48 New Restaurant Openings to Try in Austin This Fall

November 23

Nadia Chaudhury/EATX

EAST CESAR CHAVEZ — The sit-down barbecue cocktail spot EastSide Tavern is now firing up barbecue with pitmaster Cade Mercer (formerly of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue) manning the smoker. The menu features smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and chicken, by the pound, sides, and desserts. Draft and barrel-aged cocktails are the focus of the beverage program, plus there are two frozen drinks on tap.

WOOTEN — Baby Greens is back. The drive-thru salad joint that closed in 2009 reopened—this time on West Anderson Lane—to dish out those familiar mixed greens, and a little more. The two-lane drive-thru includes a walk-up window and limited outdoor seating. Plans for a community garden are in the works.

THE DRAG — Alcoholic slushie alert. Taco Bell Cantina, the chain’s booze-loving millennial-friendly sibling, is now slinging Twisted Freezes (flavored slushies mixed with single shots of local liquors). Patrons will also find beers—including local ones—and a menu of familiar and fast Tex Mex fare.

BRENTWOOD — Adding to Austin’s vegetarian and vegan restaurant offerings, Citizen Eatery opened on Burnet Road. The mainly plant-based menu includes meat-free burgers, salads, and yes, avocado toast. Cocktails, beer, wine, tea, coffee, and juices are on the menu too.

Citizen Eatery. [Photo: Kimberlee A./Yelp]

THE DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — Fast-casual healthy chain Flower Child recently arrived with its SoCal-inspired menu. The customizable menu of bowls, salads, and wraps includes plenty of veggie-heavy and grain-focused options, plus protein additions like steak or tofu. The expansion comes via Sam Fox, who is helming Culinary Dropout (see below).

THE DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — Rock Rose Avenue got another gastropub with the expansion of Culinary Dropout, which recently started dishing out its expansive menu ranging from Korean-style Brussels sprouts to barbecue pork belly nachos to 36-hour pork ribs. The Austin outpost features an large patio, games, and live music.

MUELLER — Craft beer wonderland WhichCraft launched its second Austin location on Simond Avenue next to L'Oca d'Ora. Unlike the original South Lamar location, it offers a drink-in option with 30 different beer taps, coffee, and wine, and a handful of tables for socializing, working, or watching the game on a couple TVs. Or opt to grab something to go from its carefully-curated wine or canned and bottled beer selection.

J. Keim

DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — Adding to ever-growing list of fire-centric spots (see Red Ash and Boiler Nine, among others), contemporary American bistro chain Paul Martin’s Austin Grill opened. The kitchen's centerpiece of live fire over mesquite coals allows for signature dishes like brick chicken, cedar plank steelhead, and a cheeseburger with black pepper aioli. The beverage program includes handcrafted classic cocktails, house champagne lemonade, and an extensive beer and wine list.

DOMAIN NORTHSIDE — Nordstrom restaurant Bazille debuted with the rest of the upscale department store in late September. It features a modern American menu and full bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.

PFLUGERVILLE — Tucked away in a stripmall at 15608 Spring Hill Lane, Black Iron Eats started serving up sandwiches (fried chicken, Cuban, grilled jerk shrimp), sides, and desserts. Warning: There is very limited seating, but you can carry out.

Culinary Dropout/Official

Culinary Dropout

FAR NORTH — Hana World Market has another addition with the arrival of Pho Nom, a Vietnamese-inspired spot specializing in handmade meatballs, brisket and oxtail pho, vermicelli bowls, banh mi sandwiches, and more. You’ll find vegetarian options too.

THE DRAG — LooK Noodles & More came to campus where it is dishing out traditional Chinese style noodles, noodle soups, and rice plates, as well as Japanese ramen and Teppanyaki until 11 p.m. daily.

DOWNTOWN — Whole Foods Market at West Sixth Street and North Lamar Boulevard underwent a refresh this fall and scrapped its sit-down trattoria and in favor of Red Okra, which serves up dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

FAR NORTH — The juice and smoothie peddlers at JuiceLand just opened yet another location this time at Parmer and McNeil.

BRENTWOOD — The Central Austin neighborhood's newest darling Brentwood Social House opened its doors this month. Scones, savory pies, crepes, quiches, and other European-style baked goods headline the menu at this coffee and tea house located on West Koenig Lane.

GREAT HILLS — Dallas-based i Fratelli Pizza opened its first Austin outpost at 10001 Research Boulevard where you'll find its signature square, thin-crust pizzas plus salads, sides, and desserts.

October 26

ALLANDALE — Coffee bar/cafe/creative sanctuary The Factory opened and quickly made a name for itself as one of Austin's newest brunch spots. While there is no wifi, there are plenty of waffles. Now open from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m.

DOWNTOWN — Mort Subite, the authentic Belgian bar, started pouring after taking over the shuttered wine bar and shop Cork and Co. at 308 Congress Avenue. Raise a glass to its more than 20 Belgian draft beers, 40 or so Belgian bottled beers, Belgian spirits, local craft beers, and cider selections.

EAST SIDE — Moloko,  the A Clockwork Orange-themed cocktail bar, opens tonight, Wednesday, October 26 alongside King Bee, Full Circle, and Dozen Street at the intersection at 12th and Chicon streets.

Robert J. Lerma/EATX

BASTROP — Horror film Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s gas station reopened as a tribute horror barbecue resort called The Gas Station. The filling outpost at 1073 Texas State Highway 304 was used as a filming site in the 1974 film.

NORTH SHOAL CREEK — Direct from Nashville, DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana is now open just north of Anderson Lane on Burnett Road. The Neapolitan-style pie place is slinging 11 wood-fired pizzas—no custom pies and no slices.

ROSEDALE — The not-so-kosher food trailer Jewboy Burgers recently opened with a short but pun-filled menu including The Oye Vey Buey burger, The Jewish American Princess burger, handmade latkes, chile con queso, and more. Find it at 5020 Burnet Road next to Billy's on Burnet.

Lucy's on the Fly. [Photo: Lucy’s Fried Chicken/Instagram]

SOUTH LAMAR — After Olivia shuttered earlier this month, Lucy’s on the Fly quickly claimed its space. This is the fourth location for the fried chicken-loving local mini-chain. The space includes a kid-friendly playground, and the restaurant offers delivery, takeout, and full bar for those dining in.

EAST RIVERSIDE — Jackalope, a Dirty Sixth staple, opened its second location at 1523 Tinnin Ford Road. Called Jackalope South Shore, it includes an outdoor yard with a playground-type area and patio.

EAST SIDE — Hopefully the third time's a charm for Bridget Dunlap and her space at 507 Calles Street. Trackside — a sport bar — has opened in the former home of Mettle and Ophelia. Enjoy classic cocktails and Austin favorites on the menu (e.g. tacos and wings).

DOWNTOWN — Red Ash Italia opened adding yet another destination for Italian cuisine loving Austinites. The wood-burning oven fires up fresh fish, prime cuts of meat, and more, plus there are housemade pastas. Find it on the ground floor of the Colorado Tower at 303 Colorado Street.

Sugarfina. [Photo: Yelp/Leila R.]

Yelp/Leila R.

THE DOMAIN — Fancy sweets boutique Sugarfina opened and brought with it boozy gummies, maple bourbon balls, and more. This is the sugary wonderland’s first standalone Texas store.

FAR NORTH — Juice hippie/hipster haven JuiceLand just celebrated its 15th area location when it opened at 183 and Braker in the Arbor Town Square. Another North Austin location (at Parmer and McNeil) is scheduled for November.

Michi Ramen on campus. [Photo: Michi Ramen/Facebook]

CAMPUS —The third location of noodle-slinging Michi Ramen is now open on campus behind Hole in the Wall. It offers counter service from 5 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Sunday, and delivery and lunch specials are to come.

EAST RIVERSIDE — The hybrid of bar/cafe/speciality grocery shop Mour Cafe + Pantry opened within the South Shore District apartments on East Riverside dishing out a range of dishes from breakfast sandwiches and pizza to lobster linguine and flank steak. The other location opened this summer in the Colorado Tower downtown.

DOWNTOWN — Seafood and wine-centric Cafe Blue expanded into downtown at Second and Trinity Streets with its second location. Weekend brunch service is offered.

DEL VALLE — With the opening of NLand Surf Park, Austin’s first wave park, came Blue Prairie, a chill spot (of course it is, brah) with tacos, bowls, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The park also has a juice bar.

NORTH AUSTIN — The bubble tea chain Kung Fu Tea opened a second Austin location at 9070 Research Boulevard. The menu includes a unique selection of bubbles tea, other hot and cold teas, coffees, and slushes like pumpkin oolong milk tea, brown sugar ginger tea, and a red bean matcha slush.

ROLLINGWOOD — 360 Pizza opened its third location and is now doling out specialty New York-style pies, calzones, subs, salads, and antipasti in its new home at Rollingwood Plaza.

September 28

THE DRAG — Emo’s Kitchen, the small Korean restaurant, on Guadalupe Street went under new management, renovated, and reopened as K-Bop. The counter-service spot offers updated interpretations of popular Korean dishes like bulgogi, katsu, jigae, and ramen.

TRIANGLE — Burger, shake and beer mecca Hopdoddy Burger Bar opened its fourth Austin area location when it took over Mama Fu's former address on Triangle Avenue. It features outdoor, table and, bar seating.

SOUTH 1st—The Colorado-based chain Snarf’s Sandwiches is now serving up its oven-toasted subs, salads, soups and desserts on South 1st Street near Elizabeth Street. There’s a gluten-free menu too. This is the chain’s second Austin outpost.

FAR NORTH — A tipster pointed out that noodle-slinging Pho Nom took over shuttered Kin & Comfort’s counter-service spot in Hana World Market’s Food Court on Palmer Lane. In addition to a variety of pho options (oxtail included), the menu features banh mi, fried egg rolls, bubble tea, and more.

Jolt Coffee/Facebook

NORTHWEST HILLS — Brooklyn Pie Co. on Mesa Drive got a makeover in the late spring and reopened as 3 Train Pizzeria. Although the name and look has changed,New York-style pizza remains the same. The menu also includes salads, calzones, and cheesecake. Gluten free crusts are available, and sizable slices are served all day.

TARRYTOWN — The beginning of fall marked the opening of The Beer Plant, Austin’s first vegan gastropub. The "100% plant-derived" bar and kitchen can be found in the former Austin Java space from where is serves up pub fare with a plant focus and botanical cocktails, plus has more than 30 beers on tap. Initial hours with a limited menu are from 5 p.m. to midnight, daily.

FAR FAR WEST — Touting drive through and walk-up windows, Jolt Coffee & Beverage is now caffeinating daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. off Highway 290 West. You’ll find espresso drinks, tea, smoothies, muffin tops, bars, cookies, and more.

ROUND ROCK — Lobster roll alert: veteran chef Jack Gilmore and the team behind Jack Allen’s Kitchen opened seafood-centric Salt Traders Coastal Cooking in Round Rock at 2850 I-35 North in early September. The menu features fresh fish, chowder, and non-seafood favorites such as wood-fired chicken, steak, and a burger. It’s now serving lunch and dinner with happy hour featuring coastal-inspired cocktails running Mondays to Fridays.

Nik's on the Lake. [Photo: Vince A./Yelp]

SOUTH CONGRESS — Pflugerville favorite Taste of Ethiopia has opened a second location at 3801 South Congress Avenue. The Ethiopian restaurant spotlights traditional dishes like hearty stews, chicken drumsticks, and plenty of vegetarian options. Bonus: There’s a lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SOUTH CONGRESS — Get your pour over here: in June Two Hands Coffee in Rock Rose rebranded as Apanas Coffee & Beer, and then in early September, it opened a second location in South Austin. As the name suggests, it also features beer on tap including local selections.

CAMPUS — California-based chain Panda Express opened an outpost on the UT campus adding yet another fast casual option to the Texas Union. Students and others can get their fill of the chain’s famed orange chicken, General Tso's chicken, egg rolls, and more.

LAKE TRAVIS — The owners of Nik’s Italian Kitchen + Bar have joined forces with another couple to open Nik’s on the Lake in the shuttered Cafe Blue space just down from Volente Beach Park. Accessible by boat and car, this 200-seat restaurant with a view dishes out familiar waterfront fare (salads, burgers, sandwiches) plus a few popular items from the Nik’s on FM 620 menu, such as meatballs in marinara.

Head here for the full listing of this summer's openings.