New Scenes In Austin, TX

The Arts Scene

The independently owned First Light Books is housed in a former Hyde Park post office. Order coffee or wine and browse the shelves filled with books. Comfy outdoor seating offers the perfect place to enjoy pastry or a sandwich from the on-site cafe. On select days, meet a featured author or bring the kids to story time.

At the Blanton Museum of Art, visitors are flocking to the fully transformed park grounds that connect The University of Texas at Austin campus to the Texas Capitol Mall. Gorgeous landscaping features public art (such as the 12-foottall “petals” that provide shade), patios and awesome views of the Texas Capitol. Inside the Blanton, two new gallery spaces are dedicated to Latino art. The museum recently purchased over 5,000 pieces from the private collection of Gilberto Cardenas and Dolores Garcia.

Devoted to showcasing Latino art and culture, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is closed until 2025 as it renovates and expands. Exciting changes include the addition of a teaching kitchen, a gallery for community artists and a youth education wing. Until then, its many cultural programs are offered at other Austin locations. Check the Center’s social media for updates.

You’ll encounter mind-boggling sights and sounds at the interactive Museum of Illusions Austin, located at The Domain. Marvel at the optical illusions, where things might appear upside down or you’ll discover that you’ve grown or shrunk to epic proportions.

How did the museum clone you or swap your nose with someone else’s? Find out during an afternoon of fun for all ages.

The Dining Scene

You’ll find a delightful fusion of Japanese and Mexican fare at Ramen Del Barrio inside Hana World Market. Choose a cut of meat – shoulder, belly, buche or cuertios – topped with your choice of salsa, including a fire-roasted habanero version blended with classic Japanese burnt garlic oil. Traditional tacos, carnitas and tostadas join a variety of ramen on the menu.

Cantonese tradition fuels the family-owned Soupleaf Hot Pot. Diners cook their own ingredients in a pot of simmering broth stationed in the center of their table. Choose from an array of meats, along with seafood, greens, root vegetables and noodles. Special sauces for dipping range from savory to sweet.

You’ll find a Mediterranean, seafood-forward menu and extensive wine list at Gracia in Austin’s Rosedale neighborhood. The food and wine menus change frequently for perfect pairings. A sample dinner might include oysters of the day, crispy potatoes, halloumi and a swordfish skewer, followed by bay leaf gelato topped with baklava crumble for dessert.

During the day, Community Garden creates smiley face acai bowls filled with fruit, granola and coconut water, offered with refreshing teas and kombucha. When the clock strikes 4 p.m., it’s time for happy hour, with local wines and brews, plus snack plates piled with crackers, pickles, olives and more. Enjoy it all on the shaded patio.

Top Chef contestant Jo Chan teamed up with Tiny Grocer owner Steph Steele to open Bureau de Poste, a French bistro tucked inside the Tiny Grocer at 43rd and Speedway. Crepes, omelets and steak frites are delish for brunch. For dinner, start with ocean trout tartare before savoring the duck leg cassoulet. End your meal with crème brulee or the dark chocolate mousse.