Restaurant Congress will close to make room for Second Bar + Kitchen, a casual concept located next door.
Restaurant Congress, located on the ground floor of The Austonian at the corner of Congress Avenue and Second Street since 2010, will close Jan. 1 so chef David Bull can expand Second Bar + Kitchen by late spring.
“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Congress. We have had an incredible five years,” Bull said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing the tradition of exceptional food and wine experiences through a different voice and in more locations.”
Additionally, Second Bar + Kitchen will open another location at the new Archer Hotel, which is reportedly scheduled to open at The Domain next summer. Bull will relocate to the north location, and chef Ethan Holmes will assume lead duties at the downtown restaurant.
No additional details were provided about planned expansion efforts at Austin Bergstrom International Airport.
The final night for Restaurant Congress will include a New Year’s Eve party that allows guests to pick between five-course and seven-course dinner options. Reservations should be made in advance. Second Bar + Kitchen and Bar Congress also have celebratory specials in addition to normal menu offerings. Five-course dinner: 6-7 p.m., $125 (per person), $195 (includes beverage pairings); seven-course dinner: 8-9 p.m. $185 (per person), $265 (includes beverage pairings). Restaurant Congress, 200 Congress Ave. 512-827-2760. www.congressaustin.com
