Support Us Button Widget
Food

Local vegan staple Casa de Luz will open a new location in east Austin

Casa de Luz Este will have a similar focus to its sister kitchen and open inside mixed-use wellness development Casa Este.

June 24, 2024 • 
Laura Figi
A veranda reading "Casa de Luz" shrouded by greenery.

The new location was built in partnership with two longtime fans of Casa de Luz.

Photo by Richard Casteel of Dandelion Gatherings.

Are you hungry? One of Austin’s oldest vegan kitchens is expanding into a second location.

Nonprofit vegan kitchen Casa de Luz (which has been feeding Austinites since 1983) partnered with mixed-use wellness property Casa Este to create the new concept. Casa de Luz Este, 1915 E. MLK Blvd., will open on Friday, June 28.

A dining room with round tables and wooden chairs, with a glass walkway near the ceiling.

Expect to dine on fresh, unprocessed foods in an indoor-outdoor setting.

Photo by Richard Casteel of Dandelion Gatherings.

Casa Este owners Blake Thompson and Robert McKee have been fans of Casa de Luz for 15+ years. Casa de Luz Este will have a similar focus to Casa de Luz: creating a simplistic vegan menu with fresh, unprocessed foods in a communal dining room.

The space will be open seven days per week, serving lunch and dinner — with breakfast starting in late summer — plus grab-and-go items.

The new kitchen will also have volunteer opportunities and partnerships with local farms.

More from ATXtoday
Two hands holding glasses of orange-colored craft beer, raised for a toast in an outdoor setting. The scene features a cozy beer garden with trees, string lights, picnic tables, and a mix of casual seating in the background. The ambiance is relaxed, with the evening sky transitioning from day to dusk, and people are sitting around, enjoying the space.
Food
Your ultimate guide to Austin breweries
Sip your way through the Capital City at these 15 local breweries.
December 16, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Fireworks exploding over the Google building and other skyscrapers in Downtown Austin.
Culture
25 conversations you want to have in 2025
Tell us what local knowledge you want to gain in 2025, and we’ll investigate until we find your answer.
December 16, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A single-story building with curved, layered walls made using 3D-printing technology, featuring a metal gabled roof, large glass windows, and a surrounding landscaped area with pathways and parking spaces.
Business
ICON unveils 3D-printed Innovation Center at Camp Mabry
The 3D-printing construction company partnered with Camp Mabry to bring fresh buildings to the home of the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
A colorful assortment of macarons arranged in a decorative gift box, featuring flavors in vibrant hues like blue, yellow, red, and brown against a red and patterned backdrop.
Food
Where to get holiday cookies in ATX
Treat Santa (or your loved ones) to some gourmet goodies from local bakeries this year — they’re a present all their own.
December 13, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The iconic Hi, How Are You mural off of Guadalupe Stree.
Culture
Which locations around Austin deserve a historical marker?
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Austin?
December 12, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
December 11, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi
The Texas Capitol as seen in the late 1800s, partially constructed. Most of the building is complete, save for the dome at the top.
Culture
Unwrap these 4 gifts given to the city of Austin
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
December 11, 2024
 · 
STAFF
A tuna tower is plated on a white plate and garnished with cilantro. The colorful dish includes avocado, pineapple, edamame, and more ingredients.
Food
Food Network host to open new restaurant in Round Rock
Helmed by television host and restaurateur John Green, Odds Bar & Bistro will serve up elevated bar fare and craft cocktails.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A house and a red car are decorated with numerous strands of multicolored string lights, including blue, green, red, and yellow bulbs. The lights cover the exterior walls of the house, the car's roof, and the surrounding area, creating a bright display. A figure of Santa Claus sits in the backseat of the car. Additional lights hang from overhead wires, and the dark sky contrasts with the illuminated decorations. Bicycles and other objects are partially visible in the background.
Events
37th Street Lights returns this weekend
Don’t miss the annual DIY light display, which has brought joy to the weird in Austin since the 1980s.
December 10, 2024
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_Waymo
Business
All the autonomous vehicles operating in Austin
The robots are driving in ATX. Keep your eyes peeled for these companies, which are driving or getting ready to deploy driverless vehicles in town.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Laura Figi