Humanity has suffered a number of tragedies: the near extinction of our species 900,000 years ago, the death of half of Europe during the Black Plague, and the formation of Village Idiot (later renamed Nickelback) in the early 1990s. I thought we had unjustly suffered another tragedy when I drove up to Dos Batos Tacos in September and found its doors locked due to unpaid rent for three months. But, miracle of miracles, Dos Batos is back and better than ever, including a return of their pre-COVID hours to 9 pm.
Velvet Taco is now open and fillin’ tortillas until 11 PM during the week and 1 AM on the weekend. Mazur Coffee & Boutique opened at 4207 Medical Parkway with early rave reviews. Mama Betty’s and her side squeeze Foxtail Lounge are hiring and hope to open in mid-November. Based on the concrete lap pool Gusto is building out front, the next drunk driver veering into their space won’t end up in the dining room. Asado’s Taqueria upgraded its trailer while Cheri Coffee has abandoned the cube and is now occupying non-mobile space at the same location. In other news, Water2Wine celebrated its 20th anniversary, and DNA evidence solved the yogurt shop murders from 1991.
The mystery spot taking over Shortie’s spot above District Kitchen is (daf roll please) Roya! Roya is Chef Amir Hajimaleki’s Persian pop-up, now with a forever home. Filed under “Well, That Didn’t Take Long” is the opening of Churchrow Tejas BBQ by the owner of Taco Flats with Miguel Vidal from the ill-fated Valentina’s firing the pits. Here’s to hoping that Vidal’s Real Deal Holyfield makes a triumphant return! Still waiting on SOSU Izakaya & Sushi Bar, Neon Belly, Tzintzuntzan, La La Land Kind Cafe, and H-Mart to open.
Now get out there and get some calories!
austin wanderlist 