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City Guide
🪴 Go plant-powered
Community Vegan’s mushrooms are fried with love. | Photo courtesy @communityvegan
You’ve heard of Dry January, but have you heard of Veganuary? It’s a month-long challenge to eat plant-based, and though only 11 days of January remain, it’s never too late to start.
Try these restaurants for some delicious vegan fare.
Brunch:
Community Vegan | Get your comfort food made vegan at this food truck that specializes in mouthwatering fried mushrooms and vegan chick’n and waffles.
Tex-Mex:
Nissi Vegan Méxican Cuisine | The most popular dishes at this North Austin restaurant are birria, flautas, and the taco plate.
Date night:
Fabrik Austin | A plant-based take on fine dining and seasonal menus, Fabrik offers five-course and seven-course menus in an upscale setting.
Dessert:
Thai Fresh | Dig into pies, cakes, and tarts made with unique flavors on this mostly vegan dessert menu.Try this: Tres Leches Cake, made with almond, coconut, and coconut condensed milk and drizzled with vegan caramel
Sigh... Lucy In Disguise is gone but not forgotten. | Photo via Google Maps
Trending
The latest nostalgic trend has people sharing photos from 2016 on social media. A lot has changed in Austin since then. That photo above shows South Congress Avenue 10 years ago, featuring several beloved and since-closed businesses. Peek back at Austin’s days of yore. (Vogue)
Ranked
Here, Everything’s Better, and that’s not just a saying. H-E-B ranked No. 1 best grocery store for the fifth time in nine years, according to dunnhumby’s ninth annual Retailer Preference Index.
Austinite
Former “Teen Mom” star and Austin resident Farrah Abraham is running for office. The reality star originally filed to run for mayor, but upon realizing the mayoral race isn’t until 2028, refiled to run for City Council in District 5. (KXAN)
Opening
A new coffee shop, art book store, and magazine shop called TOMO Mags will have a grand opening in Downtown later this week. Psst — stay tuned for a peek inside in an upcoming newsletter.
Number
$615,000. That’s how much the last Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot raised for Caritas of Austin, breaking its previous record. With that donation, the annual event has raised over $6 million for the nonprofit, which works with the local unhoused population. (CBS Austin)
Today Is
National Coffee Break Day, a reminder to partake in one of the country’s favorite pastimes — stepping away from your desk to grab a cup of joe. Fortunately, the Capital City has no shortage of choice.
Coming Soon
This 5-month-old viral avalanche rescue dog-in-training won’t quite be ready for the slopes in Northern Italy this time around, but could be a hero in four years’ time. The 2026 Winter Olympics start in 18 days — make sure you’re subscribed to keep up with all the ATX-relevant happenings. (ABC News)
Sports
The Mavericks might have some risky trades in the cards. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Featured Deal
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*
The Buy
We sifted through thousands of Nordstrom Rack deals to bring you five you don’t want to miss. Add them to your cart before they’re gone.
🛍️ Score these rarely-on-sale UGG slippers that are marked down to under $100.
🛍️ Take up to $100 off this cozy longline cardigan with an attached scarf.
🛍️ Get over 50% off this buttery-soft bralette with zero wires, elastic, or seams.
🛍️ Stun in this versatile cowl neck satin blouse that’s on sale for under $30.
🛍️ Don’t miss these top-rated flare leggings that are over 70% off.
I’m not vegan, but I used to sell vegan + gluten-free bread at the farmers market, and I generally like plant-based food, so I have experience. Veracruz All Natural serves a delicious vegan cashew queso, and Nixta’s cauliflower taco is to die for.
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