Tuesday, February 26, 2008

New and Renovated Restaurants in Downtown Austin

I’m looking forward to trying the new Torchy’s Tacos location, as well as the Parkside’s late night menu. Details via The Austin Chronicle:

It started with the relocation of the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown to the venerable Ritz theatre back in November and recommenced after the beginning of the year with the opening of a Torchy’s Tacos outlet (511 E. Sixth, 474-7000) in late January. Last week saw the launch of the newly remodeled 1886 Bakery & Cafe at the Driskill Hotel (116 Sixth), complete with new chef Scott Halverson, some brand-new menu items, and some new cocktails. We’ve been told to expect some updating at the Driskill Grill and in the actual hotel rooms over the coming months, as well. The biggest news in the neighborhood is the long-awaited opening of a new restaurant from popular homegrown chef Shawn Cirkiel. His new Parkside (301 E. Sixth, 474-9898, http://www.parkside-austin.com) debuted in an historic corner building that formerly housed both Louie B’s and Dan McKlusky’s.