Neko Yubu, a Dallas-only concept serving Korean and Japanese-inspired tofu skin sushi, is opening its first Austin location in West Campus, headlining a busy week of dining news across the metro. Elsewhere, a Hyde Park coffee shop adds an after-hours wine bar, Bastrop picks up a new brunch spot and a drive-thru coffee chain, and Hopdoddy opens its newest burger bar in Leander, plus, in this week's feature, the food, faith and family story behind Nectarine Cafe and Bakehouse in Southwest Austin.
Impacts of the week
Neko Yubu expands from Dallas to Austin with upcoming West Campus location
Owned by Dean Kim and Connor Park, this Dallas-born Korean spot specializes in Korean and Japanese-inspired yubu—fried tofu skins stuffed with rice and various toppings like egg salad, butter crab, grilled spicy pork, fresh salmon, and fresh tuna. The menu also includes sides like miso soup and tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes and fish cakes), alongside a selection of iced fruit-based drinks, Korean iced coffees, and snacks like shrimp crackers.
Terrible Love Coffee owner to bring neighborhood wine bar to Hyde Park
Brian Knowles, owner of Terrible Love Coffee, is expanding his brand with a neighborhood wine bar at the same Hyde Park address. By day, the shop pours espresso drinks and a rotating cast of specialty lattes, including a Grapefruit Brown Sugar Latte alongside El Xolo breakfast tacos and Texas French Bread pastries, with no upcharge for non-dairy milks. The wine bar side adds ethically and sustainably sourced classic and natural wines plus vermouth-based, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic cocktails, with a small kitchen serving light bites all day and a limited breakfast menu.
Scooter's Coffee brings brews, bites to Bastrop
This coffee chain offers hot and iced drinks, including coffee, lemonade, tea and Red Bull infusions, alongside smoothies and blenders with optional protein or energy shots. Current seasonal drops include the Maple Caramelicious and Maple Caramelicious Crème Cold Brew, a Caramel Apple Red Bull Infusion, and a Sour Patch Kids Lemonade. Food options include baked goods, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and omelet bites.
Toasted Yolk brings brunch, pet-friendly patio to Bastrop
This Texas-based restaurant specializes in a scratch-made menu featuring variations of classic breakfast and brunch dishes like eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and churro doughnuts, alongside lunch options such as brisket tacos, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. As Community Impact reported in 2025, the restaurant’s 1,500-square-foot patio will welcome more than just humans. A pet-specific menu will feature Pawtio Treats such as the Tailwagger Bowl, made with chicken, rice and kale, as well as Dogtails such as the Pawsecco, a bowl of filtered ice water infused with fruit
Hopdoddy opens in Leander with Georgetown, Santa Rita
Hopdoddy Burger Bar, an iconic Austin-based restaurant, opened its newest location in Leander along Hwy. 29. Hopdoddy is best known for its specialty burgers, including the Cadillac Wagyu, built around what the brand calls precise sears and made-to-order stacks. The menu also includes salads, fried chicken and milkshakes, plus a happy hour lineup.
Dining feature
Food, Faith and Family: The Story Behind Nectarine Cafe and Bakehouse
Whether patrons are celiac, vegetarian, keto, vegan or just plain foodies, Nectarine Cafe and Bakehouse in Dripping Springs offers options for all. Nectarine was established in 2018 as a response to a personal need.
The backstory
With two young sons allergic to gluten and dairy, founders Kate and Charles Smith struggled to find inclusive dining options in Southern California, where the family lived at the time. With Charles’ experience as a long-time restaurateur, the couple decided to create the restaurant they wished their family had access to.
The first location, Nectarine Grove, opened in California in 2018, and the Dripping Springs location opened in 2024. The Smiths created a menu in collaboration with their chef and business partner, Rhiana Glor, that focused on quality ingredients that nourish the body. Kate said.
Nectarine’s offerings are organic, gluten-free, and seed-oil-free. The restaurant provides a variety of breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffees, teas, smoothies and baked goods.
On the menu
Nectarine’s culinary team recently added sourdough pizzas to the menu, including the Cheesy Goddess and the Pesto-Rita. The hot chicken sandwich is one of the most popular dishes, featuring crispy plantain-crusted chicken, pickles, hot honey, spicy mayo aioli and a gluten-free brioche bun, served with a side salad.
Nectarine will begin offering prepared meals in the fall for busy families that want to eat healthier but may not be able to visit the restaurant multiple times a week. Kate said they planned to offer prepared meals from the beginning in California, but were not able to at the time.
