Fresa's to Freddie's
New restaurant from all-star team opens in iconic South Austin space
![Fresa's Chicken al Carbon tacos](https://austin.culturemap.com/media-library/fresa-s-chicken-al-carbon-tacos.jpg?id=31645964&width=2000&height=1500&quality=65&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
It's been more than a year since South Austin institution Freddie's Place closed its doors. Now, there's reason for South First Street to celebrate: A full-service version of popular drive-thru restaurant Fresa's Chicken al Carbon will open Thursday, August 18.
The new Fresa's will offer even more Mexican-inspired fare from all-star restaurant team The Century Club, which consists of chef Renee Ortiz, pastry chef Laura Sawicki, and restaurateurs Margaret Vera and Tracy Overath. Yes, they're the folks behind highly acclaimed Launderette and neighboring Mr. Mc's Grocery Market.
Fresa's original drive-thru gained a following with its family-style meals, charcoal-grilled chicken, tasty tacos, and house-made ice cream. New menu items available at the bigger outpost include chimichurri skirt steak, Guajillo sea bass, quesadillas, and a tres leches dessert from Sawicki.
While the original Fresa's boasts make-your-own margarita and michelada kits, there will be booze on South First. A full bar promises beer, wine, cocktails, frozen margaritas, and a selection of tequilas and mezcal. There will be indoor and outdoor seating, as well as dine-in and to-go options.
Fresa's opens daily at 11 am; it will close at 10 pm Sunday through Wednesday, 11 pm Thursday through Saturday.