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Last call for troubled South Austin cocktail bar

Backbeat will be calling it a day June 10.

Photo courtesy of Backbeat

After a recent wave of sudden closures, Austin now has another reason to pour one out. On June 1, Backbeat announced via Facebook that the South Austin bar will be permanently shuttering following service on June 10.

The bar opened to general acclaim in March 2016 at 1300 S. Lamar Blvd. near Saxon Pub and Ramen Tatsu-Ya. As one of few craft cocktail joints south of the river, Backbeat initially garnered a steady crowd of patrons thanks to its innovative menu and cozy atmosphere.

Although operating under Montauriol LLC, the ownership of the Jamie Chioco-designed space has never been made public. Jessica and Michael Sanders, then co-owners of North Loop’s Drink.Well, were originally tasked with running it.

After Michael was accused of sexually assaulting Drink.Well’s manager in August 2017, the unnamed investors broke off ties with the couple but decided to continue operating the bar. Jessica continues to run Drink.Well under sole ownership.

The statement posted on Facebook thanked customers, but did not offer a reason for the closure. The owners did release a statement to Austin 360 saying a new concept would be announced for the space in the fall. CultureMap has reached out to the Backbeat management team for comment.

In a public Facebook post, general manager Steph Teslar also declined to give a reason for the party, but did say that the bar would be going out with a bang. On June 1, the bar will be serving $5 you-call-it cocktails to kick off Pride Month and to launch the last 10 days of business.

cocktails closings

Near and Deer

Vespaio-trained chef serves venison from trailer at Austin's Sign Bar

Photo courtesy of Sign Bar.

Born and Braised, specializing in native ingredients and braised meats, is now open at Sign Bar.

Born and Braised, a food trailer specializing in native ingredients and braised meats, has just opened for business at Sign Bar. Chef and owner William Woodland, a.k.a. Woody, says so far things are going great.

"They're doing a great job promoting us at Sign Bar. I feel really special," says Woodland.

This is a big change from several years ago when sign bar first opened and Woodland says he "pestered" the folks behind the cool new space.

"I think at that time they wanted to see a couple of years of good experience," says Woodland. "And now my reviews are insanely good — so I think that helped!"

Born and Braised started out at Lustre Pearl back in 2022, and then quickly moved over to Sage Brush where it stayed for more than a year. More recently, Woodland has been operating out of Bastrop and is happy to be closer to town again at Sign Bar, which is located in East Austin. It's still a bit of a drive for many, but not as far south.

Some of the menu items include birria tacos, homemade birria ramen, and multiple venison-based dishes: chili, a smash burger, and bratwurst. There's also grilled cheese, street corn, and other sides.

"I think it's one of only a couple of places in town where you can get venison any time," says Woodland. He adds that the main focus of any foods he prepares is minimal waste and using good, quality, native ingredients. "I'm kind of an ingredient hippie," he laughs.

These cooking roots can be traced back to Woodland's days at his grandparents' out in the country, where his uncles butchering deer in the garage was the norm, and venison was always on the table. As an adult, Woodland got his "formal" education in the kitchen at Vespaio under the tutelage of Ryan Samson.

"He gave me his culinary book from when he went to school and quizzed me everyday; basically took me to culinary school through that job," says Woodland. "I cry thinking about him all the time. Great guy; a really good mentor."

Born and Braised is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 pm to 2 am, and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am, at Sign Bar Austin (9909 FM 969, Bldg. 3). The bar, decorated with more than 75 retired signs from legendary local businesses, offers a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Sign Bar Holiday Tree This miniature Zilker Tree is the newest permanent installation at Sign Bar. Photo courtesy of Sign Bar

As of early December, guests can enjoy all Sign Bar has to offer next to the Sign Bar Holiday Tree. This 64-foot tall tree is an homage to the Zilker Tree, and unlike most holiday displays, this tree will be up year-round. Guests can even spin under this mini-Zilker Tree — but may want to give it a minute after a bowl of venison chili.

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