Estelle's, the thoughtfully adorned cocktail lounge that graced downtown Austin with its unique blend of dining, drinks, and florals, has turned off its lights for good. According to Eater Austin, after just over a year of operation at 400 Colorado Street, the lounge served its last customer on September 4. The sudden closure was announced on Instagram and the company's website, simply stating, "We are heartbroken to share that Estelle's has closed its doors and will not be reopening," a post by the parent company NoCo Hospitality lamented.
The venue's eclectic decor featuring midcentury modern aesthetics, a grand staircase, and even an in-house flower shop by Native Bloom was not enough to stave off its untimely end. Situated near other nightlife staples like the Highland Lounge nightclub, Cedar Street Courtyard, and The Pub, Estelle's had made its mark as a versatile spot catering to casual gatherings and private celebrations alike. Despite its appealing interior and diverse offerings from biscuits & pork belly gravy to Yellowtail Crudo, the reasons behind the closure remain unannounced. According to KVUE, the future of the prime real estate location is currently uncertain.
Online, customers and former employees have not shied away from airing their mixed reviews and concerns about Estelle's operations. In a thread on Reddit, a user by the name of u/drunkmaria described an unfortunate experience at the lounge, sparking a series of comments that suggested deep-seated issues, with one user claiming, "Multiple lawsuits against the owner for not paying employees. Checks were bouncing. At one point they were venmo-ing staff," as per MYSA report. These allegations, among others discussing the quality of service and business management, paint a picture of the turmoil beneath the cocktail lounge's stylish surface.
Amidst the shadow cast by Estelle's departure, attention is turning to NoCo Hospitality's other ventures. Patrons left comments expressing concern and affection for venues like Superstition and Higher Ground, fearing they might share a similar fate. Especially, a Reddit user highlighted their appreciation for $1 oyster Tuesdays at Higher Ground. However, sentiment turned sour for Superstition with a different user bluntly stating, "Superstition can fuck off tho," reflecting divergent experiences within NoCo Hospitality's portfolio of establishments. As of now, the community is left to watch and wait to see what the future holds for the sites under the troubled umbrella of Estelle's former ownership.
