Austin Metro Dining: New Openings and Ownership Changes Close Out October

Residents in the Austin metro area gained access to several new dining options and experienced shifts in local ownership during October. These changes include the relocation of a long-standing taqueria and the debut of specialty coffee and seafood concepts in suburban neighborhoods.

Taqueria Chapala reopened on South First Street on October 29. Owner Manuel Lopez moved the family-owned business from its previous location on East Cesar Chavez Street, which closed on September 27. The new menu retains classic items such as tacos and fajitas. It also features the Chapala Especial, a Jalisco-style barbacoa plate, and menudo.

New coffee and brunch spots opened in Leander and Kyle. Black Rock Coffee Bar launched its 11th Central Texas location on Hero Way in Leander. The shop serves cold brews, energy drinks, and breakfast sandwiches throughout the day. In Kyle, a new cafe at the Shops at Brick and Mortar District offers a full bar and a rotating seasonal menu. Signature dishes include Nashville hot chicken waffles and dragon fruit pancakes.

El Tigre Coffee Roasters expanded its presence at Camp East. Owner Tatanka Guerrero developed the space to include indoor and outdoor seating. The shop features artwork by local artists and sells pastries alongside specialty coffee drinks made with house syrups. It operates daily until 3 p.m., with weekday service starting at 7 a.m. and weekend service starting at 8 a.m.

Seafood options reached Hutto with the opening of a new Mexican-style food truck. The vendor expanded from its original Round Rock location. Its menu lists aguachile verde, ceviche, tostadas, and shrimp tacos. Beverage selections include mangonadas, fresh fruit juices, and horchata.

Ownership changes affected two established establishments. Aaron and Sally Creamer purchased the Spicewood Winston's location in October. They renamed it Neighbor's Cafe after the previous owners sold the business to focus on their Hill Country Galleria site. The new owners serve coffee, pizza, salads, and breakfast items. In Cedar Park, Robert Mason bought and reopened the Whitestone Boulevard location of a fast-food chain after a brief closure. He plans to open additional Austin area locations and offers Sunday promotions for children. The nearby FM 620 location closed permanently.

Two other local businesses marked milestones or launched new concepts this month. T.J. and Erin Mahoney's Round Rock wing franchise celebrated five years of operation in October. The restaurant serves bone-in or boneless wings with various sauces and rubs. In Paige, Winnona and Marcus McDonald launched Doug's Boys Pig & Loaf, a food truck at Terry's Corner. The business serves slow-cooked barbecue sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese, and loaded nachos.

Leona Botanical Cafe and Bar added an in-house restaurant led by head chef Bob Moren. Moren previously worked at Launderette and Paperboy. The menu offers handcrafted burgers on bakery buns from Veracruz Fonda. It also includes chicken sandwiches, Parmesan truffle fries, Brussels sprouts, and soft-serve ice cream.