La Mezca is the newest concept from sisters and restaurateurs Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, who also run Veracruz Fonda and Bar + Veracruz All Natural. | Photo by Frida Molina
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting the Capital City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Austin — plus some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve and don’t forget to bookmark it.
October openings
La Mezca
The team behind Veracruz All Natural will launch this concept — serving street tacos, spirits, regional sotol, spirit flights, and more — next to Veracruz Fonda & Bar.
Skipjack Oyster
This Carolina coast-inspired eatery will feature a raw bar + daily oyster selections in a newly renovated space that was formerly home to Stella San Jac. This place officially opens on Friday, Oct. 3.
September openings
Grá Mór Managing Partner Jack McGarry said the cafe is a “love letter to Irish cafe culture.” | Photos by ATXtoday
Grá Mór
Something big and lovely from The Dead Rabbit team is open on Old 6th Street. All-day café Grá Mór, which means “Big Love” in Irish, opened next door to the tavern.
Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson will bring his “How Did We Get Here?” Tour to the Moody Center next summer. Tomlinson will be touring for the new album — tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10.
Opening
An upscale, modern American restaurant called Grey Orchard will open in Round Rock this winter. The restaurant — from the folks behind Austin’s Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar — will open in a former Denny’s space. (Community Impact)
Biz
The SEC approved the Texas Stock Exchange, clearing the path for it to become the first of its kind in Texas. TXSE — which will be headquartered in Dallas — is expected to launch in 2026 as the first new fully integrated US stock exchange in decades. (CBS News)
Pets
Looking for a furry friend? Austin Pets Alive! will waive adoption fees for all pets now through Sunday, Oct. 5 due to support from MARS Global Adoption Weekend. The shelter hopes to adopt out 50 dogs over the weekend.
Trending
Calling all pickle lovers. Downtown’s Marfa Lights Bar serves a “Dr. Pickle” cocktail — a drink with a Dr. Pepper base, amaretto, spiced rum, and topped with pickle slices — that’s taking the internet by storm. If that doesn’t tickle your taste buds, check out these happy hours for a different sip. (KVUE)
Plan Ahead
If you feel like “Every Day Is Exactly The Same,” we have an announcement for you: Nine Inch Nails extended its “Peel It Back Tour” with a show in Austin. The rock band will take over the Moody Center in March — tickets go on sale at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Sports
The Texans will take on the Baltimore Ravens this weekend — what do they need to do to win? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
Autumn in Austin starts here. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa pairs Hill Country serenity with city access — think indulging spa treatments, chef-led dining, and four championship golf courses just 20 minutes from downtown. Read:A relaxed escape with plenty to explore.*
Your must-have Halloween decor to celebrate the season, ranging from how cute to oh my:
👻 These three ceramic ghost lights are almost too cute to stand (and come with batteries).
🕯️ A No. 1 best-seller, this floating candle set will add flickering, cozy warmth to any Halloween display.
🧹 Floating witch hats show your Halloween spirit and are perfect for a party.
🕸️ The Addams family would approve of this black lace spiderweb cover decking out your mantle.
☠️ Make the neighbors do a double-take with a best-selling hands and skull set popping out of your yard.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I caught Aminé’s set at ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Tuesday night, and I’m here to confirm that he puts on a great show. Toward the end of the show, he brought out his “Tour Pants,” and invited a person from the audience to sign them. He also professed a new love for Buc-ee’s.
}})
