25 Austin restaurants that closed their doors in 2023
Restaurants are part of the fabric of any community. They are places for sustenance, sure, but they are also where community forms, where ideas are shared and where hospitality brings us all together.
Austin said goodbye, as it does each year, to dozens of restaurants that held special meaning for many, places that meant more than just what was on the menu. Below we take a look at more than two dozen important closings from 2023, listed in reverse order of closing date, with the most recent listed first.
Pacha Organic Cafe
A campus-area favorite for pancakes made the announcement of its closure the week before Christmas, marking a somber end to the year. You know the American-Statesman was sad, as we named it one of the 20 best breakfast spots in the city in 2023.
Related: Pancakes, bagels and migas: These are the best breakfasts in Austin
SeoulJu
The Korean fried chicken and soju were a hit at this restaurant and bar that made for a great late-night spot, but it was the familial environment fostered by owner John Lee and his mother, chef Sang Mi Kang, that made the place special.
Wax Myrtle’s
The closure of the Chicago-based Land and Sea Dept.’s venture at the Thompson hotel proved that success for a hospitality group in Austin is not guaranteed just because a (smart and creative) company had success elsewhere.
Opal Divine’s
A 23-year run that rambled from West Sixth Street to South Congress Avenue and eventually a hotel on the Interstate 35 feeder road came to a close.
Citizen Eatery
One of the city’s healthiest places to eat, the vegetarian and vegan restaurant from couple Michael and Aimee Moyer had a seven-year run in the multi-use retail building on Burnet Road that is also home to Korman Fine Jewelry.
Related: Good places for healthy eating in Austin
Irie Bean Coffee Bar
After a lockout notice showed up on the door of the longtime Zilker coffee shop, a closure was soon to follow.
Old Thousand on Burnet Road
The concept of quality Chinese and takeout near such a robust residential area seemed like a great fit, but the closing of the Burnet Road locations leaves only the original Old Thousand on East 11th Street.
Vixen’s Wedding
Lenoir chef-owner Todd Duplechan’s homage to Goan cuisine and his mentor, chef Floyd Cradoz, turned over for the more casual Lefty’s Brick Bar concept at its East Austin Arrive hotel home.
Taco Ranch
Patrick Terry's attempt to replicate his P. Terry's burger success with a similar taco model (relying on simplicity, quality ingredients, some nostalgia and drive-thru service to create a craveable and replicable experience) came to an end. A Cabo Bob’s will take over the drive-thru spot in Southwest Austin.
Related: P. Terry's just lost its CEO, but you might recognize the man set to take his place.
Thunderbird Coffee
The Cherrywood neighborhood lost a bit of its heartbeat, as the long-running Thunderbird Coffee on Manor Road closed after almost 20 years in business. Owner Ryan McElroy has plans for the space but he’s not sure on the concept or details.
Wilder Wood Bakery
A few years after the closing of its campus-area progenitor, this gluten-free restaurant and bakery from owner Joan Griffith closed.
Hyde Park Bar & Grill on West Gate Boulevard
No, the original beloved Hyde Park institution has not been lost. But the West Gate location went dark, making way for a second location of El Alma, from longtime Austin chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas.
Spartan Pizza
The closure of the East Sixth Street location followed the shutter of the Anderson Mill location earlier in the year. NADC Burger now operates in the East Sixth location.
BBQ Ramen Tatsu-Ya
The restaurant that seemed to be a mix of Kemuri and Ramen Tatsu-Yas never was able to distinguish itself with its own identity. Redbud Ice House, from Olamaie chef Michael Fojtasek, will take over the space in the spring that originally housed Contigo.
Mr. Natural on South Lamar
Lost in the mix of development and unknowing to newcomers the South Austin institution shuttered, though the East Cesar Chavez Street location remains in business.
Nau's Enfield Drug
After several false starts (or stops) and inconsistent hours, the beloved Clarksville institution closed in the spring, though the memories of flat-top burgers and shakes lives on. The property is set to be redeveloped for a mixed use of retail and condos.
Lucy’s Fried Chicken in Cedar Park
Chef James Holmes, he of the late Olivia on South Lamar Boulevard, now has only his original fried chicken joint location off South Congress Avenue.
Sa-Ten on Airport Boulevard
The closure of the Japanese coffee shop with the sublime milk bread toasts leaves only the Springdale location.
Barlata
Spanish chef Daniel Olivella sold the South Lamar restaurant to chef Laila Bazahm, who rebooted it as Spanish restaurant El Raval.
Z’Tejas on West Sixth Street
An emblem of 90s Austin dining bowed out of the developing Sixth Street area being commandeered by the hospitality group emblematic of the new century, McGuire Moorman Lambert.
Austin Eastciders
The Barton Springs Road location occupied briefly by the cider-producing outfit remains a challenge. Maybe Chinese restaurant Zoe Tong, operated by New York City transplants can reverse the curse.
Henbit and TLV
The American and Israeli quick-service concepts from the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group packed up and left Fareground so the team could focus on other new openings like Ezov and Canje.
Bento Picnic
Healthy meals made easy felt like a good lane, but the to-go specialists closed, as Los Angeles import Sushi|Bar took over the space on East Cesar Chavez Street.
Daily Juice
The local juice bar that opened in 2002 before splitting up with co-founder and JuiceLand owner Matt Shook closed its final four remaining shops.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 25 Austin restaurants that closed in 2023
