Just as the dust began to settle on the downtown Austin cocktail scene, Estelle's Social Lounge, a charming locale at 400 Colorado St., has called it quits abruptly. The veritable oasis of vintage furniture and botanical cocktails announced its closure via Instagram on Thursday, leaving Austin's nightlife patrons searching for answers. As Eater Austin reported, NoCo Hospitality revealed the heartbreak of closing Estelle's doors permanently without shedding light on the future of the establishment that debuted just last year in a space once occupied by Truluck’s.

With this unexpected turn of events, speculation and personal anecdotes have surged on social media platforms like Reddit where patrons and former staff voiced their concerns and experiences. "Multiple lawsuits against the owner for not paying employees. Checks were bouncing. At one point they were venmo-ing staff," a Reddit user detailed in a comment that emerged as the most upvoted response. This revelation, while unconfirmed by the establishment, paints a concerning picture of the operational challenges Estelle's may have grappled with behind the scenes. As reported by MySA, MySA reached out to Estelle’s for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Meanwhile, East Austin's social tapestry prepares to welcome a new tapestry — The Long Goodbye, a distinct cocktail lounge complemented by a relaxing outdoor bar setting — opening its doors on April 26th. The establishment seeks to meld the energy of a mid-century modern lounge with enduring West Coast art-deco elements, as reported by KXAN. Founder Charles Ferraro expressed enthusiasm for Offering a new hub for the community where they can imbibe, socialize, and shop in the eclectic Manor Road Corridor.

The closing of Estelle's, coupled with the anticipation surrounding The Long Goodbye, underscores a dynamic shift within the Austin hospitality scene. Despite the loss of a venue like Estelle's, it's apparent that the city's appetite for novel and immersive drinking spaces continues unabated. With a coffee shop, an array of eateries, and a vintage store joining the complex, The Long Goodbye may well be the silver lining for Austinites in search of their next favorite hangout.