COVID-19 Impact

Austin's decadent brunch-all-day restaurant permanently closes after 3 years

Holy Roller is closing.

Photo by Robert Lerma

One of Austin's best loved brunch spots — not to mention one of its few women-led kitchens — is closing. On October 18, chef Callie Speer announced that Holy Roller will close after three years in business. The last day of business was Sunday, October 18, but the brunch-all-day eatery is promising "one last badass brunch" this coming weekend.

"When I opened Holy Roller in the summer of 2017, I wanted to preserve a piece of the soul of this city that I love so dearly, and give you guys something a little against the grain. Well… and I wanted to sell some biscuits," Speer wrote.

When it launched on Rio Grande Street in 2017, Holy Roller was one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the year, thanks in part to Speer's reputation as a boundary-busting pastry chef at places like Swift's Attic and Geraldine's. At Holy Roller, Speer flexed her culinary prowess, offering up a decadent and delightful menu of comfort food classics like meatloaf and fried chicken sandwiches and innovative Tex-Mex fare like migas kolaches.

The Instagram-worthy, rock-and-roll-inspired interiors made it a favorite of tourists and locals alike, while the cuisine landed Speer on best-of lists and gave her a space among Austin's top chefs — one of the few women in the elite circle.

In an interview with Austin360, Speer says Holy Roller was unable to find its financial footing amid the ongoing pandemic. Between COVID-19 restrictions and a lack of tourism, sales were down 50 percent over the same time last year.

Despite Holy Roller's closure, Speer wrote that she's optimistic about the future. "This has been an amazing ride. And, by now, you all know I always have a fun surprise up my sleeve," she said.

Until then, join Holy Roller October 24-25, from 10 am-3 pm, for one last goodbye. Details have yet to be announced, but follow along on the restaurant's social media channels to find out more information throughout the week.

closings downtown brunch

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.