October in Austin was packed with flavor.
From sizzling new barbecue joints and mezcal bars to grand openings and heartfelt farewells, the city’s dining scene continues to evolve at full speed. Here’s what’s new — and what’s saying goodbye—this month.
Openings
Churchrow Tejas BBQ
Churchrow Tejas BBQ will serve the kind of barbecue tacos that helped make Miguel Vidal famous.Â
Austin American-Statesman
Pitmaster Miguel Vidal — formerly of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ — is back with Churchrow Tejas BBQ, a new collaboration with restaurateur Simon Madera of La Holly and Taco Flats. Diners can expect smoked meats by the pound, Tejano flair and a strong agave cocktail program.
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1521 W. Anderson Lane. 512-284-8347, churchrowbbq.com.
Fat Rabbit Social House
Austin’s brunch scene just got a new star. Fat Rabbit Social House hops into the former Forthright space, bringing live weekend music and comfort favorites like chicken and waffles and a brunch burger topped with bacon bourbon jam and a fried egg. It also offers a $10 mix-your-own mimosa bar and Tiny House Coffee Roasters program.
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35 Brazos St. fatrabbitatx.com.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – Domain NORTHSIDE
The Nashville favorite brings the heat up north with its second Austin outpost. Expect the same fiery fried chicken, pimento mac-topped fries, and boozy frozen Coke Icees that made the South Lamar location a hit.
3100 Esperanza Crossing, Suite130. hattieb.com.
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Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall
Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall offers pretzels, hot dogs, sausage and more.
Provided by Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall.
The former East Austin favorite gets a second act with Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall, now open on South Lamar. It offers housemade sausages, giant pretzels and specialty cocktails curated by Travis Tober of Nickel City. Koko’s has 40 TVs, a shaded patio and a 23-foot-wide screen.
3003 S. Lamar Blvd., Unit F105. 512-382-0353, kokosbavarian.com.
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La Mezca
La Mezca will pair spirits with small tacos.
Provided by Frida Molina.
The Vazquez sisters of Veracruz All Natural expanded into mezcal with La Mezca, a cozy mezcalerÃa in Mueller. The bar showcases small-batch mezcals with curated flights, educational tastings and botanas like street-style tacos. La Mezca is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m.
1905 Aldrich St. Suite 120. lamezcaatx.com.
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Mendocino Farms
California’s sandwich and salad chain has arrived in Austin, bringing its chef-driven menu to Arbor Trails in southwest Austin.Â
4301 W. William Cannon Drive, 512-381-6454, mendocinofarms.com.
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Closings
Jim Jim’s Water-Ice
Owner Jim Moy takes a customer’s order at Jim Jim’s Water-Ice on 6th Street in Austin, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Moy retired after 31 years serving Italian ices that were staples of Austin summer.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
After 31 summers, the downtown mainstay known for neon-colored Italian ice has melted into memory. Jim Moy’s shop was a Sixth Street fixture —one more nostalgic bite of old Austin gone too soon.
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Moreno Barbecue
A tray of turkey, brisket and sandwiches at Moreno Barbecue in South Austin.
MATTHEW ODAM / AMERICAN-STATESMAN
South Austin’s beloved barbecue spot is on the move. Moreno Barbecue will reopen in Southpark Meadows, while its Menchaca Road location transforms into Moreno Burger Co.Â
Top Roe
Top Roe was a restaurant and bar serving Japanese cocktails, hand rolls and an izakaya menu.
MATTHEW ODAM
Chef Paul Qui’s downtown sushi bar, opened just last fall, has shut its doors following the end of his partnership with Trinity Concepts. Qui is moving forward with new projects, including Roselle Pizzeria on South Lamar and a new handroll concept opening soon.
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Vic’s Bar-B-Que
After 39 years of feeding Austin, Vic’s Bar-B-Que is hanging up its tongs. The family-owned joint will serve its last plates on Oct. 31, closing a nearly four-decade chapter filled with community, laughter and a whole lot of brisket.