News you can eat

7 things to know in Austin food right now: Splendid new ice cream shop bowls over South Congress

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is now serving on South Congress Avenue.

Courtesy of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

Editor's note: We get it. It can be difficult to keep up with the fast pace of Austin's restaurant and bar scene. We have you covered with our regular roundup of essential food news.

Openings and closings

Hot on the heels of opening its first Austin location at Domain Northside in late November 2019, cult purveyors Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams will start dishing out treats at 1208 S. Congress Ave. on February 26. According to a company rep, the new spot will be giving out free scoops all day and founder Jeni Britton Bauer will be on hand for a special appearance.

In another Austin scoop, California chain Gelato Paradisoquietly debuted at 1400 S. Congress Ave. January 4. Now that the shop has eased into its first month of business, the shop is trumpeting a two-day grand opening weekend. On February 29, guests can enjoy a 50 percent discount on gelato and sorbet cones, cups, and pints from 11 am-10 pm or arrive early to be one of the first 50 guests to receive free gelato for a year. On March 1, the brand will get a jumpstart on Amplify Austin Day by donating half of all sales proceeds to Urban Roots.

Other news and notes

After giving Texas its own regional award category in September 2019, the James Beard Foundation is giving out more Lone Star love. Tacodeli co-founder and chef Roberto Espinosa will head out to New York's prestigious James Beard House on April 16 to host a taco party. Menu highlights of the $125 feast ($100 for members) include aguachile de camaron made with Texas Gulf shrimp, tomatillo salsa verde, serrano chiles, and lime and HeartBrand Ranch Texas Akaushi beef confit with chile and sesame adobo picosito

The Austin Eastciders Collaboratory taproom at 979 Springdale Rd. is now offering the Capital City a limited edition treat. Working with Hill Country wineries William Chris Vineyards and Spicewood Vineyards, the beloved local brand aged cider for nine months in French oak barrels to create a unique sipper with light citrus and slightly tart notes.

On February 24, Tiny Pie's chef William Ankeney became the latest Austin chef to pop up on the Food Network during an appearance on Chopped Sweet. Though the show's "tiny treats" category undoubtedly gave Ankeney an advantage, the $10,000 prize ultimately eluded him. The hometown pie maker was named runner-up.

East Austin Hotel's boho diner Sixth and Waller is ditching counter service for dinner. In celebration of the full-service evenings, executive chef Jason Stude has whipped up a brand-new menu with dishes like shrimp and truffle grits, roasted chicken and grilled corn panzanella, and steak and eggs.

Need another reason to vote during Super Tuesday March 3? Barley Swine is offering $30 off its chef's tasting menu to guests who show their "I Voted" sticker. Reservations are recommended, but the restaurant accepts walk-ins after 5 pm.

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welcome back

Popular downtown Austin bar returning to Rainey Street after 3 years

Bungalow/Facebook

Bungalow is making its return almost exactly three years after its closure on March 27, 2022.

It was a solemn day when Rainey Street favorite bar Bungalow shuttered in 2022 to make way for a 606-foot-tall high-rise tower, dealing a dramatic blow to the area's nightlife scene. That only continued when neighboring bar Icenhauer's also closed in 2024.

But not all ends are permanent, especially when it involves an Austin nightlife staple: Bungalow will make its grand return to Rainey in the former Icenhauer's space starting Sunday, March 23.

The rumors that the bar was being revived were confirmed on Bungalow's Instagram page.

"After a few year's of silence, we're rising from the ashes — an Austin rebirth, if you will," the post says. "The beloved drinking spot that once captured the heart of the city is back, but this time, across the street. Get ready Austin. We're back for round two."

Bungalow, which originally opened in 2012 as a converted historic residential home, is known for its Sunday Funday events, reverse brunch, and a dog-friendly back patio with yard games.

Icenhauer's also confirmed Bungalow's return with its own Instagram post.

"[I]t was important to me to find a tenant that had history and knowledge of the street. we hope you support them as they bring rainey back," the post says.

Icenhauer's closed its doors in November 2024 after being in business for 14 years, citing ongoing sales losses due to construction in the area. At the time, owner Michael Icenhauer said he had been losing money since April 2023.

Bungalow will be located at 83 Rainey St. Updated operating hours have not been officially revealed yet, but the bar's Facebook page lists 4 pm to 2 am Wednesdays through Fridays, and noon to 2 am Saturdays and Sundays.

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