RIP part 4

[beercoop]

Saw that Kahuna's on Parmer and McNeil was shut down today.

[jwynne2000]

Looks like this RIP thread has come full circle. It started with Kahuna's on Parmer and McNeil closing. Now, Old School Grill in that same location has shuttered its doors. Not sure what it is about that location.

[Rptrane]

Sorry to hear that. I went there a few times it was always full. We liked his food when he was working out of a bus. I wonder if it's a strategic move. I never got the impression it was struggling

[dinaofdoom]

not surprised.
way too expensive for this neighborhood, and the ingredients.
could not get a correctly cooked burger any of the times i went.
the service was also TOO attentive, if you can believe that...

i think a restaurant that has lower price points and less schtick could do well.
the curra's had awful service and an inconsistent kitchen.
kahuna's was too shlocky, and the food wasn't great.
old school needed to retool the dishes and the price points.
it's a really good location with a lot of traffic, so it should succeed.

[Rptrane]

I went to this location a few times. Prices were in the Applebee's/Chili's neighborhood. Nothing crazy. I don't know how much cheaper it could get. I do think he may have expanded far too quickly though.

[dinaofdoom]

applebee's/chili's have pasta dishes in the $20s?

[rudeboy]

I don't recall $20 pastas at old school- the owner was nice, though, so I wish him well!

[amysuehere]

I got a philly-style cheesesteak the one time I went. While it was good, I remember thinking it wasn't quite on price-point and the drive wouldn't justify for us. However, I remember thinking that if it were in my neighborhood, I'd have given it another go. You're right, RB. Owner is very nice.

[rudeboy]

He is opening downtown soon, I think. I was surprised at the closing of the Parmer location. My hunch was that he wants to focus on downtown, perhaps. The Parmer location was always reasonably busy at lunch.

[knb1055]

Would love to see something like Galaxy Cafe in this location. Casual neighborhood place, beer/wine for the grownups, kid friendly, reasonable prices for decent food, live music on the weekends.

[sweet100s]

Seconded! That would be a great 'chill' place!

[TroyTempest]

TerraBurger on 183 and Braker (almost) is closed down if anyone noticed.

[danny_w]

Doesn't surprise me. They were overpriced and tasteless IMHO.

[Ashforth]

Too bad about Terraburger, their turkey burger was excellent and I liked their beef burgers just fine. They weren't cheap but the burgers were a good size. They also had a truly small size order of fries (i think it was the child's portion), which I appreciated, because most "small" fries from burger places are way too many fries for me. I moved south a year ago so I hadn't been there in a while, but I have often wished there was a location close to where I live now.

The location of that Terraburger was difficult. If you were exiting from 183 to go there you had to make a dangerous dash across three busy lanes of frontage road traffic. The parking lot was tiny and the drive-through was awkwardly tight; plus, because of the tiny lot, if there were many cars in the line, it jutted into the street and there wasn't room for more. They cooked to order, I believe, so they weren't pumping the food out fast enough to allow more cars to be in line without waiting in the street.

Add the opening of the Wendy's right next to it and well, bye bye Terraburger on 183. Come south!

[TroyTempest]

yeah, that location is terrible. You also have to deal with the people exiting the COSCTO.
yeah, too bad. I think fast food customers just aren't willing to pay extra for organic, when it doesn't taste any better than non-organic which this didn't.

[danny_w]

I'm willing to pay more for organic (I often do), but it should taste at least as good as other non-organic options, and this didn't.

[sqwertz]

Kocurek Family Charcuterie. Really pricy, but it's hard to make charcuterie in small batches by hand.

[Rptrane]

Do they have a physical store? I thought they just went to Farmer's Market. Their stuff looked really interesting but always way too rich for my blood.

[yum72]

Taco Real in Cedar Park. Hubby stopped by other night to order some food to go, found it completely dark, and sign on door said "Thank you for your patronage over the years." Had good food, reasonable prices, and was always clean. The family that ran the place was very nice, too.

[achtungpv]

Get Sum Dim Sum is a goner. Tried to go there for lunch and it was completely cleared out.

EDIT. Nevermind. Just read on Facebook that they're moving to a new location in a few weeks.

[ret3]

Looks like Player's days are numbered; UT is buying it, but I somehow doubt they're going into the burger-flipping business: http://www.statesman.com/blogs/conten...

[Alan Sudo]

Their days may be numbered, but looks like it could be a pretty big number.
Further info in a 2nd article:
"The regents' agenda item for the matter said payment would be partially in cash and partially in the form of a leaseback to the sellers, with the property to be used upon termination of the leaseback" .

[frankcross]

UT is probably putting in a new building for its MBA program on the block. After the eminent domain fiasco, I suspect they will be paying Players pretty well.

[bubbleboy79]

Portabla, from the looks of things. Saw them moving out on New Year's Eve. I'll miss the carved turkey club.

[DoobieWah]

Shoreline Grill

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/conten...

[singlemalt]

.

[tori_atx]

The northwest location of Hoover's Cooking is closing at the end of December. The Manor Rd. location will remain open.

[verily]

Oh man, that sucks. They never seemed to be hurting for business every time I went there.

[LakeLBJ]

Did they ever update the interior at that place? They needed a Restaurant Impossible makeover in the worst way. We went a few years ago and sat in a booth, it felt like I sat into a black hole. Good food, but the interior was so drab it wasn't an appealing place to take guests.

[Lucky_Skunk]

Completely agree.Sitting in the Belmont always seemed like I was at the Regal Beagle from "Three's Company". Very dark and 70's feeling.The only thing missing was Jack Tripper cooking and "Midnight at the Oasis" playing.

[woshimeiguoren]

VERY bummed out about the closing of NW Hoover's location. Yeah, the interior was totally retro and not in a good way, but I loved me the food and people. The waitress who told me about the imminent closing said the landlord jacked up the rent, and revenue at that location didn't justify staying open. So now the building will sit empty for possibly years?!

My family and I had been going to the NW Hoover's since it opened, as we live less than 15 mins. away. Really gonna miss it!

[verily]

I'm going to miss it too. It was close to home and also close to work. The Manor location is good, but it's such a long trek from the Lakeline area.

Are there even any alternative Southern home cookin' type restaurants nearby in NW Austin or Cedar Park? Sometimes a girl just needs a big plate of CFC, mashed potatoes, and greens.

[ericthered]

SAmbet's cajun deli suffered a turkey fryer fire over the holidays and they're closed. Dunno if they're going to reopen.

[willtryanythingonce]

Another 10 minutes down 183 from the old hoovers will get you to Southern Hospitality. Atmosphere leaves *much* to be desired, but i've had good catfish, fried chicken, and chicken and dumplings there, might fill the niche that hoover's did.

[addlepated]

Yes, Southern Hospitality takes over the spot that Hoover's and Dot's left open. Very very nice people running the place, too.

[woshimeiguoren]

Would like to try Southern Hospitality, though it's a few mins. south on 183. Is it true they're only open from 8A-3P Mon.-Fri.? If so, I can forget about going there with kids except when school's out.

[missmitzi]

I know Liberty Hill is a trek but Dahlia's Cafe out there is fantastic. Hand breaded CFC, jalapeno cream gravy, homemade fried okra. Live music on the weekends underneath giant oaks.

[The Tres Leches]

Eater Austin is reporting that the Belmont is closed as well.

[ghastlyfop]

Just saw on Facebook that El Arbol is closing.

"We would like to thank everyone that has been a guest at El Arbol, at this time we are having to close our doors. We can't thank our wonderful staff and guests enough. It has been our pleasure."

That's rather sad.

[popvulture]

That is a huge bummer. I thought that place was great. Also, the one time I went (maybe should've gone more), it was totally packed. Maybe they spent too much money on Eames furniture.

[anjgupta]

Triumph Cafe is closing - August 31st - this Wednesday.

Anj

[amysuehere]

Here's hoping something special goes in there. Great patio, but was never really thrilled with the food...same sad note in the land of the bland.

[singlemalt]

re: Triumph, agreed. Ate there once and was terrifically underwhelmed if not downright insulted in the trash they were serving.

[ktwdw129]

Just got an email that Mad Cakes (right next door to Triumph Cafe) is closing this Saturday. I did enjoy their randomly shaped cakes and lemon bars. Too bad.

[achtungpv]

Dunno if it's for good but the Cazamance trailer appears to be shuttered over on Rainey street. It was the only West African restaurant in town that I know of.

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Cazamance
Austin, Austin, TX

[rudeboy]

That's too bad....the only time I've been down there, I went to Raj Mahal. It was packed. There was no one at Cazamance, so I was determined to go there next. I saw the woman just hanging out in the trailer. Hate to see someone give it a go and not make it.

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Cazamance
Austin, Austin, TX

[jwynne2000]

I think it's just temporary while they install the Container Bar in that lot. Cazamance is still in business....

http://www.facebook.com/Cazamance

[dinaofdoom]

they are going brick and mortar:

http://austin.eater.com/archives/2011...

[mollyjade]

Wild About Harry's on Burnet (hot dogs and custard) has an eviction notice on the door. It's been a hard summer for hot dogs in Austin.

[dinaofdoom]

has that place even been around for a year?

[ampeg66]

The parking lot at Meltzer is dead empty at 8 p.m. on a Friday night. I'm guessing it's closed.

That location seems to be quite unfriendly to restaurants, though Antonio's did stick around for a while.

[dinaofdoom]

they recently had quite a few deals going on.
hope everyone who bought one gets a refund.

[amykragan]

Meltzers is going to convert to UR cooks, the old "cook your own steak place" with fancy pub grub at the bar area according to Rob Balon.

[ampeg66]

Austin Biz Journal says they're leasing the building to a sports bar company:
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blo...

Did Brad Meltzer also own UR Cooks? Just wondering, since it sounds like he was thinking about revisiting that concept.

[dinaofdoom]

i did read somewhere that he owned UR cooks, but can't remember where.
not sure why he's doing a sports bar--wasn't that the current concept?

[NirvRush]

Really sad to read that Somnios's is closing :( their food was o fresh and delicious. Acc to their FB page, they are open to relocating but need investors and a place with more kitchen space. Sigh

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Somnio's Cafe
1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

[dinaofdoom]

that is a bummer. when i lived down south, i liked going there.

[texasgirly]

Benihana Austin is a gonner....

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Benihana
9070 Research Blvd Ste 305, Austin, TX 78758

[Steven Dilley]

Sams BBQ.

http://www.kutnews.org/post/sam%E2%80...

[willtryanythingonce]

Nooooo! Who else does mutton at 3am?

[beercoop]

Thai Bowl in Cedar Park is closed. Going to be replaced by "Flipping Burger"

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Thai Bowl Cafe
202 Walton Way Suite #152, Cedar Park, TX 78613

[cstrombe]

Interesting, any more details on this "Flipping Burger" replacement?

[beercoop]

The sign on the door just said Flipping Burger open soon.

[Alan Sudo]

Springhill Catfish on Airport has packed up their fishing poles and gone to that deep fry in the sky.
Hounds in the area can head a few blocks over to Mr. Catfish on Springdale Rd.
The Pflugerville location of Springhill is reported to still be open.

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Springhill Restaurant
2505 Pecan St W, Pflugerville, TX 78660

[Ashforth]

A moment of silence for Red Robin and Marie Calendars in Sunset Valley.

Yeah, that's long enough.

Here's hoping that some better places open in those locations!

[shan]

Especially that Marie Calendars. It is easily the worst restaurant I ever went to in Austin. ever. It's a pretty good location and I'm hopeful interesting goes in there. What places are underrepresented in that part of South Austin? pizza? fish?

[NirvRush]

yes, fish! but i'll take pretty much any non-chain. i'm crossing my fingers and toes that something good comes after the disappointment of seeing Freddy's Frozen Custard (Wm Cannon & Brush Country) and some BBQ joint where the Zen used to be in Sunset Valley.

[TroyTempest]

as someone living in the area, I agree with NR. Chains are about the only thing well represented in this part of town.

[achtungpv]

An outlet of Din Ho, Asia Cafe, or Ho Ho would be great down in Sunset Valley. The only think that sucks about Austin is that all good Chinese food is way north of the river.

[foodiegal71]

That is the best idea I've ever heard. Now, how do we go about making this happen? How about A + A (I now prefer it over Asia Market) where Red Robin used to be and Ho Ho where Marie Calender's was?

And if we could get Tanh Ni to just move down here, as well as Pho Saigon, I'd be forever appreciative!

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Red Robin Restaurant
4809 W Highway 290, Austin, TX 78735

[sqwertz]

And the groceries. There's a somewhat new little Filipino market cafe at First and Slaughter (if it's stiill open) that sells limited staples like 3 crabs, mam nem, noodles and such, but not much. And the one lunch special I had kinda lame.

[addlepated]

Ouch, that Red Robin closed? The one thing I liked about it was that kids always ate free. And if you asked them to cook the burgers medium rare, they were palatable. Better than some of the old standbys here in town, anyway. They always seemed busy too. Hm.

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Red Robin Restaurant
4809 W Highway 290, Austin, TX 78735

[cstrombe]

Just noticed The Hub on Dry Creek is now Cat Mountain Grill.

[brentwood]

Well, nuts. Adios, The Parlor North Loop.

http://www.avclub.com/austin/articles...

The Hyde Park location is staying open but it's not the same.

[richardd_x]

Drag!

Love The pizza there.... and agreed, Hyde park isn't the same but as long as I can still get their pizza, crisis averted.

[cashhh]

Got word that the Screaming Goat has closed, so sad. I don't know where il get my dollar Dos Equis and drowning flautas. My favorite salsa in town too, very saddening.

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Screaming Goat
900 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78703

[chispa_c]

Has anyone else noticed the sign on former screaming goat that reads, 'Bacon - Coming Soon'? What's that about?

[hlk]

Yeah, Eater has...well, a picture. Not much else:

http://austin.eater.com/archives/2011...

[exit53]

Eater has an article up now:
http://austin.eater.com/archives/2011...

[chispa_c]

Thank you!

[hlk]

The Good Knight has tweeted that they're closing:

"Well, we've decided to close the Good Knight. Thanks everybody for your love and support. We'll see you around."

http://twitter.com/#!/thegoodknight/s...

[bbq1995]

That seems very at odds with a lot of their recent-ish tweets talking about their new menu and drinks and stuff. Not that stuff doesn't happen, but for some reason I am skeptical.

[hlk]

More from their chef:

"As of today @thegoodknight is no longer open for business. Thanks to all that came out & enjoyed the food & drink. Cheers! #RIPGoodKnight"

http://twitter.com/#!/Rawknrollchef13...

I wonder what went down.

[txgrl99]

I'd love to hear the scoop on that. That's a bummer. I liked that place.

[TroyTempest]

I went to the new place Sputnik that is now in it's place and had a pretty decent burger a couple of weeks back.

[achtungpv]

Nueva Onda one of the better Mexican joints is closing Saturday.

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Nueva Onda
2218 College Ave, Austin, TX 78704

[nypb]

On the way back from lunch today (Spicy Pickle) I noticed that Hot Slices (aka Slices and Ices) is closed and has been gutted.

Too bad, I enjoyed their pies. R.I.P.

[ret3]

Cafe Canela, the successor to Mooya's and Geaux Burger at Burnet & Research, as itself gone away. It was pretty tasty, and the owner was always so nice, but the few times my wife and I went there, we had no company but each other.

[addicted2rice]

I know! It's so sad. It was on our regular lunch rotation. You're right about it being empty though. They really tried, but it just didn't work out. Now where am I gonna go for my chicken tomatillo enchiladas?... =(

[dinaofdoom]

i guess this is the most current version of the RIP thread?

here are some north austin closings:

the pollotron truck at pond springs and anderson mill boarded up some time in december, but now the truck is gone completely.

hong kong market on parmer (near chipotle, twin liquors, food shui etc.) is officially closed but i didn't know they even opened!

sodade coffee shop on burnet shuttered.

bagpipes pub and eatery on research is gone.

...and mama roux's is also closed, obviously.

[beercoop]

Bagpipes has been replaced by "Big Daddys Burgers and Bar". Something like that

[willtryanythingonce]

yeah, i saw that place and it looked like a fairly generic casual eatery, but the online menu seems to indicate some relationship with the Nutty Brown Cafe, so maybe has some Austin history? anybody tried it?

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Nutty Brown Cafe
12225 W Highway 290, Austin, TX 78737

[bbq1995]

If it has a relationship with the nutty brown, that would be enough for me to avoid it. Cool outdoor space, but the food has been blah the few times I have been there.

[ssouth]

Saw that Joe's Crab Shack on 183 and Duval has closed. Sorry to anyone who lost their jobs because of it, but I have to say that I couldn't stand that place. Hopefully, something better will take over the location.

[dinaofdoom]

that shared parking lot w/ chuy's was always crazy full.
hopefully something good and non-chain will open up.
it is a pretty good location, right off 183.

[danny_w]

I didn't eat there often but I will be sad to see it go. They had gone way downhill over the last several years (multiple owners?) but were finally beginning to get back to the way they used to be. I had a fantastic lunch there a while back; little did I know it would be the last. We can't afford any more closings in this area, the choice is so dismal already!

[Zorak111]

As of 3-24-11 the former Joe's space is occupied by The Brick House Tavern and Tap

[dinaofdoom]

totally not surprised.
that space seems cursed but then again, it was a crappy restaurant.

[verily]

Ack! There goes Weds. $1 happy hour. It was not good chow, but it was nicely cheap. Guess it's back to Opal's or Riata.

[dinaofdoom]

i hope something delicious goes in, and is permanent.
i like curra's in general, but that location (which it was prior to kahuna) was AWFUL.
they need to reverse the curse.

[bloody hammer]

Looks like Leo's Gyros in Cedar Park closed down. Shame... I just moved up here and planned on eating there fairly often.

[scrumptiouschef]

Emerald City Press on N. Lamar has shuttered

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Emerald City Press
915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

[agoodbite]

According to some post-Hermine news footage I saw, the location got hit pretty hard. If they were struggling before the storm, the damage they suffered would likely do them in.