Dining options in Central Texas continue to expand with six new establishments bringing diverse flavors to the region. From sweet rolls and Italian cuisine to barbecue with a twist, here’s a look at the latest additions to the local restaurant scene.
Impacts of the week
Bar and restaurant rebrands in downtown Round Rock
The bar and restaurant in downtown Round Rock known as Alcove Cantina has relaunched under a new name: Sociedad. The restaurant’s interior, menu, and tequila and mezcal selection were also revamped. The menu features a variety of Mexican cuisine, such as stacked enchiladas and steak ranchero.
Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls has another location in Pflugerville. (Courtesy Taylor Elliot)Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls opens in Cedar Park
This confectionery eatery opened to customers near Lakeline Mall last month. The bakery serves sweet rolls with an assortment of flavors, including caramel apple, banana pudding, Oreo crumbles and more. Owner Sianni Dean previously told Community Impact the bakery would offer rotating seasonal flavors and serve ice cream.
First Watch opens Leander, Liberty Hill location
With chef-inspired rotating seasonal offerings, the Florida-based breakfast, brunch and lunch chain offers classics, such as avocado toast, and specialty entrees, including smoked salmon eggs Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes.
MooseBelly BBQ brings classic barbecue with a twist to Bastrop
A newly established barbecue eatery is now part of the Chestnut Grove Food Truck Court, offering blueberry-glazed ribs, apricot-rosemary-glazed sausage, smoked gouda and brie brisket macaroni and cheese, and smoked corn pico de gallo. In addition to traditional barbecue, MooseBelly BBQ owners Alicia and Jackson Bolton offer a signature Purple Sauce—a spicy blueberry-bourbon jam.
Umarell, a casual Italian restaurant from chef Mike Graffeo, opened in Central Austin, serving pastas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers with East Coast-inspired flair. (Courtesy Cesar Rivera)Umarell brings New Jersey-inspired Italian cuisine to Hyde Park
Umarell, a new Italian restaurant with New Jersey roots, opened in Hyde Park in February. Owned by Mike Graffeo, a chef from Caldwell, New Jersey, the casual Italian restaurant serves a variety of pastas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers.
Dining feature
The cafe menu features a selection of lattes served hot or iced, including the lavender and vanilla lattes ($6.50). (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)Golden Hour Cafe & Wine Bar brings all-day drinks and dining to South Austin
Golden Hour Cafe & Wine Bar in South Austin is an all-day cafe concept built around two “golden hours” of service: mornings and evenings. During the day, it operates as a coffee shop serving breakfast items, such as burritos, yogurt, granola, and specialty lattes made with creative ingredients.
In the evening, the cafe transitions into a wine bar where laptops are put away and natural wines, ciders, and small plates like focaccia and olives are served. The menu also includes lunch items, such as sandwiches and wraps, with plans for expanded dinner offerings in the future.
Barclay Stratton worked as a chef in Italy after graduating college, which is where he learned more about coffee culture, he said. (Katlynn Fox/Community Impact)Owner Barclay Stratton emphasizes made-to-order dishes using Texas-sourced ingredients, and draws inspiration from his travels and sports background. The business also features a wine club, seasonal bakery partnerships and community events tied to a nearby residential complex.