A South Congress Victorian that housed Freddo has reopened as Walter's Tavern. The new spot mixes coffee and brunch with a haunted sports‑bar vibe and outdoor game viewing.

Willie's Grill & Icehouse will open at 1412 Bright Lane in Leander in late March, offering Texas comfort food and frozen cocktails.

Kevin Fink’s Pullman Market at the Pearl has helped turn San Antonio into a Michelin‑recognized dining hub, adding hundreds of restaurant jobs and national attention. The market’s mix of grocer, bakeries and chef‑driven restaurants reshaped the Pearl.

Filings and permit entries show a 1,400‑sq‑ft Black Rock Coffee Bar is planned near E. Palm Valley and A.W. Grimes in Round Rock. The project is listed in city review.

Fusion Fast Food Cafe will open at 15181 Ronald Reagan Blvd in Leander; state filings and the owner say construction starts in May with a fall opening planned.

Austin's Pinthouse Pizza is days from opening its first San Antonio brewpub with about 18 beers on tap and counter service. The preview shows a roomy, family-friendly space.

Mexican Sugar opens March 24 at The Domain with scratch‑made Latin plates, brunch and an agave‑forward bar. The Dallas‑based brand’s Austin outpost includes a roomy patio and private dining.

Aperí, an aperitivo-style wine bar, opened March 19 at Paggi House on The Loren Hotel grounds, serving 40+ bottles and Italian small plates Thu–Sun.

Sixteen new Austin restaurants are in CultureMap's reader‑voted Best New Restaurant bracket; voting runs Mar 19–Apr 7 and the winner will be revealed Apr 9 at Distribution Hall.

Owner Hoover Alexander is retiring and Hoover's Cooking will end full service on May 31 after more than 27 years.

Southern Living picked Austin’s Franklin Barbecue as the best in Texas for a fifth straight year, reinforcing the East 11th Street smokehouse’s longtime hold on the brisket crown. Fans can preorder or book the new Backyard for private events.

Mama Grande recalled two sweet tortilla items after an FDA inspection found wheat and soy were not declared on the labels. The products were sold across Texas Feb. 2–Mar. 5.

Hanami AYCE Sushi opened in North Central Austin and is now serving fresh-cut sashimi alongside more than 40 signature rolls in its all-you-can-eat format.