Plus, Swedish Hill and JNL Barbecue move locations.
 
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Today’s Forecast

71º | Evening thunderstorms | 66% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:21 a.m. | Sunset 6:07 p.m.
 

📈 Here we grow again

Coming soon: What not to miss in Austin in 2024
A golden tree has puffs of a sugary, red dessert perched on top of it, and lies in a decorated glass bowl. Around it, smoke drifts across a tabletop decorated with plants, flowers, and fake butterflies.
The Guest House will serve engaging, whimsical dishes and drinks in Downtown Austin. | Photo by TJ Perez
Every time we look around, it seems like something new is popping up in Austin.

Whether you’re looking for your next go-to brunch destination or a new public park to stretch your legs, we’re rounding up 60+ spots that recently opened or are about to open in the Capital City.

Dining

The Guest House, 110 San Antonio St. | Opening in February | It’s all whimsy at this aesthetic New American restaurant and wine garden, which will serve creatively presented dishes in an equally unique atmosphere.

Lil’ Easy Fine Cajun Food & Bar, 5000 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Opening in February or March | Southern Louisiana flavors take center stage at this new restaurant from the teams behind Sawyer & Co. and De Nada Cantina.

Bambino, 979 Springdale Rd., Ste. 153 | Opening early this year | The new Roman-style pizzeria comes from the culinary brains behind Italian restaurant L’Oca d’Oro.

The entry to Poeta, with green striped walls and tiled floors. In the center of the image, a green lush booth is framed with tables and brown chairs.

Poeta, an all-day cafe, serves Italian-inspired bites in a tranquil setting.

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Photo by Chase Daniel

Poeta, 1123 E. 11th St. | Opened in December | This all-day Italian cafe from the chefs that opened Intero serves bites like crab cakes, crispy polenta, and “wafflegato” topped with espresso.

Not a Damn Chance Burger, 1007 E. 6th St. | Opened in December | Smash burgers and fries fried in wagyu fat — need we say more?

Retail

Rails, 11621 Rock Rose Ave. | Opened in December | The growth won’t stop at Domain NORTHSIDE — this Los Angeles-based clothing company is just one of several new stores that opened in 2023.

MCM, 1700 Rock Rose Ave. | Opened in January | Shop for leather goods, bags, backpacks, trunks, and accessories from this German luxury brand.

The inside of Mirror Mirror salon, with arched shelves in the foreground and in the background, chairs in front of arched, well-lit mirrors.

This aesthetic new salon is a larger space for the Mirror Mirror team.

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Photo by Melissa Glynn

Mirror Mirror, 2721 Perseverance Dr. | Opening February | The decade-old salon’s newest location prioritizes ambiance through a larger space and warm tones.

Zadok, 11501 Century Oaks Terrace | Opening mid-2024 | This new Domain location marks the high-end jewelry brand’s first store out of Houston.
53 more spots
Asked

How many new openings did we help you discover?
A. Barely any — I’m the first to know everything
B. There were a few I hadn’t heard of
C. Most of them
D. These were all news to me
Let us know
ZACH Theatre
 
Events
Friday, Feb. 2
  • FronteraFest: The Short Fringe | Now-Friday, Feb. 9 | 8 p.m. | Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd St., Austin | $22 | See five short plays back-to-back each night during this festival, with stories covering topics ranging from romance to “choose-your-own-adventure” comedies.
  • The Ocean Blue | Friday, Feb. 2-Saturday, Feb. 3 | 8 p.m. | 3TEN at ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $27 | Hear the self-titled album on Friday, or attend on Saturday for “Cerulean.”
Saturday, Feb. 3
  • Atsuko Okatsuka | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $30-$50 | Check out this “perfect human” onstage for the “Full Grown” tour.
  • Carnaval Brasileiro | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 9 p.m. | Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave., Austin | $40-$250 | The annual Mardi Gras celebration features live Brazilian bands, a body painter, and lots of dancing.
Sunday, Feb. 4
  • Pre-Valentine’s Day Market | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 12-4 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Get some early Valentine’s gifts or have your tarot cards read at this event featuring local vendors + food and drink for purchase.
  • The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $36-$125 | You’ll “Twist and Shout” to the tunes from this Beatles tribute band.
Monday, Feb. 5
  • Herbal Tea + Double Sound Bath | Monday, Feb. 5 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | 701 Tillery St., Ste. A7B, Austin | $33 | Sip blue lotus tea amid the ambience of soothing melody led by two seasoned sound healers.
Plan Ahead
  • “Year of the Dragon” Lunar New Year | Monday, Feb. 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Wu Chow, 500 W. 5th St., Austin | Cost of purchase | Wu Chow’s annual Lunar New Year celebration will benefit Austin Pets Alive! and feature bites, special cocktails, and lion dancers.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Edu
  • AISD launched its first electric school buses this week, marking the first step in a journey to having an all-electric bus fleet by 2035. The three buses produce zero emissions and are housed at the Southeast Bus Terminal at 7200 Bluff Springs Rd. (Austin American-Statesman)
Arts
  • The Trail Conservancy announced eight artists that will create works for the TEMPO on the Trail initiative, a series of installations along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Check out the selected artists, each of whom will receive $25,000 to create their works.
Coming Soon
  • Although temporarily closed for the construction of Sixth&Blanco, Swedish Hill will open a short-term location at 1128 W. 6th St. this month. The bakery will serve its regular menu for takeout, pickup orders, and outdoor dine-in. (Eater Austin)
Announced
  • JNL Barbecue closed its location inside the Upscale Market last month, but plans to reopen as a food truck outside of Buzz Mill Coffee sometime soon. Owners have not yet announced an opening date. (Eater Austin)
Plan Ahead
  • Walker Lukens, DAIISTAR, S.L. Houser, and several other local artists will perform at this year’s Austin Music Awards, taking place Sunday, Feb. 25 at Antone’s Nightclub. Tickets will benefit the SIMS Foundation.
Sports
  • Texas and football just go together like chips and queso. That might be why 10 former Texas high school graduates will compete in the Super Bowl this month, tied only with Florida. (CBS Austin)
Announced
  • Congratulations to our survey winner, Rachel M., for winning $500. Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey. We’re excited to continue providing positive news and events in our free newsletter.
 
Today Is

Step aside, Punxatawney Phil

You’ve heard of Groundhog Day — but what about Armadillo Day?
Bee Cave Bob leaving his pen
If Bee Cave Bob explores his pen, it’s time for an early spring. | Photo courtesy Bee Cave Bob on Facebook
While most Americans look toward Pennsylvania for weather predictions come Feb. 2, Texans have been known to look to the Hill Country, toward a nine-banded armadillo named Bee Cave Bob.

It all takes place at the “West Pole,” a ranch in Bee Cave — and by “West Pole,” we’re not kidding. The Texas legislature officially declared Bee Cave as the planet’s geographical west pole in 2007.

Bob’s job is largely the same as Punxatawney Phil’s. Bob’s handler Ralph Fisher brings the guest of honor to the West Pole, and when the time is right, he emerges. If Bob enjoys his time in the sun, it’s an early spring. If he turns back toward the darkness, buckle down for six more weeks of winter.

Because everything’s bigger in Texas, Bob likes to bring a little more fortune-telling into the mix. Legend goes that the direction he walks can foresee the political climate of the year, as well.
More to know
The Buy

The Buy 2.02.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
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The Wrap
 
London Gibson

Today’s edition by:
London
From the editor
Speaking of “Groundhog Day,” did you know Bill Murray hosted a wild Western evening in Bee Cave for his fan club last week? Check out some behind-the-scenes clips from our friend at @spilltheatx.
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