Austin Diner Counter Cafe Closes on North Lamar

Austin diner Counter Cafe has closed its original location on 626 North Lamar Boulevard in the western downtown area, as confirmed by owner Debbie Davis. The restaurant’s other two locations — West 29th Street in the West Campus area and East Sixth Street in East Austin— are staying open.

“Sadly, it’s the end of an era,” Davis tells Eater. “With coronavirus and the self-distancing need, etc., there was no way to carry on at that location within 700 square feet of space. It was a very hard decision and we held on for several months.”

The restaurant was known for its superb daytime-friendly diner menu, spanning so many eggs, biscuits, hot cakes, breakfast tacos, and crab cakes. The two remaining locations are open for dine-in, curbside, and delivery services.

The status of the North Lamar restaurant had always been in question — Davis sought out the West Campus expansion in 2018 just in case she was forced to close down the original location, due to the land being up for sale. That address had previously been home to the longtime location of Conans Pizza Central.

Davis opened the restaurant in 2007, followed by East Austin in 2014, and West 29th Street earlier this year.

• All Coverage of Counter Cafe [EATX]