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.
