Downtown Austin has been buzzing with excitement as new businesses open their doors, infusing our community with fresh energy and innovative ideas. From trendy restaurants and unique bars to new universities and lively hotels, the downtown scene is brimming with new additions. In this blog post, we will highlight the latest businesses that have made their mark on downtown Austin (that we know about), adding to the city’s vibe, vibrancy and value from the beginning of 2024 until now.
Arriba Abajo in The Thompson
This rooftop cantina offers poolside and city views on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel. Enjoy flavors from Oaxaca to the Yucatan and learn to toast the authentic way as their name, Arriba Abajo, suggests.
Austin’s citizenM
citizenM selected Austin as their newest location and opened a beautiful hotel with studio-style rooms. The hotel is covered in art from head to toe including a beautiful mural on the outside that beckons folks from blocks away. Help us welcome them to their spot on 7th and Colorado.
BOA Steakhouse
BOA Steakhouse claims to have reinvented the traditional American steakhouse into a bold, modern, and innovative experience. Find out what that means yourself by trying its dry-aged prime steaks in its vibrant ambiance.
The Dead Rabbit
The Dead Rabbit’s walls are adorned with modern Irish art, and the menu is styled to match. It boasts weekly entertainment, such as musicians and comedians, along with a variety of modern and signature cocktails, pints and pub dishes. Check out this new business on 6th Street soon!
Fleet Coffee
East Austin’s Fleet Coffee has made its way to Central Austin, having opened its walk-up coffee window on Congress Avenue around SXSW. Switch up your morning routine and try grabbing a cup of joe from Fleet this week!
Gina’s on Congress
Gina’s on Congress opened its doors to serve dinner, dessert, lunch, brunch and last but certainly not least, happy hour. Its focus is on classic bistro cuisine, with an emphasis on quality, simplicity, elevated flavor and presentation. We highly recommend sipping on the Kiss, Kiss on a hot summer day.
Guest House
Guest House in the 2nd Street District is celebrated for its excellent presentation and experience. We cannot recommend the service at this new business enough. Check them out and help us welcome them to Austin.
NOSH
Experience elevated dining at NOSH with exquisite flavors and captivating stories. The specially crafted tasting menu features Chef Kennedy Grace’s most inspired dishes, paired with anecdotes that offer a glimpse into her culinary journey. This kitchen is now open in This Too Shall Pass.
Retail Therapy
Retail Therapy is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life where creativity and culture meet. The cocktail and sushi bar is founded by three fashion enthusiasts and it shows in their interior. Peek inside for yourself to find out.
Shawarma Point at Fareground
Welcome downtown, and, more specifically, welcome to Fareground, Shawarma Point. They focus on authentic Mediterranean staples, made fresh with quality ingredients. Say hello and grab lunch with them soon.
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku is open at 405 Colorado. Try some of their dazzling cocktails and mocktails or maybe save some room to order the feast. Sushi Roku specializes in sushi, whiskies and skewers. Whatever you do, try something new!
Sweet Sensi
Sweet Sensi, touted as Texas’s original Rosin Company, opened its first downtown location on Congress Avenue. Their full-spectrum CBD products are a lifestyle upgrade crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Stop by to say hi and try their calming tinctures today.
Swim Club
Swim Club is a historic pool turned into a social club at Downright. Enjoy brick-oven cooking and cold-blended cocktails as you make a splash.
Taqueria 10 de 10
A new speakeasy-style taqueria opened on Trinity inside ReyRey Bar. Walk through the bar to find the beautiful Taqueria 10 de 10. Enjoy delicious foods and welcome the newcomers to the neighborhood.
University of Austin
The first new University to open up in Texas is calling downtown Austin home. Their first enrollment semester begins in the fall of 2024. The University of Austin is currently applying for accreditation and is offering its founding class free tuition.
Wee’s Cozy Kitchen
Wee’s Cozy Kitchen opened up in the Royal Blue Grocery on Congress Avenue after moving from their UT location. Enjoy their comfort Malaysian Food and discover the wonderful flavors. We recommend the Satay Chicken Plate.
Bonus: Parkside
Technically a reopening, Austin’s historic 6th Street gastropub, Parkside, reopened to kick off its 15th year with a new vibe. After closing for a remodel, the reimagined space opened with a wood-burning grill and new menu items. The restaurant is now open at 4:30pm daily.
COMING SOON: New YTX Studio
COMING SOON: Black Sheep Coffee
Help us welcome these exciting new businesses to downtown Austin. Stop by and check them out when you get the chance!