An upscale dining destination downtown is being replaced with something new after 10 years. Stella San Jac will close June 27 to make room for Skipjack Oyster, a new seafood concept by the Westin Austin Downtown (310 E 5th St.).
Stella San Jac has become known for broadly Southern and American food in a fancy environment that's still comparatively accessible. Skipjack Oyster narrows its culinary focus to the "coastal charm and culinary traditions of the Carolina coast," according to a press release.
The main draw will be daily oyster selections with other food and wine pairings. The release says the menu will "range from casual bites to comforting main courses" — not exactly a far cry from Stella's popular chicken and waffles. Skipjack hasn't shared a menu preview yet.
Fans of Stella San Jac were particularly attached to the chicken and waffles.Photo courtesy of the Westin Austin Downtown
“As the hotel embarks on an exciting new chapter with a major renovation of key spaces, it’s only fitting that our restaurant follows suit,” said hotel general manager Daniel Chambers in a press release. “We are immensely grateful for the incredible food and the amazing guests we’ve had the pleasure of serving over the past 10 years. We can’t wait to introduce new flavors and experiences to shape the next decade.”
It's not just the hotel's restaurant that's getting a makeover. Renovations will also transform the lobby guest rooms, meeting spaces, and more. The release attributes this fervor to White Lodging, identifying the group as the operator of hotels in Austin's central business district. The Westin is a Marriott hotel.
Fans still have a couple of months to say goodbye to Stella San Jac, but some specials are already about to be underway to do it with panache. The menu will shift on May 1 to offer fan favorites from the restaurant's decade in business. Guests will be able to order the lamb meatballs from 2015, the seafood mac and cheese from 2021, and the Texas blackened redfish from 2023. Then from June 1-27, anyone who spends $100 at Stella will receive a $20 gift certificate for Skipjack.
Another angle of what's to come.Rendering courtesy of the Westin Austin Downtown
On Stella's final day, Friday, June 27, there will be a party with live music and premium bourbon tastings alongside the special retrospective menu.
Reservations are wide open at the time of this article's publication, but hardcore fans who want to ensure space during the restaurant's final days can book via OpenTable.
