From a new speakeasy taqueria, to an Austin nonprofit's 10-year anniversary celebration and more, get the rundown on 8 downtown Austin-area restaurants and businesses.

Now Open

Taqueria 10/10

Brothers Raul and Luis Esquer, along with their business partner Roy Servan, opened the speakeasy taqueria inside ReyRey Austin cocktail bar. The eatery offers tacos derived from the Northwest Mexico region. Everything on the menu is made in-house—from the fillings to the tortillas.

Adobada pastor, which is marinated pork roasted for hours on the trompo—or spinny rotisserie—is served at Taqueria 10/10. (Courtesy Raymond Castro)
Adobada pastor, which is marinated pork roasted for hours on the trompo—or spinny rotisserie—is served at Taqueria 10/10. (Courtesy Raymond Castro)



Coming Soon

Manny’s & Powder Room

Grace Chow, Jason Ellefson and Eric Kemp of Lobos Hospitality will open two new concepts under the same roof. Manny’s will have quick-service offerings like grab-and-go drinks, sandwiches and salads. Powder Room will offer small bites, table-side mixology and traditional bottle service. Both will be open until midnight or 2 a.m. but Manny’s will open at 11 a.m., while Powder Room will open at 5 p.m.

Relocations

Wee’s Cozy Kitchen

The Malaysian eatery, helmed by Wee Fong Ehlers, began in the Shell gas station, located at 2400 Rio Grande St., and has found a new home at Royal Blue Grocery downtown. Menu offerings include traditional Malaysian places like chicken curry laksa, beef char kway teow and beef rendang. There are also tofu options and western items like the veggie burger and fries.

In The News

Parkside

The eatery on Sixth Street, founded by restauranter Shawn Cirkiel, has opened its doors once again following a year-and-a-half-long closure for renovations. The gastropub first opened in 2008, and now features new booths, tile designs, oak flooring, a wood-burning grill and infrastructure updates to the kitchen area. The space has also increased to offer more private events and capacity overall. The menu has also been refreshed with new items like lamb pastrami ribs and roasted cod.

Parkside closed its doors in August 2022 for renovations and reopened in March. (Courtesy Parkside)
Parkside closed its doors in August 2022 for renovations and reopened in March. (Courtesy Parkside)

Shoal Creek Conservancy

The nonprofit—which supports the Shoal Creek watershed, including its creek and trail—will celebrate its tenth anniversary May 8. Ticketholders will receive breakfast catered by The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen, followed by guest speakers.

Shoal Creek Conservancy will celebrate a decade of supporting the watershed, creek and trail on May 8. (Courtesy Shoal Creek Conservancy)
Shoal Creek Conservancy will celebrate a decade of supporting the watershed, creek and trail on May 8. (Courtesy Shoal Creek Conservancy)

Church of Scientology Austin

Nearly six years after renovations such as an additional floor and larger chapel space began, taking the building from around 25,000 square feet to more than 50,000 square feet, the West Campus-area church celebrated its grand reopening in February. The renovations are part of the religious organization’s plans to expand with dozens of new churches worldwide, according to the church’s website.

Closings

Little Wu

Three years after opening the Chinese restaurant spin-off of Wu Chow at Fareground Food Hall, Austin-based Chameleon Companies decided not to renew the lease. In a statement, company officials said they will pivot their focus to Wu Chow and a sister restaurant, Swift’s Attic; however, it was hinted that they may reopen Little Wu elsewhere in the future. Little Wu specialized in dumpling and noodle dishes.

  • Closed on March 31
  • 111 Congress Ave., Austin

Smash ATX

In addition to Ping-Pong tables, the bar and restaurant offered a range of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, as well as burgers, sandwiches and more. Smash ATX opened in the fall of 2021, taking the place of its predecessor, Spin—which closed during the start of the pandemic.

  • Closed on Feb. 17
  • 213 W. Fifth St., Austin