With 30 high-profile restaurant closures, 2016 was a tumultuous year for the Austin dining scene, and 2017 has seen its fair share of shutters too. We're taking a look back at the biggest restaurant closures of 2017 so far.
El Gallo
Family-run El Gallo closed in January after six decades of serving Tex-Mex, citing rising prices, specifically property taxes. The El Gallo team is considering a cookbook, but the idea is in its very early stages.
Sputnik
The East Sixth burger joint, known for cold beer and comfy booths, unexpectedly closed in early February. The owners have yet to release a statement on whether the shutter is temporary or permanent.
Hudson's on the Bend
In 2016 original chef/owner Jeff Blank sold the 30-year-old establishment to Billy Caruso and Chris McFall, who reopened the Austin icon in November 2016 with an updated look and menu. The revamped Hudson's was one of our favorite new restaurants, but it suddenly closed after Valentine's Day service.
Pizzeria Vetri and Symon's Burger Joint
Space 24 Twenty, the multi-purpose development operated by Urban Outfitters, opened in 2015 with two restaurants. Despite big names behind the concepts, Pizzeria Vetri shuttered in February and Symon's Burger Joint followed suit. Frank and Lucky Lab Coffee are moving in later this year.
Trackside
The third time wasn't the charm for this popular but troubled East Austin spot. Trackside closed in April after just six months at 507 Calles St. The sports bar and restaurant was the third concept from Dunlap ATX to shutter at the location.
Gourdough's Public House — Downtown
Gourdough's 2-year-old brick-and-mortar on West Fifth Street shuttered in April. The gourmet doughnut brand says it outgrew the downtown location and plans to build a bigger, better restaurant on Burnet Road with more seating, a full menu and bar, and a much-needed parking lot.
Tres Amigos Restaurant & Cantina
Tres Amigos said adios to Slaughter Lane in May to make room for DK Maria's Legendary Tex-Mex, a new venture from local industry veterans. The Tres Amigos outpost on Highway 290, which has different owners, remains open.
Dine
This modern restaurant at the Radisson hotel downtown, which opened under chef David Garrrido in 2015, ended service in May. This isn't the first high-profile closure for the space; chef Shawn Cirkiel of Parkside Projects debuted Chavez in 2014 but left a year later. Two new restaurants are expected in 2018 when the Radisson rebrands as LINE Austin.
Isla
Tiki time in the Warehouse District came to an end when Isla, sister spot to nearby Péché, announced its immediate shutter in May. A reason for the abrupt farewell was not given, but Isla underwent a lot of change during its two-year run, changing from a kitschy island-themed concept to a Peruvian restaurant.
Cantine Italian Cafe & Bar
Austin lost a go-to for modern Italian when 1-year-old Cantine, from Emmett and Lisa Fox of Asti Trattoria and dearly departed Fino, shuttered in May.
Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar
Apothecary opened in 2009 with elevated comfort food and a respected wine list. The beloved Burnet Road neighborhood restaurant announced last call in May; at the same time it teased a replacement, which will be Fluff Meringues & More.
No Va Kitchen & Bar
No Va closed in June after four years of serving modern American fare and late-night cocktails to the Rainey Street crowd. The family that owns the propertyis currently looking for a new tenant to join the neighborhood.
Carmelo's Ristorante
Austin bid addio to yet another Italian eatery in June. During its 32-year stint, chef Carmelo Mauro's restaurant was a favorite of everyone from Texas politicians to love birds. The property, Austin's historic Depot Hotel, was purchased by a Houston-based company. The original Carmelo's in Houston remains open.
Cantine Italian Cafe & Bar bid addio in May.
Could sit in this airy shop all day.Photo by Chad Wadsworth
Eberly's Atrium will host a creative dinner with visual artists.