Saying goodbye to our favorite restaurants is never easy, so today we are commemorating ten Austin establishments that have announced they are closing this year. #RIP
I have personally visited [and covered] almost all of these spots, and met several of the owners. It is very sad to see them go. The Austin restaurant market has become so much more competitive over the years and rent is rising. Please remember to support your local favorites by visiting often and sharing them with friends! <3
Weather Up: The NYC owned bar on Cesar Chavez Street seemed to close quietly on Sunday, June 2nd without much announcement on their social pages. A few employees and loyal fans posted to Instagram about the closing. No word on who purchased the space.
Hut’s Hamburgers: This one hurts… after 80 years in business, Hut’s Hamburgers will be closing this October. The original location opened on South Congress Avenue in 1939, and they moved to the current West Sixth location in 1969. The space is named after the original owner: Homer ‘Hut’ Hutson and was taken over in 1981 by Mike and Kim Hutchinson. The Hutchinsons who also closed Frank & Angie’s last year, made a statement that “after 38 years of running the business, they are ready to move on.” Property owner Sammie Joseph Jr. hinted that the land will continue to be operated by a local restaurateur and he is excited for the next chapter.
Lucky’s Puccias & Pizzeria: Lucky’s closed on Saturday, January 26th after almost ten years in business citing rising rents. The Italian sandwiches and pizza were originally sold out of a food truck, before expanding into their brick and mortar location on West Fifth Street. Lucky’s owner Luciano “Lucky” Sibilla expressed his sorrow in closing in a heartfelt note that has since been deleted.
Eastside Cafe: Eastside Cafe announced their closing in January of 2019, after thirty-one years in business. The space was purchased by popular restaurateur Sam Hellman Mass of Suerte and Odd Duck. Elaine’s Pork and Pies has already reopened as Mum Foods, serving sandwiches, including a popular pastrami.
Boiler Nine: Popular Seaholm restaurant, Boiler Nine has their last day of business on February 23rd. The downtown establishment was managed by La Corsha Hospitality and closed citing unpaid management fees from owners Boiler Nine Partners Ltd. Chef Jason Stude has moved on to the new East Austin Hotel.
Unit D Pizzeria: Unit D Pizzeria had their last night of operation on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 after being open for four years on Manor Rd. In a note to their customers, the owners said that the evolution is “no doubt sad for all of us,” but stated that they are excited the space will stay in the “framily” and now be owned by neighbor and operator of the popular food truck: Patrizi’s, currently located across the street. Patrizi’s new concept is slated to open as soon as this Summer.
Zocalo Cafe: After 12 years in Clarksville, Zocalo Cafe has passed the torch to Taco Flats owner Simon Madera. Zocalos last day of business was March 29th, and Taco Flats opened in the space just weeks later. Former Zocalo Cafe owners Chris Courtney, Kelly Chappell, and Jay Bunda are now focusing on growing their other two concepts: Galaxy Cafe and Top Notch Burgers. However, you will still be able to find Zocalo Cafe in the Austin airport later this year.
Saint Genevieve: The bar concept called Saint Genevieve opened at The Domain Rock Rose in March of 2016, after closing their former Houston location in the Upper Kirby neighborhood. It operated in Rock Rose until early february of this year, when it was flipped into what is now Wonder Bar: a bar that is an Instagrammer’s paradise.
Academia Bar: Eater Austin reported on April 30th that the short-lived concept, Academia, no longer appeared to be operating. The bar was originally opened by Bar Rescue’s Russell Davis in December of 2017. The bar once offered a $100 chocolate martini, and presented an unusual press release upon opening.
Darcy’s Donkey: Just announced this week, Darcy’s Donkey which took over the old Austin Java just last Fall will be closing citing “persistently underperforming sales” and a “high cost of doing business.”
