The Hippie Sandwich ($11.99) is one of several favorites from Austin's original Shady Grove now being served at A Little Shady, which opened Aug. 4 in Kyle. The grilled eggplant, roasted red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, arugula, tomato, mozzarella and pesto mayo sandwich can be turned into a 'Hippie Chick' with Thai grilled chicken for $4 extra. (Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)
A beloved Austin institution is back from the dead, and a fast-growing Leander Tex-Mex favorite just planted its flag in Round Rock while eyeing Cedar Park. From a family-owned Southeast Asian counter in Leander to a protein-shake bar in downtown Austin, here's a look at the latest restaurant openings across the metro—plus, in this week's feature, fresh fish and live music at the Arboretum.
Inspired by Austin's original Shady Grove, which was founded in 1992 on Barton Springs Road and closed in May 2020, this resurrected favorite honors the spirit of the original restaurant while introducing a new space and fast-casual service, according to a news release. Customers can enjoy Shady Grove’s "greatest hits," offering a taste of nostalgia, such as green chile cheese fries, tortilla fried queso catfish, hippie sandwiches and grilled wings. New menu items include the Quickie Dog, which is a mini hot dog topped with homemade Airstream chili, queso and onions. The new location features indoor and outdoor full-service bars serving handcrafted cocktails—such as the Green Chile Gimlet, In Shady Fashion and Frozen Shady Thangs—in souvenir cups as well as ice-cold draft beer.
The Hippie Sandwich ($11.99) is one of several favorites from Austin's original Shady Grove now being served at A Little Shady, which opened Aug. 4 in Kyle. The grilled eggplant, roasted red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, arugula, tomato, mozzarella and pesto mayo sandwich can be turned into a 'Hippie Chick' with Thai grilled chicken for $4 extra. (Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)
Conejos Tex-Mex Cantina held its soft opening in Round Rock on Aug. 5 and is officially open on Greenlawn Blvd. with future plans to expand to Cedar Park, making three total locations. Co-owner Bobby Hernandez said he expects the Cedar Park location, which will be located on W. Whitestone Blvd., to open in October or November. He said the menu will be the same across all three locations. The Conejos website describes it as "a menu that blends classic Mexican staples with bold Tex-Mex flair with Southern style." Offerings include tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and more.
Limegreen, a family-owned Southeast Asian restaurant, officially opens in Leander’s Southbrook Station on Aug. 21. Founder Ngoc Phan noted that a portion of grand-opening proceeds through Aug. 23 will support local families impacted by the July 2025 flooding via the Universal Angels Network. The "Chipotle-style" eatery offers customizable banh mi and bowls with coconut rice or vermicelli bases and proteins like lemongrass pork or grilled steak. During the grand opening, the first 50 daily customers receive half off their orders, and Limegreen Rewards sign-ups get a free Vietnamese coffee or passionfruit tea with an entrée purchase. The restaurant also provides wings, spring rolls and catering services.
Open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. beneath apartment complex The Shoal, Fresh Monkee serves up high-fiber, low-sugar protein shakes, including the Banana Split, made with milk, vanilla protein, unsweetened coconut shreds, banana, pineapple, strawberries, and topped with unsweetened coconut shreds. Fresh Monkee also has coffee-based drinks like the caramel coffee buzz, which features milk, a splash of cream, vanilla protein, coffee ice cubes, vanilla extract, Stevia and sugar-free caramel drizzle. For a light bite, patrons can order the Monkee Balls, made with natural peanut butter, oat flour, chocolate whey protein, maple syrup, vanilla extract and rolled in semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil.
This Texas-based restaurant, which specializes in scratch-made breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, including eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, brisket tacos, sandwiches, salads and burgers, will give Bastrop residents who RSVP on Yelp a sneak peek ahead of its Aug. 24 opening with a two-day fundraiser benefiting Bastrop County Cares. Curious diners can check out the new brunch space Aug. 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. till noon and donate to Bastrop County Cares—a collective-impact nonprofit that works to connect, collaborate and catalyze solutions to aid residents—instead of paying. Franchisee Josh Ellis said Bastrop’s charm helped draw him to the area.
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab opened in The Arboretum over 20 years ago, bringing fresh seafood and fine dining experiences to Northwest Austin neighbors for decades. The restaurant offers exclusive oysters and wine from around the world, though its true bread and butter is its genuine hospitality, said Fernando Nunez, general manager of the downtown Austin location. Originally founded in Houston in 1992, the restaurant has 12 locations in Florida, Texas and Illinois—with an additional spot coming soon to Houston.
On the menu
Truluck's is known for its Florida Stone Crab, which is harvested sustainably and delivered from trap to table within 24 hours, according to the restaurant’s website, which ensures freshness and flavor. The restaurant also offers a special called “Crab, Crab, Crab,” which features Dungeness crab from the Pacific Northwest, wild Bairdi crab from Alaska and red king crab from the Bering Sea.
Other seafood dishes include the jumbo lump crab cake, ahi tuna tartare, fresh oysters, Mediterranean branzino and caviar service. For those craving surf and turf, Truluck’s offers filet mignon, New York strip, steak frites and roasted lamb rack. Sides include asparagus, brie mac and cheese, sautéed or creamed spinach, truffle fries and crab fried rice.
Truluck’s has its own oyster brand, True Pearl, sourced from Maine; True Pearl is served at all Truluck’s locations. (Courtesy Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab)
The wine menu includes pours from Napa to New Zealand, including Two Paddocks, a pinot noir from Central Otago. Truluck’s also partners with distilleries around the country for its single barrel program. The house old fashioned is crafted with bourbon, spiced orange, angostura and orange bitters, while the single barrel margarita is made with Truluck’s Single Barrel El Tesoro Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier and fresh lime.
What’s special about it?
Each team member at Truluck’s is hospitality-driven, Myriam Chiny, general manager of the Arboretum location, said. The team hopes to craft a memorable experience for every guest, making them feel welcome.
“The moment that you're walking to the building, I want you to feel like you're at home," Nunez said. “When you're being seated and the person that's taking care of you comes to the table, I want you to feel that you've known this person for 15-20 years and you're in good hands.”
On the other hand, there are guests who have been coming to Truluck's for decades now, Chiny said. The staff focuses on building relationships with guests, she explained, tailoring the experience to their preferences and allergies.
Guests at The Arboretum location can find live music at the restaurant, seven days a week.
