An entrepreneurial local couple has made a very quick flip in Austin, swapping a cider taproom for a coffee shop, bar, and more in just three weeks. Stargazer is opening to the public on Friday, November 15, with a big opening ceremony to get things going.
Austin Eastciders announced October 18 it would be closing its Collaboratory, but confused fans a bit with language promising "a year-round, multi-use destination" continuing on in its stead. The cider company clarified that it would still be operating out of Texas to make ciders, but a different vendor had committed to taking over the taproom space.
Things became clear sooner than anyone could expect, as Moya and Colin McIntyre — the couple who owns the neighboring event venue Springdale Station — stepped in.
The signature barrels from the Collaboratory days have also stuck around.Photo courtesy of Brandon Hill
Anchored by a vintage rocket ship playscape that the couple is adding to make the space more kid-friendly, Stargazer combines all sorts of offerings for one big, all-day concept for any kind of guest. Visitors can enjoy coffee, cocktails, mocktails, beers, and ciders; they can sit inside or outside (at shaded tables); and they can order food from a variety of vendors.
Spicing up the coffee menu are some unexpected combinations: espresso, turmeric, and black pepper in one drink; espresso, lion's mane, and chocolate, in another. The cocktails are a bit tamer, but still tropical, featuring mixes like mezcal, lime, and pineapple, or rum, apple cider, lemon, and ginger.
Food options are all over the map:
- Ice cream by Lick Honest Ice Creams
- Pastries by Maaribu pastries
- Grab-and-go health food by Lucky Lime
- Tacos via the Santo Patio truck
- Chicken tenders via the Dipping Springs Tender Co. truck
- Pizza via Bambino, located next door
Food from Stargazer's many partners.Photo courtesy of Brandon Hill
Photo courtesy of Brandon Hill
Stargazer brings a fun new facade, but keeps the Austin Eastciders sign.
Friday's opening festivities start bright and early at 7 am. From open until noon, coffees are buy-one-get-one. The first 50 children will get a free ice cream scoop. Then, frozen drinks are half-off during happy hour from 3-6 pm. Finally, from 6-10 pm, there will be more drink specials, a DIY flower bar, and live music by DJ Jah Karma and Blowcomotion Marching Band.
According to a release, the McIntyres wanted the new space to feel like Old Austin, and to be the kind of place they would want to visit.
Stargazer is located at 979 Springdale Rd., Suite 130. Operating hours are 7 am to 10 pm daily.
