Austin Welcomes New Downtown Speakeasy Taqueria
In the heart of Austin, a new speakeasy-style taqueria has opened. Taqueria 10/10 is the result of the collaboration between brothers Raul and Luis Esquer and their business partner, Roy Servan. Open since February 20, the eatery offers authentic tacos inspired by Northwest Mexico. Everything on the menu, from the fillings to the tortillas, is prepared in-house.
Two New Concepts Soon to Debut
In the near future, Manny’s & Powder Room will be launched under one roof by Lobos Hospitality’s team comprising Grace Chow, Jason Ellefson, and Eric Kemp. The dual concept will offer quick-service options at Manny’s, including grab-and-go drinks, sandwiches, and salads. Powder Room will feature small bites, table-side mixology, and traditional bottle service. While Manny’s is expected to open at 11 a.m., Powder Room will open its doors at 5 p.m. The exact opening date is yet to be announced.
Wee’s Cozy Kitchen Movement
In other food-related developments, Wee’s Cozy Kitchen, the Malaysian eatery run by Wee Fong Ehlers that began in the Shell gas station, has moved to Royal Blue Grocery downtown. The menu boasts both traditional Malaysian dishes and western options.
Familiar Eatery Reopens
At the heart of Sixth Street, Parkside has reopened after a year-and-a-half long closure for renovations. The gastropub first opened its doors in 2008. Besides infrastructural improvements, the menu has also been refreshed, with delicious new additions like lamb pastrami ribs and roasted cod.
Nonprofit Celebration on the Horizon
The Shoal Creek Conservancy, a downtown Austin-based nonprofit that supports the Shoal Creek watershed, including its creek and trail, is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary on May 8. Attendees will enjoy breakfast catered by The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen, as well as insightful speeches from guest speakers.
Long-Awaited Reopening
The Church of Scientology Austin rejoiced in the grand reopening of its newly renovated building in February. The West Campus-area church now boasts an additional floor and larger chapel space, taking the building from approximately 25,000 square feet to over 50,000 square feet. This expansion aligns with the church’s global aspiration to erect dozens of new churches.
Closures Hit Austin
As part of the ebb and flow of the industry, some establishments have recently closed their doors. Little Wu, a Chinese restaurant operating as the spin-off of Wu Chow at Fareground Food Hall, shut down after Austen-based Chameleon Companies decided not to renew the lease. The team will now shift their focus to Wu Chow and its sister restaurant, Swift’s Attic; however, there are rumors that a new version of Little Wu may re-emerge in the future. Another casualty was Smash ATX, a downtown bar and restaurant that offered Ping-Pong tables, an array of drinks, and a range of food options. It closed in February, just a few months after opening in fall 2021.