DJ Oribello said the birria pizza draws inspiration from the brothers’ habit of eating quesabirria weekly when they lived in California. | Photo by ATXtoday
You’ve likely seen Oribello’s Kitchen + Bar’s viral purple drinks and dishes on your social feeds, butnow it’s time to meet the folks behind them.
The new sports lounge is a family affair, run by Darrel Oribello — a seasoned restaurateur and partner in Sazan Ramen and Endo Sushi — and his sons, DJ and Wesley Oribello.
ATXtoday sat down with the Oribello brothers to chat about the restaurant’s origins, Filipino and Mexican influences, and its impact on the Austin community.
Oribello’s Kitchen + Bar is DJ, Darrel, and Wesley Oribello’s first business venture as a trio.
Photo courtesy of DJ Oribello
What inspired the Oribello’s menu?
DJ: “One of my inspirations for Austin food is Paul Qui. In my head, I wanted to create something that reminded me of when I came to Austin and had East Side King for the first time and had the beef tongue baos. We wanted to do something that was fun — and not be too crazy with the flavors — but also be unapologetic with what we’re trying to do. We want to do stuff that represents us at the end of the day.”
Auburn Tigers vs. Texas Longhorns Baseball | 7 p.m. | UFCU Disch-Falk Field | $18+ | Grab a hot dog and get ready to cheer on the Longhorns as they face the team from Alabama.
Preservation Austin 2025 Homes Tour VIP Party | 7-9 p.m. | I.V. Davis Homestead | $125 | Wear your favorite cocktail attire to this twilight soiree, featuring live music by Texas-style jazz maestros, to kick off the annual tour.
Live Music on The Terrace | 8-10 p.m. | Edge Rooftop | Cost of purchase | Elevate your Thursday night by adding craft cocktails, live music, and skyline views to the mix.
Friday, April 18
Lick Honest Ice Creams x Rockman Bakehouse | 12-11 p.m. | Lick Honest Ice Cream | Cost of purchase | Satisfy your sweet tooth with special ice cream sandwiches that are available for one day only.
Saturday, April 19
Easter Egg Hunt | 8:15 a.m. | Austin Zoo | $10 | Bring the kids to gather eggs and meet the Easter Bunny at this festive celebration — pre-registration is required.
Wine Tasting: Boxed or Bougie | 3-5 p.m. | The Loren Hotel Austin | Free | See if you can taste the difference between shelf wines and pours curated by Nido’s sommelier team.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show | 9 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Sashay your way to this show + vendor market with a lineup of stellar performers and first-come, first-served seating.
Game on: Austin’s newest hangout spot is now open
Presented by Pins Mechanical Co.
Go ahead and let your friends know that you have plans for this weekend secured. | Photos provided by Pins Mechanical Co.
Pins Mechanical Co. is officially open in the St. Elmo District — and it’s ready to become your new go-to hangout spot.
Austinites can enjoy a unique blend of nostalgic games, specialty cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in a 43,000-sqft venue (read: the largest location to date), packed with endless entertainment options.
Expect 20 duckpin bowling lanes, 25 pinball machines, nearly 30 classic arcade games, and interactive activities like foosball, ping pong, and oversized yard games.
Designed as a dynamic social hub, Pins offers three bars serving craft cocktails, a curated selection of local and regional draft beers, and alcohol alternatives — including low- and no-proof options. Pro tip: Enjoy rotating food trucks nearby.
With private event spaces, cozy fire pits, and a central courtyard, it’s the perfect destination for any occasion. Bonus: The space is dog-friendly, both indoors and outdoors.
Swing by Monday through Thursday (4 p.m.-12 a.m.), Friday and Saturday (12 p.m.-2 a.m.), and Sunday (12 p.m.-12 a.m.).
I scream, you scream. Museum of Ice Cream will close in late July after four years of sugar-themed fun at The Domain. The company is actively looking for a new location in Austin and hopes to secure a larger space with a 10-year lease. (Austin Business Journal)
Coming Soon
What’s replacing the Museum of Ice Cream, you ask? The Dallas-based team behind Haywire and Sixty Vines plans to bring a new restaurant called Mexican Sugar Cocina to the museum’s former space. Mexican Sugar is expected to open in 2026. (Austin Business Journal)
Concert
Still Austin Whiskey Co. and Antone’s teamed up to create a new live music series called Antone’s Stage at Still Austin. The free, monthly concerts will kick off with performances by Cha Wa and THEBROSFRESH from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 at the Moody Amphitheater.
Film
Lights, camera, Texas.Senate Bill 22, which Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson supported, passed yesterday and aims to bring more film productions to Texas. It will establish a long-term film incentive fund that will receive $500 million every two years and be used to award grants to filmmakers. (KVUE)
Ranked
Nickel City is one of the best bars in the US, landing the No. 70 spot on an extended ranking of “North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025.” The east Austin watering hole was lauded for its neighborhood vibe, laid-back feel, and on-site food truck serving Detroit-style Coney dogs.
Job
Know someone interested in a sworn position? The Austin Police Department currently has 306 unfilled roles. An audit released yesterday states the department is “experiencing staff shortages and is struggling to attract enough applicants to fill vacancies.” Learn more about APD’s hiring process.
Sports
Former Stanford wide receiver Emmett Mosley V committed to the Longhorns — what will he bring to the team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Your summer social calendar just got an upgrade, Austin. Thanks to Omni Barton Creek’s fun lineup of can’t-miss events, Austinites don’t have to go far for fun in the sun. Explore the calendar of events and book your stay. Hint: Summer has never looked so good.*
Number
3. That’s how many steps it takes to see if you qualify for a medical cannabis prescription in the Lone Star State. Not sure if you qualify? Learn what conditions qualify under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, and see how Texas Original can help you throughout the process.†‡*
Calling all small business owners. Features in our 2025 Parents Gift Guide are now 20% off. Secure a spot for your business’s product or service by using code PGG2025 at checkout.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for ATXtoday’s Best. Voting ends Friday, Apr. 25.
Category
City
đźš§ Seal the deal
After a sealcoat treatment, residents are asked to help prevent flying gravel by avoiding hard braking and sharp turning. | Screenshot via City of Austin’s YouTube
Nobody likes a pothole, which is whythe Austin Transportation and Public Works Department performs preventative street maintenance each year.
The work, happening now through October, aims to preserve the integrity of Austin’s roads and increase their lifespan. You can see if your neighborhood will be affected via this street schedule map.
Here’s what to know about the routine work:
The most common treatment is sealcoat, which involves spreading an asphalt-like material atop the street. It’s meant to smooth the surface and remove hairline cracks that create potholes.
If your neighborhood is scheduled for a treatment, don’t park on the street or your vehicle may be towed to a nearby road.
The work has to be done in warm, dry conditions, so it’s only performed as weather permits from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays + some weekends.
Sealcoat treatments may result in loose gravel that settles into the street in four to six weeks.
Learn more about Austin’s preventative street maintenance.
The Buy
Really cute waterdrop earrings, with one pair of gold and one pair of silver for $12.99. The minimalist earrings hug ears + look heavy while feeling surprisingly lightweight.
I’m headed out of town for a few days, but I’m ready to hit the ground running when I return to Austin. Preservation Austin’s Homes Tour, Field Guide Festival, Austin Blues Festival, and Eeyore’s Birthday Party are all happening next weekend.
Pro-tip: Fill out your schedule using our Plan Ahead, a go-to resource for this month’s must-do events.
‡Texas CUP License No. 0005. Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions. Patients must consult a physician and receive a prescription to purchase medical cannabis products. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.