Austin's bar scene is set to seriously expand with newcomers on East Cesar Chavez and other spots around town, ready to entice city dwellers with a mix of Texan hospitality and gourmet fare. Among the anticipated openings are two new ventures from the team behind the far south Austin haven, Armadillo Den. Dainty Dillo, a spin-off bar and restaurant, will take up residence in the Govalle neighborhood, aiming to open its doors in late February. Not far away, Chalmers, a "Texas ice house," is slated for a March debut, according to a recent report by Eater Austin.
The new Dainty Dillo location at 3201 East Cesar Chavez Street was chosen for its naturalistic charm, reminiscent of its predecessor Armadillo Den. Co-owner Brett Berry highlighted the establishment's embrace of the outdoors, telling Eater, "The reason we call it Armadillo Den is the nature side of it...Our space in Armadillo Den, you walk in and you’re immersed in nature. This has a very similar feel to me." Dainty Dillo seeks to provide a cozy spot for both drinks and expanded dining options, including Southern and Texan-inspired dishes served up with a side of live music and sports viewing.
Barely a mile away, Chalmers, at 1700 East Cesar Chavez Street, promises to be an open-air locale combining West Texas vibes with the charm of Luckenbach. It's a project born from cooperation between the Armadillo Den team and the Excelsior Hospitality group, co-owned by chef Nicholas Yanes of Juniper fame. Chalmers will offer draft beers, cocktails, nonalcoholic beverages, and casual fare with an "East Texas flair," as per Berry's description cited in Eater Austin. Occupying a former gas station, the venue aims to provide a laid-back atmosphere complete with fire pits and live music, not to mention a potential off-leash park for dogs.
Other hotspots rounding out Austin's winter openings include Gina’s on Congress, a French-Italian bistro, and The Statesman, a downtown supper club with a mid-century twist, both of which tribute to the culinary diversity of the city. These sumptuous options alongside niche haunts like Powder Room—a "secret" cocktail bar—and Busty's Bar & Jukebox, with its vintage vibes and frosty beers, paint an exciting picture of Austin's gastronomic future. Information about these and other new establishments can be found in a compilation released by Tribeza.
With the city's bar and dining scene booming, both locals and visitors will soon have to experience no shortage of options to eat, drink, and be merry. Whether it's the intimate settings, inventive menus, or simply the Texas-sized welcome, the latest crop of Austin haunts are set to make their own mark on the Lone Star State's capital.
