Powerhouse Restaurateurs Teaming Up for Mexican Restaurant in Northwest Austin

Northwest Austin is getting a new Mexican restaurant with Cielo Bistro Mexico, slated to open next month. Austin chef Charles Mayes (the founder of Clarksville restaurant Cafe Josie) is behind the new restaurant, which will be located at 7032 Woodhollow Drive, taking over the vacated El Arroyo spot (the original remains open on West 5th Street).

Cielo’s food draws from northern Baja, and west and northwest Mexico, while centering on homemade corn and flour tortillas, as reported by CultureMap Austin. This means ample seafood (including a raw bar), mole, and enchiladas. The menu is a collaboration between Mayes and chef de cuisine Ricardo Gutierrez, formerly of Driftwood restaurant Hays City Store.

Cielo’s bar will serve cocktails, beer, and wine, focusing on Mexico’s emerging vineyards. The team is keeping the spirit of El Arroyo (which closed in 2016), but giving the space a significant facelift.

Mayes founded Cafe Josie, naming it after his daughter, and went on to create an expansive line of sauces sold at Central Market and Whole Foods. He also spent some time at Mother’s Cafe & Garden, so he has committed to keeping the kitchen GMO-free and avoiding artificial preservatives.

Also involved with the restaurant are Jay McBride, who owns the Brick Oven, and Joel Morales, a former sales manager for Republic National Distributing.

• Cielo Bistro Mexico [Official]
• Cielo Bistro Mexico [Facebook]
• Legendary local chef fills a void with new Mexican restaurant in Northwest Austin [CultureMap Austin]