V’s—has been hiring food runners, server assistants, hosts and bartenders to prepare for its opening in the next few weeks. The dinner-only restaurant will feature authentic, seasonal, wood-fired fare. Now open.

SOUTH AUSTIN — Formerly known as Saint Elmo Market, the mixed-use Saint Elmo Market District project just south of St. Edward’s, is aiming for an early 2018 opening. The site will house the Austin music institution Saxon Pub, though it was recently announced that it will be found within the market rather than Congress Avenue. Construction should begin before the end of the year.

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Pizzeria Sorellina

23526 State Highway 71, , TX 78669 (737) 222-6061 Visit Website