10 Fall Restaurant Openings in Austin to Get Excited About
From jerk chicken on East 6th Street to tiki greatness from Austin’s ramen kings.
We all have that ‘about town’ friend who seems to discover all the cool new digs before anyone else. You know, the one who’s social media is basically your Austin bucket list. The one who you secretly want to be when you grow up… wait, newsflash, you’re already grown up. Yikes.
But sweat you shall not (inside, at least), there’s still time to claim that coveted ‘about town’ crown. To throw you a bone, we’ve rounded up 10 of Austin’s most exciting fall openings, each so shiny and new that we don’t even know the menu details yet—but we do know that local foodies are already salivating over them, so the high hopes are flying. You have until the end of the summer to cash out those Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory gift cards, champ, because come fall, you’re bound to be a bonafide culinary trendsetter.
Address: 1914 East 6th Street
Opening date: Fall 2021
The team behind Austin’s ever-popular Emma & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, and TLV restaurants will open their sixth concept this upcoming season. Led by Guyanese-born chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Canje is gearing up to be a Caribbean eatery imbued with flavors from Guyana, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and other islands within the region. Pro tip: The jerk chicken is rumored to be a real show-stealer.
Address: 501 Brazos Street
Opening date: February 2022
Austin’s new Thompson Hotel is slated to feature this highly anticipated offshoot of Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano’s groundbreaking The Grey in Savannah, Georgia. Yet unlike its more polished older sibling, this Southern fare specialist will be a casual joint with both counter-service and grab-and-go items.
Address: 11700 Domain Boulevard
Opening date: Fall 2021
This New York-based original’s first full-service restaurant in Austin arrives at Domain Northside this fall. They’re best known for their coal-fired brick oven pies and calzones, tossed up with a proprietary dough recipe and techniques dating back more than 100 years. The new restaurant spans 1,000-square-feet of covered patio dining space complete with a full bar.
Address: 5330 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs
Opening date: August 2021
The first licensed distillery in the Texas Hill Country, this boozy gem produces handmade, artisanal vodka, gin, and bourbon in small batches using coveted limestone-filtered spring water. The onsite Distillers Bar opens at the end of August, a picture-perfect place to sample housemade liquid creations alongside local comforts like chicken pot pie and Texas Hereford chili with cornbread cake.
Address: 2407 South Congress Avenue
Opening date: Fall 2021
Tso has been a runaway hit among take-out-savvy Austinites since launching in 2017, especially for fans of quality General Tso’s chicken and scratch made crab Rangoon. The ‘no tipping’ delivery and carry-out restaurant already operates outposts in Cherrywood and Arboretum, with this third iteration landing in South Congress this fall.
Address: 8900 South Congress Avenue
Opening date: August 2021
This affordable Japanese cuisine hub is South Congress Avenue’s latest addition. Their extensive menu covers bento boxes, sushi, poke bowls, ramen, salads, and yakisoba, among other delights. Look out for lunch and daily specials for bargain-priced combos.
Address: 11101 Burnet Road
Opening date: Fall 2021
Austin’s acclaimed bagelsmith will finally have their very own flagship shop this year, stashed just outside the Domain. Rosen’s bagels are boiled in specially calibrated water for a distinct crust and chew, before being seeded on both sides for optimal flavor. The new site will serve coffee, as well, and come equipped with dine-in, patio seating, and drive-thru options.
Address: 1300 South Lamar Boulevard
Opening date: September, 2021
There’s no stopping the Aikawa brothers, who plan to add this tropical oasis to their mighty portfolio this September. Tiki will transport guests to the islands of Hawaii with elaborate fruity cocktails coupled with Polynesian and Japanese-fused shareables amid a landscape that promises to be quite immersive.
Address: 454 West 2nd Street
Opening date: Fall 2021
The wholesome Houston-based eatery launched their Austin pop-up this past June to roaring success. And this fall, they’re expanding their capital city footprint with a permanent restaurant on 2nd Street, serving the best in local ingredients by way of sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Address: 506 San Jacinto Boulevard
Opening date: November 2021
Also at the Thompson Austin will be a fabulous new hangout for indoor-outdoor fun and frolics up on the fourth floor courtesy of Chicago hipster siren Land and Sea Dept. Wax Myrtle’s promises a pool, covered cabanas, outdoor fireplace, live events, and a luxe bar serving cocktails, fortified wines, sherries, American and Mexican spirits, and, surprisingly, a stacked spirit-free section, all grounded in the colors, flavors, and textures of West Texas.