South Austin is getting a new all-day hangout this spring, as Switchback Coffee and Beer, run by Ethan Wagner and Grace Nicholas, gets ready to open at 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Suite 110. The hybrid spot will pour coffee by day and shift to beer and cocktails in the evening, with room for roughly 40–50 guests plus an outdoor courtyard.
Menu and design
According to What Now, the menu will cover coffee and matcha drinks, pastries and snacks, craft beer, ciders, and what the owners are calling "some not-too-strong cocktails." The interior is set to lean into natural tones like tan, green, and terra cotta, with plenty of plants and big windows to keep the space feeling airy and outdoorsy.
Hours, address and contact
Switchback Coffee and Beer lists the address as 220 Ralph Ablanedo Dr. #110, with weekday hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekend hours starting at 8 a.m. The site also provides a contact email and phone number for hiring and general inquiries.
Owners' vision
Co-owner Ethan Wagner described the goal as a true "community hub" where regulars can start their morning with a latte and circle back later for a beer, per an interview with What Now. Wagner and his wife, Grace Nicholas, say their shared love of running, climbing, and camping helped shape both the look of the space and the kind of events and programming they plan to host.
Part of a bigger development
CultureMap reports that Switchback Coffee and Beer will operate inside the new Crux Climbing Center at the Ralph Ablanedo development, joining other local operators, including Granny’s Tacos. Community Impact lists the shop as opening in March and includes it in a Southwest Austin "coming soon" roundup.
When to expect it
For now, the business is "gearing up for 2026" and is asking would-be regulars to follow along for exact soft-opening and grand-opening dates. The homepage and contact page of Switchback Coffee and Beer are the best places for updates. The site and the shop’s social media channels will share hiring information, menu details, and event announcements as the owners lock in their timeline.
