A local bar group is reinventing The Wheel. FBR Management, the founders behind iconic Austin bars including the Mean Eyed Cat, Sign Bar, and Gibson Street Bar, have opened a second location for their East Side bicycle-themed bar, The Wheel.
The Wheel South opened in South Austin at 3116 S. Congress Ave. on Monday, February 24. The lot was previously home to Crow Bar before the property burned down in 2022.
Max Moreland, co-founder of FBR Management, tells CultureMap that the group had initially been interested in the building 18 years ago and jumped on the second chance when it became available again. FBR Management opened The Wheel in East Austin 10 years ago and has since built a community of loyal cyclists and draft beer enthusiasts.
The cozy interior is covered in bike photos and posters.Photo courtesy of The Wheel
“The bar is a great fit for most neighborhoods since it offers something for everyone,” says Moreland. “You can grab a high-end cocktail or a $2 Lone Star tall boy.”
The Wheel South does not have a bike service station like the original location, but Moreland says they plan to add one if there is demand. The new 2,400-square-foot location does, however, have TVs, vintage arcade games and a pool table, unlike the original. There’s also an 80-seat outdoor patio.
Later this month, Side Eye Pie plans to open a second trailer at the new Wheel. The local food truck already has a location at Meanwhile Brewing and is known for its wood-fired pizza, tacos, barbecue and wings fried in duck fat. Moreland says he brought them on after becoming a frequent customer at their original location.
Some games complete the interior.Photo courtesy of The Wheel
The Wheel South is open Mondays through Fridays from 3 pm to 2 am, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 am.
