The East Austin Tex-Mex staple is known for its tacos and margaritas served in pink cups, including happy hour specials and a late night menu. The restaurant opened off East Cesar Chavez Street in 2021, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The backstory
El Mercado closed its South Austin location on Dec. 17 after operating in the area for 40 years. The Tex-Mex restaurant has another location off Burnet Road in North Austin.
Under the new ownership of 2 Dine 4 Hospitality Group, De Nada Taco will feature aesthetic upgrades with new tables and chairs, plants and Mexican decor, according to El Mercado's Facebook page.
In their own words
"President and Managing Partner Stephen Shallcross expressed their excitement about honoring the 40-year commitment of keeping the restaurant unique and serving up great food and Austin hospitality," El Mercado stated in a Facebook post about De Nada Taco. "They emphasized their continued tradition of thoughtfully preserving Austin icons, starting with the transformation of Arkie’s Grill into Sawyer & Co. over a decade ago."
- Opening in early to mid January
- 1302 S 1st St., Austin
- www.denadacantina.com
