/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58493387/15585066_10154817140033166_8064967898513852315_o.0.0.jpg)
The new year has not been kind to all Austin restaurants, leading a few to shutter early in 2018. This round of closures has been particularly unkind to restaurants in the Domain, specifically two standbys that had been part of the outdoor mall for years. No word if rents are rising as the area grows, or the closures are due to other factors, but the area is definitely undergoing a churn.
DOMAIN — The Steeping Room, a tea emporium and casual restaurant that was one of the first restaurants to open at the Domain 11 years ago, has closed. Owner Amy March told Eater Austin that it was “time for new ventures both personally and professionally.” The location on North Lamar, which is a separate entity, remains open.
DOMAIN — The Austin location of McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and Steaks has shuttered. Awkwardly, no one has told their social media team, which is still encouraging people to come into the restaurant using pictures from other locations (the Domain location has been removed from the website). The chain once had another Austin location downtown, but that closed in 2012.
FOUR POINTS — Northwest Austin burger destination The Boat House Grill has closed after 19 years in business. Fed Man Walking once touted the restaurant’s greasy virtues, but sadly it appears times have changed.