Pour one out

'Divine' local grill and whiskey bar will shutter North Austin outpost

Opal Divine's is shuttering its North Austin location.

After 15 years of serving burgers, fries, chicken fried steaks, and one of the best selections of whiskey in the city, casual favorite Opal Divine’s is closing its Marina location at 12709 N. Mopac Expy. An employee confirmed that the North Austin outpost will shutter at 4 pm on April 21.

The reason for the closure is unclear. Co-owner Michael Parker declined to comment, saying only that he would not be able to speak until April 22.

Parker and his wife, Susan, first opened the concept at 700 W. Sixth St. (now the home of Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden) in 2000, eventually opening three more locations scattered across town.

Over the last six years, however, the chain slowly began reducing its footprint. In 2013, the original Opal Divine’s closed after 13 years in business, followed by the short-lived Davenport Village restaurant at 801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. in 2015.

The biggest shock was the December 2016 closing of the flagship Penn Field outpost on South Congress Avenue, which had been open since 2005. At the time, the owners released a statement saying: “The restaurant/bar dynamic in South Austin has changed in the 11-plus years that this location has been open. Austin's 'Keep Austin Weird' fascination is fading into a search for the latest and greatest new restaurant/bar/concept.”

That same reasoning may very well still be applicable. Since 2018, the industry has been particularly brutal to restaurants operating in the same casual, mid-priced sphere as Opal Divine’s with iconic eateries like Frank & Angie’s Pizzeria, The Frisco, and Ruby’s BBQ all bowing out of the scene.

There is, however, one ray of hope for fans of the restaurant. Opal Divine’s Austin Grill, which opened in June 2017, will continue serving at the Best Western Plus Hotel at the corner of I-35 and Oltorf Street.

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Election Day Dealas

Election deals and parties in Austin to make November 5 go by faster

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Save that sticker.

Whether voting fills you with emotion or a sense of mundane obligation, there are immediate rewards after the ballot box.

Austin bars and restaurants who either want to inspire civic feelings or capitalize on the newsy moment have prepared treats for voters — or just people who want to watch the outcome be announced together. They know you might have voted early, so stickers aren't always required.

Voters don't need to feel passionate about the president to get out there, either. If a free slice of pizza, a chance to choose a mayor, or a pick for railroad commissioner (who oversees the oil and gas industries) are enough motivation, Tuesday, November 5 is the last day to head to the polls and follow this list to the deals.

An interactive map of Travis County polling places can be found here. Voters can visit any location in the county where they are registered.

Aloft Hotels
109 E 7th St.
This is one of the few election events that actually don't address the race; this "No Watch Pawty" invites people to escape the election madness with a local animal shelter (this national brand under Marriott doesn't mention which) for some free stress relief starting at 5 pm.

Bambino
979 Springdale Rd. Ste. 153
Folks who can stand to witness the full scope of reactions in person as results start rolling in can get that experience at pizza joint Bambino, which will be offering $1 slushy shots each time a state is called. For Kamala Harris, the deal will be for piña colada shots; for Donald Trump, it'll be for orange dreamsicle shots. (Do these choices feel personal? Absolutely.) A tenth of the night's proceeds will benefit TX Gun Sense and the Lilith Fund.

Black Star Co-op
7020 Easy Wind Dr #100
Black Star Co-op has been in the watch party game for years, and has even had a busy cycle of hosting debate watch parties, too. It promises "Food & Beer Specials all night. Good people. Good vibes."

Cheer Up Charlies
900 Red River St
Organized by (and benefitting) civic engagement platform Democrasexy, this "carnival of care" from 6 pm to midnight includes performances by drag artists, burlesque dancers, comedians, and more, plus an acknowledgment that regardless of the outcome, there's work to do at the state legislature in January.

Home Slice Pizza
1415 & 1421 S. Congress Ave., 501 E. 53rd St.
One of Austin's most popular pizzerias is bringing back its longtime election incentive, where customers can wear their “I Voted” sticker for a free slice. The promotion started with early voting on October 21 and is running through Election Day.

Hotel Vegas and Volstead
1502 E 6th St.
These music venus are famous for their South by Southwest parties, but this time they're steeping into politics with a watch party starting at 5 pm. They'll show analysis inside, with a DJ on the patio, themed cocktails, games, and tacos throughout the night.

Kerbey Lane Cafe
All locations, including 3003 S. Lamar Blvd. and 13435 US-183 Ste. 415
Austinites in need of comfort food can get some at Kerbey Lane Cafe, which is giving out a free pancake to anyone who brings their "I Voted" sticker; it can be saved from early voting. This deal is for dine-in only.

Rosen's Bagel Co.
11101 Burnet Rd. Ste. A100
The first 100 people in line at the Burnet location of Rosen's Bagel Co. will get a free bagel with Violife coconut-based cream cheese in two flavor choices: Texas Pecan Pie or roasted lime, poblano and scallion. "I Voted" stickers are not required, but an openness to trying vegan cream cheese is.

Star Bar
600 W 6th St.
Star Bar has endorsed its candidates: UT Longhorns Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Guests can pick up some merch declaring their support (buttons for $3, hats for $20), plus enjoy $3 red and blue jello shots all day.

Tillery Street Plant Company
801 Tillery St.
Austinites with the compulsion to nurture something after the election can present their "I Voted" sticker at Tillery Street Plant Company for a freebie: either a four-inch herb or vegetable starter (excluding lavender) or a two-inch succulent. Both come with a Tillery sticker.