About a year after announcing a second Austin location for the very popular Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, the team has shared an official opening date. Loro will be ready for visitors at The Domain on December 21.

The new location at 11601 Domain Dr. #200 is kicking things off with 10 days of holiday themes. This means perks like prizes for the first 100 guests of the day, $5 smashburgers, complimentary roasted peanuts, an invitation to trade a canned good for a Loro cookie, and more. The pièce de résistance is a chance to win a whole brisket and a $100 gift card on December 31. A full list of daily themes is at the bottom of this story.

Loro's menu is different than menus at most barbecue restaurants, but the meats are still the star of the show.Photo courtesy of Loro

Part of Loro's popularity comes from the regional fame of the professionals behind it, Pitmaster Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi. That makes it part of the Hai Hospitality family, which also includes Uchiko and the relatively new-to-Austin Uchibā.

But even Austinites who haven't made the connection love Loro for its smoked burgers, extremely crispy (and quite spicy) chicken sandwiches, corn fritters, karaage, and other dishes diners don't usually see together. Almost everything on the menu has some mix of Texan and Asian flavors or cooking styles, so there's still cohesion across the menu.

Nothing at Loro is crazy spicy, but it adds up through several mains and sides. Diners can get this chicken with hot sauce on the side.Photo courtesy of Loro

Loro first launched in Austin in 2018, and now has locations in Dallas and Houston — actually, it already has two each in the other cities, so Austin is now catching up.

It doesn't look like exact hours are set as of December 5, but there are plenty of specials that only happen during certain times: half rack of smoked baby back Duroc pork ribs, a Tokyo shoyu ramen, some sandwiches, and happy hour, which offers queso that's not on the regular menu. Many of those start at 11 am or 4 pm. The North Austin location will also have a "Lunch Two Step" on weekdays from 11 am to 2 pm for bundling a sandwich and half a side for $15.

The existing Loro location on South Lamar Boulevard is open from 11 am to 10 pm Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 am to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

The slushees — both cocktails and non-alcoholic treats — add a playful touch.Photo courtesy of Loro

Daily schedule for opening specials, from a press release:

• Saturday, Dec 21 – Day 1: First 100 guests receive a Loro-branded Yeti cup!
• Sunday, Dec 22 – Day 2: First 100 guests can grab a pair of limited-edition Loro socks!
• Monday, Dec 23 – Day 3: Smashburgers, $5 for our must-try new menu favorite from 11am - 2 pm
• Tuesday, Dec 24 – Day 4: Complimentary Loro-roasted peanuts with your purchase (while supplies last).
• Wednesday, Dec 25: Closed for the Holidays
• Thursday, Dec 26 – Day 5: First 100 guests receive a Loro Tiger hat
• Friday, Dec 27 – Day 6: Loro Surprise giveaway
• Saturday, Dec 28 – Day 7: Trade a canned good for a delicious Loro cookie.
• Sunday, Dec 29 – Day 8: $5 Frozen Bourbon Hot Chocolate Slushees all day
• Monday, Dec 30 – Day 9: Happy Hour Queso served all day!
• Tuesday, Dec 31 – Day 10: Enter on social to win a whole brisket and a $100 gift card!