Less than 24 hours after delivering a sold-out performance at the Moody Center on Wednesday night, the pop superstar was spotted Thursday afternoon at South Austin favorite De Nada Cantina, where fans quickly shared selfies with the singer across social media.
Grande is in Austin for the only Texas stop of her “Eternal Sunshine” Tour, with three sold-out shows at the Moody Center. She returns to the stage Friday — her 33rd birthday — before wrapping up the run Saturday.
Wednesday’s opening night felt like a reflection on the artist Grande has become.
Her first major tour in years unfolded as a retrospective of a career that has played out in public, weaving together the teenager who uploaded vocal covers to YouTube, the chart-topping pop star, the artist who endured personal tragedy and relentless public scrutiny and the performer now entering a new chapter with her forthcoming eighth studio album, “Petal.”
The setlist stretched across her catalog while centering themes of memory, healing and self-reflection.
Vocally, Grande performed with the precision and ease that have long made her one of pop music’s strongest singers. The concert acknowledged every chapter of her career without dwelling on any single one, presenting an artist comfortable with the many versions of herself that came before.
If there’s one place in Austin where celebrities can let the margaritas do the talking, it’s De Nada Cantina.
The restaurant has built a devoted following around its famously potent margaritas, served in signature pink plastic cups.
“We try to make sure you get your money’s worth,” bar manager Kyle Coffman previously told the American-Statesman. “They’re strong and that’s what we’re known for.”
According to Coffman, De Nada produces between 150 and 200 gallons of frozen margaritas every Friday and Saturday, along with about 150 gallons of draft margaritas to keep up with demand.
Now the cantina can add another distinction to its résumé: hosting one of the biggest pop stars in the world.