A popular Austin climbing gym is expanding its culinary world when it opens its upcoming South Austin location in 2026. Crux Climbing Center will host Switchback Coffee & Beer and Granny’s Tacos at 220 Ralph Ablanedo Dr., near Slaughter Lane.
The climbing center is naturally known for its climbing, plus fitness and yoga classes, but it also has an affinity for cool food and beverage concepts. Its most recent opening was in Pflugerville and features local concepts Spicy Boys Fried Chicken and Spokesman Coffee.
This time, both offerings remain local but one is an entirely new concept. Switchback is a project by Crux co-owner Grace Nicholas and her husband, Ethan Wagner, that continues Austin’s infatuation with day-to-night spaces, with coffee, beer, wine, and low-ABV cocktails. It’ll be open roughly as long as the gym is, if its hours match those at existing locations: for Switchback, that means 7 am to 10 pm Mondays through Fridays and 8 am to 10 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
“Switchback is a community hub — a local watering hole you circle back to time and again,” said Nicholas in the release. “We designed it as a place where people can start their day among familiar faces and end it with great drinks and even better company.”
Granny’s Tacos is already well-established, and was on CultureMap’s list of essential Austin taco joints in 2025. This will be one of three current locations when it opens, including a brick-and-mortar location on East 7th Street and a truck. The eatery is known for its breakfast tacos, flavorful meats, and fun, casual atmosphere.The menu at Crux will feature tacos, tortas, and quesadillas all day, although specific hours have not been announced yet.
“We’re excited to bring our authentic, flavor-packed dishes and community spirit to South Austin alongside Crux,” said the Granny’s Tacos team.
Crux had a South Austin location on Pickle Road, but it closed in 2024. The gym attributes the closure to a “landlord dispute” in a press release. It has two current locations in Austin and Pflugerville, plus one upcoming in Houston.
The new space will house 48-foot climbing walls, and guests can try rope climbing, bouldering, auto belays, and strength training. Crux will also continue offering fitness and yoga classes, and the space will also have locker rooms, saunas, and a dedicated area for kids. It will also host events such as womxn climb nights, adaptive climbing programs, competitions, and more.
“Crux has always been about more than climbing — it’s about community,” said Crux CEO and owner Kevin Goradia. “Partnering with Switchback Coffee + Beer and Granny’s Tacos enhances that mission by creating a space where everyone can come together to move, eat, and share moments.”