Burger Buzz
East Austin burger joint unexpectedly closes its doors 'for now'
East Austin burger joint Sputnik unexpectedly closed this week. The owners have not yet released an explanation or elaborated on whether the shutter is temporary or permanent. CultureMap's request for more details has not been returned.
"Hey, y'all. Sputnik is closed for now. Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll let you know more when we know more," reads a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday.
The dive has been serving burgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks for nearly six years. Its dimly-lit interior, comfy booths, and old-school decor attracted regular patrons, as did the classic bar food.
This is the second recent shuffle from the portfolio of watering holes under by Randall Stockton, who is also behind King Bee Lounge, Aristrocrat Lounge, and Beerland. Sputnik's sister location Rio Rita Lounge moved from East Sixth Street to the intersection of 12th and Chicon streets at the end of 2016, taking over the former Badlands space.
Stay tuned for more information regarding Sputnik's future.