Plus, Texas French Bread preps for a comeback.
 
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🥞 These star-studded spots sizzle

Celebrity restaurants in Austin, TX
The counter and display glass display case at Walton's Fancy and Staple in Austin; there are pastries inside the case and you can see the menu behind the counter detailing the dishes. The building's signature red brick wall can be seen behind the counter, and the restaurant's logo is scrolled across the window to the right.
The inside of Walton’s Fancy and Staple is charming as ever. | Photo via Dani Parsons
Hollywood is where many celebrities live, work, and play. But sometimes, the stars look to Austin to take on another role — in the restaurant world, that is.

We’ve rounded up a few local restaurants powered by celebrity chefs + other big names in showbiz. Lights. Camera. Action. Eat.

Walton’s Fancy and Staple, 609 W. 6th St.
This charming brick bakery, deli + flower shop is owned by Miss Congeniality herself, Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock. The star is said to have tremendous pride in her Austin business, right down to deciding what’s on the menu. Try the Challah French Toast for breakfast or the Gobble sandwich for lunch — yum.

The bar at Uptown Sports Club in East Austin featuring shelves lined with spirits, the bar top, bar stools, and a red neon sign on the brick wall that reads "Cocktails."

Uptown Sports Club is in its reinvention era.

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Photo via Nick Simonite

Uptown Sports Club, 1200 E. 6th St.
The historic East Austin spot has been reimagined as the latest project for restaurateur Aaron Franklin and James Moody. The laid-back, New Orleans-inspired eatery (with a Texas twist, of course), offers coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and dinner plates like Steak Frites. Don’t miss happy hour — 2-5 p.m. on weekdays — that Fried Green Tomato is calling our name. Make a reservation.

Arlo Grey, 111 E. Cesar Chavez St.
“Top Chef” winner, host, and cookbook author Kristen Kish is the chef/partner of this chic downtown restaurant at the LINE Austin hotel. Kish’s dishes blend her love of fine dining and travel while showcasing ingredients from local farmers + purveyors. This is a buzzy spot — make a reservation. Pro tip: Order a bottle of wine on Sunday nights — they’re $20 off.

The patio and entrance at Aba in Austin; the space features modern chairs and tables in neutral tones, lots of green potted plants, and twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling.

“Top Chef” alum CJ Jacobson owns Aba; don’t leave without trying the whipped feta.

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Photo via Chase Daniel

Aba, 1011 S. Congress Ave.
This modern Mediterranean restaurant with a California twist is owned by “Top Chef” alum CJ Jacobson. Try signature dishes like the smoky garlic hummus + whipped feta spread (both available during happy hour, too), or head here on the weekends for brunch. The bar specializes in rare Mediterranean wine + spirits, so come thirsty. Make a reservation.
4 more trendy celeb restaurants
Asked

My favorite celebrity restaurant in Austin is...

A. Walton’s Fancy and Staple
B. Family Business Beer Company
C. Franklin Barbecue
D. Uptown Sports Club
Food for thought
Austin Regional Clinic
 
Events
Tuesday, May 14
  • Story Time, Tacos, & Coffee with Austin Public Library | Tuesday, May 14 | 10 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | One of Austin Public Library’s youth librarians will lead a short reading of a children’s book; bring a blanket to sit on and let the kids run around at the playground after.
  • Rosie Tucker | Tuesday, May 14 | 9 p.m. | Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St., Austin | $16 | The singer-songwriter will perform with local opening act Large Brush Collection.
Wednesday, May 15
  • The Decemberists | Wednesday, May 15 | 8 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $41-$196 | The folk-rock band will perform the “A Peaceable Kingdom North American Tour 2024" with Ratboys.
  • Cumbia Night | Wednesday, May 15 | 8-11 p.m. | Devil May Care, 500 W. 6th St., Austin | Cost of purchase | Sip on drink specials and dance to live jazz or Cumbia every Wednesday in May — this week features Los Gatos 512.
Thursday, May 16
  • Affordable Art Fair | Thursday, May 16-Sunday, May 19 | Times vary | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | $14-$50 | Explore 60 local, national, and international art galleries under one roof with pieces ranging from $100 to $10,000.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Biz
  • Texas French Bread shall rise again. The beloved restaurant on Rio Grande Street was destroyed by a fire two years ago, but owner Murph Willcott says plans are underway to rebuild. Construction should start in July, and the reopening is slated for summer 2025. (Austin Business Journal)
Civic
  • The Austin Police Department released its strategic plan establishing the agency’s priorities through 2029. The plan includes five focus areas: Protect Austin, Engage Our Community, Develop Our Workforce, Foster Leadership Experience, and Enhance Organizational Capacity. Locals can provide feedback via Speak Up Austin.
Development
  • A new graduate student housing project has been approved at the University of Texas that will add 576 beds, retail, and dining options. The new complex — set to open in 2027 — will be built near another ~780-bed housing project in East Campus that’s opening this fall. (Austin American-Statesman)
Real Estate
  • The median closing price for a home sold in Austin last month was $469,998, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. A total of 2,708 local homes were sold in April, a 5.9% increase and the highest monthly increase in home sales this year compared to one year ago.
Open
  • Let the bagels roll. Farmers market favorite David Doughie’s Bagelry will open a new food truck tomorrow at Fleet coffee shop at 2427 Webberville Rd. The truck offers the brand’s New York-style bagels and spreads, plus expanded goodies like pastrami-smoked salmon + egg sandwiches. (Eater Austin)
Concert
  • Rapper Childish Gambino — hot off a surprise album drop — will bring “The New World Tour” to the Moody Center on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Presale ticket sales begin Wednesday, May 15; snag your seat.
Ranked
  • You better work, ATX. According to WalletHub, Austin is the No. 8 best city in the US for recent college graduates to start a career. The rankings factored in 26 metrics including the availability of entry-level jobs, housing affordability, and average monthly starting salary.
Active
  • Our ATXtoday readers love working out on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail — and they’re not the only ones. USA TODAY 10Best has named the 10-mile path along the banks of Lady Bird Lake the No. 7 best recreational trail in the US, praised for its breathtaking views.
Sports
  • Outfielder Evan Carter is the latest injured Ranger and Marcus Semien is having a moment. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
 
The Buy

The Buy 5.14.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Clinique’s Take The Day Off cleansing balm makeup remover. This balm’s silky, buttery formula dissolves long-wearing makeup and sunscreens — and it’s one of the brand’s best sellers.
 
The Wrap
 
Monica Garske headshot

Today’s edition by:
Monica
From the editor
Hi, friends — Monica here, happy to be working with Figi in ATX this week. I’ve been looking for sweet gifts to show gratitude to my daughters’ teachers, and I found inspiration right here in Austin with Madhu Chocolate’s beautiful bonbons.

Let’s be honest, anyone dealing with kids for an entire school year deserves lots and lots of chocolate.
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