Following an April 27 announcement from Gov. Greg Abbott, restaurant owners throughout Texas are preparing to open their dining rooms to limited capacity after a weekslong stretch of only being able to offer takeout or delivery service.
In the Lake Travis-Westlake area, many dining establishments will be open for in-store service May 1, while others are not yet ready to make the transition, and business owners are instead opting to wait.
Abbott issued an order allowing certain businesses, including eateries, to open at 25% capacity beginning May 1. Assuming the state does not see a spike in coronavirus cases, capacity could increase to 50% by May 18.
Abbott said the decision to gradually reopen the state’s economy is based on advice from doctors and data reporting the containment of COVID-19 in Texas. However, he said he encourages Texans to continue safe distancing practices and recommends wearing a face covering when in public.
As part of the phased reopening of the state’s economy, a number of social distancing and sanitization standards must be put in place in order to accommodate dine-in services and are described in The Governor’s Report to Open Texas, released April 27.
Community Impact Newspaper is regularly contacting Lake Travis-Westlake businesses and restaurants to learn the latest updates on their operational status. Navigate the map below to find out which establishments in the Lake Travis-Westlake area will open for in-store service on May 1 and which are following other plans.
Don't see your business or a business you want to know about in the Lake Travis-Westlake area on the list? Readers and business owners can share updates with the Lake Travis-Westlake editorial team by emailing [email protected]. This list will be updated as information is forthcoming.
Here are updates on several Lake Travis-Westlake area establishments. Updates will continue as more business owners respond to our inquiries.
Updated May 1 3:58 p.m.
Castro’s Bar & Grill opened May 1 to accommodate dine-in service at 25% capacity. According to owner Tyler Castro that rate could increase to 50% if permitted. Castro’s will also offer curbside and delivery orders along with dine-in service with the option to place orders over the phone.
All Star Burger in the Hill Country Galleria will continue to offer curbside pickup service as well as delivery service through third-party applications. The dining room remains closed at this time, so customers should contact the restaurant upon arrival to retrieve a curbside order. An opening date has not been communicated at this time.
Tony C’s Coal Fired Pizza opened its dining room May 1 to 25% capacity. All customers are required to make reservations, according to information provided by the Hill Country Galleria. A decision on increasing capacity has not been made at this time. The restaurant will continue to provide delivery and pickup service daily.
Tadashi Sushi is accommodating curbside pickup and free delivery orders with limited operating hours. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 4-9 p.m.; however, Tadashi will not be opening for dine-in service at this time.
Kale Me Crazy, located in the Four Points area, has made the decision not to open for dine-in service May 1. According to an employee, the cafe setting is too small to properly implement social distancing standards. However, Kale Me Crazy will allow customers to sit at its three outdoor tables. The cafe will continue to provide to-go service.
Izumi Sushi did not open its dining area May 1. A projected opening date has not been communicated at this time. Pickup and delivery service is still available for customers.
Originally posted April 30
Modern Market in West Lake Hills plans on reopening to the public by Monday, May 4 at the latest, with a number of health precautions put in place. The eatery will operate at the permitted 25% capacity with the goal of increasing the rate to 50% barring any changes. Takeout and delivery options will remain available for customers.
The League Kitchen and Tavern will reopen the dining rooms to accommodate 25% capacity at its three Austin locations. All state guidelines will be followed accordingly. The decision to increase capacity on May 18, if the state approves, has not been made at this time. Reservations, which can be made online, are encouraged in order to maintain social distancing efforts. Seating will also be limited to a maximum of 90 minutes. Pickup and delivery services will be available as well.
Emerald Point Bar & Grill will reopen dining rooms May 1 to accommodate 25% capacity, which could increase to 50% by May 18. The owners have also announced a number of live music events occurring throughout the May 1 weekend. To-go services will remain available for customers.
Biderman’s Deli will not open May 1, however, the restaurant plans to reopen its patio area as early as next week. Proper precautions will be put in place for employees and customers. Owner Zach Biderman said a decision has not been made to increase capacity at this time. Takeout options are also available.
Oz. Tap House will reopen to the public May 1 in accordance with state guidelines. If permitted, the restaurant will increase capacity from 25% to 50% beginning May 18.
Schlotzky’s Austin Eatery locations will not be opening their dining areas. This includes the location in Bee Cave. There has not been an announcement as to whether dining rooms will open on May 18. To-go and delivery services at the Bee Cave location are open.
Red Lotus Asian Grille will open May 1 to accommodate 25% capacity, with the potential to increase capacity on May 18. The restaurant will continue to offer take-out and delivery services for customers.
Galaxy Cafe has made no plans to reopen dining rooms at this time. However, multiple Austin locations will open May 4 to offer curbside services. The restaurant made the decision to fully close in late March. Curbside service will not be available at the company’s Steiner Ranch location.
Frog & the Bull, located in the Four Points area, will reopen May 1 with social distancing measures in place. If the state of Texas permits, the Iberian restaurant will increase capacity to 50% on May 18. Along with dine-in service, Frog & the Bull will accommodate to-go orders, including orders for alcohol.
Jade Restaurant is working toward a May 18 reopening date at 50% capacity if permitted by the state. Representatives of the restaurant said the establishment is not ready to open for dine-in operations by May 1. Takeout and delivery services will remain available.
Angel’s Icehouse will reopen to accommodate 25% capacity on May 1. Customers will only be permitted to sit the restaurant’s outdoor picnic area. A maximum of six individuals will be allowed per table, with increased spacing implemented between tables. The restaurant is also asking that children remain seated with families, as the play area will remain closed. A number of other state guidelines will be put in place. Angel’s Icehouse has not communicated a decision to increase capacity at this time. Customers can still utilize takeout services.
Chisos Grill at the Hill Country Galleria is set to open May 1 for dine-in service at 25% capacity. If permitted by the state, the restaurant will increase capacity to 50% on May 18. Chisos Grill is prepared to accommodate no more than 44 guests at a time, and seating will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. The restaurant began accommodating takeout service on April 29. Delivery is available through certain third party applications.
The Kitchen on the Bend will open for dine-in service May 1 and accommodate 25% capacity. Owners plan to increase capacity to 50% on May 18 if the state permits. Takeout and delivery service remains available for customers.
Toss Pizzeria announced a decision not to reopen to the public May 1. The pizzeria will continue to accommodate to-go and delivery service for customers. At this time no plans have been communicated to reopen for dine-in service on May 18.
Flores Mexican Restaurant will open its dining area May 1 to accommodate 25% capacity. Diners will be limited to a maximum time of 90 minutes per party. The restaurant will be taking a number of other precautions, and more information will be available on the company’s website. Takeout service, including for alcohol, will continue.
Plate by Dzintra will begin dine-in service and accommodate 25% capacity on May 1 with social distancing efforts put in place. The restaurant is anticipating increasing capacity to 50% May 18 if permitted. Plate by Dzintra will also offer to-go service.
Don Mario Mexican Restaurant in Lakeway will begin Dine-in service May 1 to accommodate 25% capacity. The restaurant is anticipating increasing capacity to 50% on May 18, though an official decision has not been communicated. Customers can also place orders for takeout and delivery.
Salt Trader’s Coastal Cooking Zilker location will not be opening May 1. The restaurant will remain closed and will not be accommodating takeout service at this time. The restaurant has not announced a reopening date, but will communicate updates with the community.
Paris in a Bite is not ready to open its dining area to the public, as the owners wish to ensure a proper plan is implemented for the transition. However, an update on the bakery’s operational status may be available within the next several days. Pickup and curbside service is available with the option to place orders online or over the phone.
Sundancer Grill will open to accommodate 25% capacity on May 1. The restaurant will increase capacity to 50% if permitted by the state.
OastHouse Gastropub has planned to keep its dining room closed at least until mid-May. A slower approach is underway to reopen the gastropub, and representatives said dine-in service may be reinstated if the COVID-19 situation shows further improvement. Takeout, curbside and delivery services are available for customers.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen will not be opening for dine-in service on May 1. Owner Jack Gilmore made the decision in mid-March to suspend all operations with the health and safety of the community and staff in mind. Gilmore said all of the Jack Allen’s locations will begin service to accommodate curbside pickup.
JuiceLand began offering to-go service at a number of previously closed locations April 30, including one located in West Lake Hills. According to a public relations representative, all lobbies will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
Sakura Sushi in Lakeway announced a decision not to open dining rooms in an effort to protect staff and customers. An official date for dine-in service has not been communicated. To-go and delivery service will remain available.
Vivel Crepes & Coffee will open for dine-in service May 1, allowing only 25% capacity. The restaurant will offer service in the patio area only while implementing eight feet of distance between tables. A decision to increase capacity on May 18 has not been made. Customers can also place orders to-go or for delivery.
Vaqueros will expand services to accommodate dine-in customers at 25% capacity on May 1. That rate could be increased to 50% by May 18 if the state permits the increase. Customers can still place orders for pickup at the West Lake Hills restaurant.
Java Dive Organic Café will only accommodate to-go and delivery service for now. The company has also developed a grocery section where customers can purchase meals, hand sanitizer, elderberry syrup and more online. Dine-in service will begin when the restaurant can open safely at 100% capacity.
Cafe Blue will begin dine-in service at the Hill Country Galleria on May 1. The restaurant will accommodate 25% capacity with the possibility of increasing that rate to 50% by May 18, if the state permits the increase. Curbside pickup services will remain available for customers with online purchasing options.
