Long Days Ahead

All-day bar by former Whisler's manager lights up Hill Country

A “Southern Gentleman” at Whisler's, a progenitor of Solstice.

The sun is rising on a new concept by a former longtime manager at Whisler's, a popular bar in Austin. Solstice, an "all-day gathering place" serving coffee, cocktails, and bites from local food trucks, will open in Jonestown, near Lake Travis, in March.

The idea behind Solstice is simple, revolving mostly around drinks, Hill Country surroundings, and a type of hospitality that welcomes guests to stick around. Remote workers are welcome, according to a press release, putting Solstice in line with many of Austin's signature amorphous hangs — but this time, about 45 minutes from the center of the larger city.

The remoteness is an important draw, and Jonestown is an International Dark Sky Community, meaning that it follows certain commitments to reducing light pollution. The business prominently mentions this on its website, but does not specify what it will mean for how it operates. Regardless, it should be a good place to see stars.

Solstice offers indoor and outdoor seating, a second-story covered patio, and oak trees for shade. At night, musicians will play acoustic sets.

"We poured decades of hospitality and design expertise into Solstice to create a space that feels both world-class and deeply local, modern yet natural," said Solstice founder Matthew Wenger in the release. "Our purpose was to create a true community hub where neighbors can slow down and savor the moment, whether they're meeting friends for coffee under the oaks or enjoying an expertly crafted cocktail as the sun sets over the Hill Country."

Investors backing Solstice come from other Austin-area businesses: Jason James is the co-founder of Odd Duck and Sour Duck; Preston and Sarah Keilers are founding partners of Lightstream Presents, which encompasses a handful of venues across Central Texas, including Haute Spot in Cedar Park.

"Every detail at Solstice reflects a passion for genuine hospitality and authenticity," said Preston Keilers. "Being Jonestown locals since 2020, we saw an opportunity to build an intentional space for the Jonestown and Lake Travis community - a beautiful, design-forward haven where everyone feels welcome to connect, relax, and make memories."

Solstice is located at 18637 RM 1431 in Jonestown.

Update: This story has been updated to reflect that Solstice is not yet open and to clarify the roles of management and investors.

cocktails coffee bars openings jonestown

OOHS AND AAHS

Central Texas barbecue staple plunges into new bathhouse in San Antonio

Photo by HUUM on Unsplash

Presumably, Terry Black's upcoming bathhouse won't be filled with barbecue sauce.

Central Texas barbecue icon Terry Black’s is already generating a lot of buzz in San Antonio, thanks to a new compound under construction that will contain a new restaurant and a boutique hotel. But its latest state project filings promise to create a bigger splash. Parent company Black Family Hospitality is also planning a bathhouse on the same lot at 1411 Alling St., called The Depths.

According to new Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) project details, the 9,800 square foot complex will include two hot spas, two cold spas, two cold plunges, a large linear spa, and a salt float. The bathhouse will also have a steam room, a cold mist room, massage rooms, and a high-end locker room with full spa amenities.

Terry Black’s broke ground on the ambitious development in August. It promises San Antonio’s first location of the popular barbecue chain, underground parking, and a new hotel. Early plans called for a second restaurant, although the hospitality group has not publicly commented on what type of food it would serve.

With the opening of The Depths, Black’s follows one of 2026’s hottest wellness trends. According to Vogue and the New York Times, public bathhouses have become increasingly popular as consumers looked for more analog public gathering spaces after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Antonio has yet to capitalize on the clamor on a large scale. In January 2023, Camp Hot Wells opened adjacent to the historic Hot Wells resort ruins, but the wine bar’s facilities are relatively small. It’s not clear whether The Depths will have alcohol. Many nationwide facilities don’t allow drinking.

According to the TDLR listing, construction of The Depths (if that is the final name) will begin in April and last through June 2028, but state filings are subject to change without notice. A request to Terry Black’s for more details was not immediately returned. Presumably, future guests will want to clean up any rib schmutz with a wet wipe before taking the plunge.

spas wellness barbecue public bathhouses saunas openings

Long Days Ahead

All-day bar by former Whisler's manager lights up Hill Country

OOHS AND AAHS

Central Texas barbecue staple plunges into new bathhouse in San Antonio

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