Austin’s October Dining Scene: New Tastes & Farewell Bites
October brought a whirlwind of culinary activity to Austin, with exciting new eateries joining the vibrant dining scene. From innovative barbecue to cozy mezcalerías, the city saw fresh flavors emerge, even as we said goodbye to a few long-standing favorites.
October’s Dynamic Culinary Landscape
Austin’s reputation as a food-lover’s paradise continues to grow, marked by a constant evolution of restaurants and bars. Last month was no exception, as the city welcomed several promising new venues while bidding a bittersweet farewell to some cherished establishments. This ebb and flow keeps Austin’s dining scene fresh and exciting, always offering something new to discover.
Fresh Arrivals: Austin’s Newest Dining Spots
Get ready to add these new spots to your must-try list, covering everything from Tex-Mex barbecue to hot chicken and hearty Bavarian fare.
Churchrow Tejas BBQ
Pitmaster Miguel Vidal, formerly of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, has teamed up with restaurateur Simon Madera (La Holly, Taco Flats) to open Churchrow Tejas BBQ. Located at 1521 W. Anderson Lane, this spot is set to make a name for itself with smoked meats by the pound, Tejano flair, and an impressive agave cocktail program. Find them at churchrowbbq.com.
Fat Rabbit Social House
Austin’s brunch game just got stronger with the arrival of Fat Rabbit Social House in the former Forthright space at 35 Brazos St. Expect live weekend music, comforting dishes like chicken and waffles, and a unique brunch burger topped with bacon bourbon jam and a fried egg. Don’t miss their $10 mix-your-own mimosa bar and Tiny House Coffee Roasters program. Check it out at fatrabbitatx.com.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Domain Northside
Nashville’s beloved Hattie B’s has fired up its second Austin location, bringing its famous spicy fried chicken to 3100 Esperanza Crossing, Suite 130 in Domain Northside. Locals can enjoy their pimento mac-topped fries and boozy frozen Coke Icees, just like at the popular South Lamar outpost. Visit hattieb.com for more.
Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall
The popular East Austin favorite has found a new home on South Lamar, at 3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Unit F105. Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall offers housemade sausages, giant pretzels, and specialty cocktails curated by Travis Tober of Nickel City. With 40 TVs, a shaded patio, and a 23-foot-wide screen, it’s a prime spot for food and fun. More details at kokosbavarian.com.
La Mezca
The talented Vazquez sisters of Veracruz All Natural have expanded their culinary empire into mezcal with La Mezca. This cozy mezcalería in Mueller (1905 Aldrich St. Suite 120) showcases small-batch mezcals through curated flights, educational tastings, and delicious botanas like street-style tacos. Open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m., learn more at lamezcaatx.com.
Mendocino Farms
California’s renowned sandwich and salad chain has officially landed in Austin, opening its doors at Arbor Trails in southwest Austin (4301 W. William Cannon Drive). Mendocino Farms brings its chef-driven menu of creative and fresh options to local diners. Explore their offerings at mendocinofarms.com.
Saying Goodbye: Beloved Austin Establishments Close Their Doors
As new ventures bloom, Austin also waved goodbye to some long-standing and well-loved spots, marking the end of an era for many.
Jim Jim’s Water-Ice
After 31 summers of serving up neon-colored Italian ice, downtown mainstay Jim Jim’s Water-Ice has closed its doors. Owner Jim Moy retired, bringing an end to a Sixth Street fixture that was a true nostalgic bite of old Austin. It will be deeply missed by those who grew up with its refreshing treats.
Moreno Barbecue (Relocating)
South Austin’s cherished Moreno Barbecue isn’t gone for good, but it has moved. Its original Menchaca Road location is transforming into Moreno Burger Co., while the barbecue operations are relocating to Southpark Meadows. Keep an eye out for their new burger concept and find them at their new barbecue home soon.
Top Roe
Chef Paul Qui’s downtown sushi bar, which opened just last fall, has ceased operations following the conclusion of his partnership with Trinity Concepts. While Top Roe may be gone, Chef Qui is already moving forward with exciting new projects, including Roselle Pizzeria on South Lamar and an upcoming handroll concept.
Vic’s Bar-B-Que
A true Austin institution, Vic’s Bar-B-Que served its last plates on October 31, concluding a nearly four-decade chapter. After 39 years of feeding the community with delicious brisket and more, this family-owned joint closed its doors, leaving a legacy of community and classic barbecue.
October’s Dining Snapshot
Here’s a quick overview of October’s comings and goings in Austin’s vibrant dining scene:
| Restaurant | Status in October | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Churchrow Tejas BBQ | Opened | Tex-Mex BBQ from Miguel Vidal |
| Fat Rabbit Social House | Opened | New brunch spot with live music |
| Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Domain) | Opened | Second Austin outpost for Nashville hot chicken |
| Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall | Opened | Reopened on South Lamar with sausages & big screens |
| La Mezca | Opened | Cozy mezcalería by Veracruz All Natural sisters |
| Mendocino Farms | Opened | California-based sandwich & salad chain |
| Jim Jim’s Water-Ice | Closed | Retired after 31 summers on Sixth Street |
| Moreno Barbecue | Closed (Relocating) | Moved to Southpark Meadows; Menchaca location becomes burger spot |
| Top Roe | Closed | Chef Paul Qui’s sushi bar; new projects expected |
| Vic’s Bar-B-Que | Closed | After 39 years, family-owned joint closed its doors |
What’s Brewing Next in Austin’s Food Scene?
October’s flurry of activity signals Austin’s continued growth as a culinary hotspot. The emergence of new barbecue concepts and dedicated mezcal bars highlights evolving tastes, while the transformation of existing spaces, like Moreno Barbecue becoming Moreno Burger Co., shows adaptability. Keep an eye on local food news for updates on Chef Paul Qui’s new ventures and other exciting developments as Austin’s dynamic dining landscape continues to surprise and delight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin’s October Dining Changes
- Which new barbecue spots opened or changed in October?
Churchrow Tejas BBQ, featuring pitmaster Miguel Vidal, opened on W. Anderson Lane. Moreno Barbecue also relocated to Southpark Meadows, with its former Menchaca Road spot becoming Moreno Burger Co. - Did any long-standing Austin favorites close permanently last month?
Yes, Jim Jim’s Water-Ice closed after 31 years of serving Italian ices, and Vic’s Bar-B-Que served its last plates after 39 years in business. - What kind of new bars or social spots can Austin locals enjoy?
La Mezca, a cozy mezcalería from the Veracruz All Natural sisters, opened in Mueller. Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall also reopened on South Lamar, offering a vibrant beer hall experience. - Are there any new brunch options to try in Austin?
Fat Rabbit Social House opened in the former Forthright space, offering comfort brunch favorites, live weekend music, and a $10 mix-your-own mimosa bar. - Where can I find Hattie B’s Hot Chicken in North Austin?
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken opened its second Austin location in Domain Northside at 3100 Esperanza Crossing, Suite 130.
Whether you’re exploring new tastes or revisiting a classic, Austin’s dining scene continues to offer exciting culinary journeys for every local palate.
Austin October Dining New Tastes and Farewell Bites
