From Himalayan dumplings in Pflugerville to French pastries in South Austin, the Austin area’s dining scene continues to diversify with new openings spanning multiple cuisines. Recent additions include a Korean-style dessert shop at The Linc, the first Texas location of a fast-casual burrito chain in Round Rock, and a new craft beer tasting room in San Marcos.
Here’s a look at the latest restaurant openings across the region.
Impacts of the week
The chow mein at a Sagarmatha Momo includes stir-fried noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and savory house seasoning. (Courtesy Sagarmatha Momo)Sagarmatha Momo now open in Pflugerville
Now serving authentic Nepali flavors in Pflugerville, this restaurant opened in March and serves handcrafted momos, a popular Himalayan steamed dumpling, curries and rice dishes. Sagarmatha Momo offers catering, take-out and delivery.
Opened March 120205 N. FM 685, Pflugerville512-554-8941Brewing company opens tasting room in San Marcos
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company, founded in 2010, has opened a tasting room in San Marcos featuring its signature Thirsty Goat beer. The tasting room features a beer garden theme, with a 10-tap draft system and televisions throughout the facility, Gonzales said. Customers can see the brewing process in the facility with free access to the kettles, fermentation tanks and 30-barrel brew house.
The franchise is known for its Korean-style taiyaki, a fish-shaped waffle cake pastry with various soft serve flavors, filling flavors and toppings. (Courtesy Somisomi)Somisomi now serving soft-serve filled taiyaki at The Linc
This Asian dessert shop is known for its Korean-style taiyaki, a fish-shaped waffle cake pastry. The pastry is filled with soft serve; flavored fillings including nutella, custard, red bean or black sesame; and toppings such as sprinkles, cereal or cookie crumbles, matcha powder, or strawberries. Soft serve flavors include milk and ube, salted caramel or pistachio. The shop also features a drink menu with cold brew, cold brew floats or strawberry milk.
Alice Poulain Café now serving French cuisine on South First Street
This Parisian-inspired patisserie—inspired by the co-founder’s grandmother, Alice, and her recipes—serves a range of quiches, daily pastries and imported wines and cheeses. The cafe has daytime as well as lunch and dinner offerings, including a Parisian breakfast, pastries, omelettes, salads, sandwiches and charcuterie spreads. Wine offerings feature both French and American pours by the glass or bottle. The cafe encourages patrons to use it as a “third-space,” finding their home away from home.
First Texas location of Barrio Burrito Bar now open in Round Rock
A new Tex-Mex restaurant is now open in the Greenlawn Crossing retail center in Round Rock. The first Texas location of Barrio Burrito Bar opened in mid-May, bringing a fast-casual model and a menu including burritos, tacos, bowls, quesadillas and more that can be customized with a variety of proteins, toppings and house-made sauces, according to the business.
Dining feature
Ranch 616: The birthplace of Ranch Water and old Austin eats
From West Texas to West 6th Street, Ranch 616 has served up Southwestern American flavors with a history rooted in innovation and old Austin charm since 1999.
Tony Trungale (left) and two other partners took over after Kevin Williamson (right), passed away.The backstory
The icehouse’s signature drink, Ranch Water, was coined by owner Kevin Williamson and first created when he’d pack a thermos full of tequila on hunting trips with his dad, mixing it with lime juice and Topo Chico.
Ed’s El Camino tacos includes crispy firsh ($22) or blackened shrimp ($25) with house slaw, chili-lime vinagrette, rice and pinto beans on corn or flour tortillas. (Courtesy Ranch 616)
On the menu
To start, Ranch 616 serves up a four-cheese queso, crispy oysters, crab cakes and shrimp ceviche. Classic dishes include the frito pie, pork chop, chicken fried steak and jalapeño maize, which is a corn tortilla-crusted chicken.
Under new ownership, the restaurant now has an expanded menu, with brunch and healthier food options like the steak and salmon salads.
Ed’s El Camino tacos includes crispy firsh ($22) or blackened shrimp ($25) with house slaw, chili-lime vinagrette, rice and pinto beans on corn or flour tortillas. (Courtesy Ranch 616)Looking for a libation?
In addition to the iconic Ranch Water, Ranch 616 also shakes up a well-known Fire in The Hole shot, featuring a shot of Tito’s vodka, orange liqueur and lime juice in a hollowed-out and chili-salt rimmed jalapeño.
Dining and Cooking