Austin Food Experts Predict 2020 Restaurant Headlines

As is the tradition as we near the end of 2019, Eater asked a trusted group of friends, industry types, and local bloggers for their takes on the past culinary year in Austin. The annual survey spans eight questions, from dining surprises to best food neighborhoods and disappointing meals. All answers will be revealed as the week rolls on — cut, pasted, (mostly) unedited, and in no particular order. Finally, question number eight:

What are your headline predictions for 2020?

Raphael Brion, former Eater editor and Texas Editor of The Infatuation
Brick-and-Mortars from Veracruz, Cuantos Tacos, and Valentina’s Cement Austin as the Absolute Center of the Known Taco Universe

Improbably, 2020 Is Also the Year of the Burrito

A Burrito Is Not a Taco, Fight Me

Jolène M. Bouchon, critic at Austin Monthly
I don’t predict so much as wish for what will happen. I really hope we see more regular ol’ everyday restaurants with super amazing food thriving in this overvalued market. And I’d love to see an intimate little gin bar by the folks from [now-closed] El Chipiron.

Pat Sharpe, executive editor and food writer for Texas Monthly
Over the next few years, counter-order will become the rule and table service will ride off into the sunset. Steakhouses and other upscale dining destinations will be the exceptions.

Robert Jacob Lerma, photographer for Eater Austin and others
Wishful thinking. Finding ways to reduce food waste, utilizing technology to improve efficiency, service and wages and retaining talent in Austin.

Jane Ko, blogger, A Taste of Koko
Expensive

Erin Russell, associate editor of Eater Austin
McGuire Moorman Launches Seven New Restaurants, Twee Delivery Service With $25 Roast Chicken

Even More Beloved Austin Restaurants Bought Out to Build Condos

Austin Chefs Not Totally Snubbed by James Beard Awards This Time Because Like, Seriously?

Eastside Cafe Turned Into Bakery Serving Hard Kombucha

Nadia Chaudhury, editor of Eater Austin

Mixed-Use Development With [Any Restaurant and/or chef With National Recognition] Is Coming to Downtown Austin

[Any Austin Restaurant] Is Closing, Being Replaced by High-Rise Building With Another New Restaurant