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The new multilevel H-E-B planned for South Congress will begin construction in February 2022. (H-E-B)
H-E-B's South Congress location, its longest-running store in Austin, will be demolished and reconstructed into a three-story megastore starting in February 2022, according to a report released by the Texas grocery chain on Thursday.
The current store has been standing for 60 years and will be wiped out in February 2022 to make way for a new three-story building, complete with two levels for shopping and dining and one with over 600 above-ground parking spaces.
Originally a 25,000 square-foot store opened in 1957, the new store will dwarf its original structure at over 145,000 square feet. The revamp was first planned to start in March 2020 and include underground parking, a beer garden, a food hall and live music stage but was halted due to the pandemic.
Though not coming with all of those original trappings, the new store will still plan on being a one-stop-shop complete with affordable shopping, top-rated barbecue and a stage fit for the live music capital. The location plans to include an in-house True Texas BBQ restaurant, which was named best barbecue chain in Texas by Texas Monthly, complete with indoor and outdoor seating and an outdoor stage.
Expect all the usual fixins at the beloved chain's new store as well, including curbside and home delivery services, a bakery (complete with their signature handmade tortillas), pharmacy, flower bar and Meal Simple selection complete with meals and a sushi bar made in-store. The prime location will also come with some added perks, including an expanded beer and wine selection, live demonstrations and samplings through Cooking Connection and environmental upgrades including solar panels and abundant natural lighting.
And honoring its location in the middle of music- and art-loving South Congress, the location will include local art that showcases what makes Austin, Austin.
Worried about shopping in the meantime? Though the full project is expected to take around two years, a temporary store will pick up the slack at the nearby Twin Oaks Shopping Center starting around a week before construction starts. It'll include home delivery and Pharmacy services but won't have curbside options, which are available at the nearby Riverside location.
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Popular
(Pexels)
The countdown to the holidays has begun—do you know where your presents are? If you didn’t get your shopping done over the Black Friday weekend, never fear, there are plenty of department store alternatives to check out right here in Austin.
Shopping local is the gift that keeps on giving, so here are some local artisans to keep in mind.
LIFESTYLE
Willinglee Gift Boxes—1412 E. 37th St.
For the recipient who has it all, give them the unexpected with a carefully curated gift box for any occasion. From the “Autumn Indulgence” package that includes beer caramel candies and a massage candle to the “Cozy Cottage” package that includes upcycled tea towels and a California poppy grow kit, you’ll find new local goodies to get them hooked on.
Moonthyme—2015 Manor Rd.
For your local homebody, get them some upscale home goods to enhance their cozy abode. Moonthyme, whose slogan is “thoughtful provisions to inspire,” deals out ceramic spice jars, handwoven decorative baskets, luxurious bath products and everything in between to keep your home looking comfy even in the cold weather.
Yarrow and Sage ATX—701 E 53rd St.
For the one who is counting the seconds until the next spooky season, Yarrow and Sage ATX has all the crystals, potions and bulk incense galore. The store sells all the astrological curios an enthusiast could dream of from pendulums, pipes and tarot cards to really lean into the witchy vibe.
TOYS & GAMES
Austin Nature Works—2389 Stratford Dr.
Who’s to say that toys can’t be pretty? Not only are the toys from Austin Nature Works an aesthetic choice for young learners, but they’re also sustainably made and will plant a tree for every purchase made.
Tanuki Games—6929 Airport Blvd.
For all your tabletop needs, Tanuki Games is taking family game night to the next level with hard-to-find games from all over the world. Try out Dune: House Secrets, which coincides with the new film, Machi Koro 2, a Japanese Monopoly-esque game, or the elusive Game of Cat & Mouth.
Toy Joy—403 W 2nd St. and 4631 Airport Blvd.
So popular among Austinites, local toy retailer Toy Joy even has a location inside the Austin Bergstrom-International Airport. From mainstream toys that you’ve seen on TV to potato clock kits, models of the “This is Fine” meme, to DIY models, you might even find some whimsical gifts for the adults in your life.
KITCHEN
Faraday's Kitchen Store—12918 Shops Pkwy
In a land where food is king, get the chef in your life the tools to make magic happen in the kitchen. Located in the Galleria, Faraday’s Kitchen Store carries cookware for indoor, outdoor, baking and electronics. Plus, if you want to send a well-intentioned hint, Faraday also offers cooking classes.
Farmhouse Delivery
Give the gift of good eating this holiday season with Farmhouse Delivery, a local company that brings the goodies of your local farmer's market right to your door. From meats, produce, baked goods or ready-prepared meal kits, you can most likely get it local and delivered to wherever you need.
Sips By
For your favorite tea lover, why not challenge their palate this holiday season with a custom-made tea-filled gift box. Local female-founded tea curator Sips By will send out a box of four news teas every month to your herbal-obsessed loved ones.
BOOKS
Black Pearl Books—4803 Burnet Road
Sweeping the nation with its T-Pain and Normani mini-film for Black-owned Friday, Black Pearl Books is founded on a principle of keeping local dollars in the community and welcoming all in its store. It’s not all books either—grab a Lizzo coloring book, merch, puzzles and cookbooks as well in-store.
BookWoman—5501 N. Lamar Blvd.
The female-run book store set up shop 45 years ago and has been running ever since with stocked shelves by women and a passion for uplifting marginalized voices. Check out BookWoman’s staff picks because it is never too late to inspire a love of reading.
ART
Austin Creative Reuse—2005 Wheless Ln.
If you’re looking to foster the creative spirit this holiday season, head to Austin Creative Reuse, where you can find lightly-used bulk craft and school supplies for a fraction of the new price. You might have to do some digging but imagine the look of a handmade craft basket under the tree!
Lys Santamaria
For that special someone who always brings a pop of color to the room, consider gifting them a new handmade accessory to don. Lys Santamaria’s unique beaded designs are made with love and honor the world around us with beaded earrings inspired by Winter Storm Uri, magic eyes and statement accessories.
Watercolor ATX
Austin is revitalized in WatercolorATX’s dreamy portraits of scenes familiar to Hill Country dwellers. You can have a custom watercolor done of your favorite place, person or pet, or choose from already-painted originals or prints.
CLOTHING & JEWELRY
The Verde Store—506 Congress Ave. and 10414 McKalla Place
Team spirit lasts all year long, even when fútbol season is over, so grab the Austin FC die-hard you know some quality merch. Inside the Verde Store you’ll find the signature shade of Verde and options for all types of fans.
Vinca—1800 E. 4th St.
These quirky little accessories aren’t for the faint of heart but they are guaranteed to catch some eyes. Doling out chainsaw earrings, stabbed heart brooches, alien tractor beams and sea critter jewelry, Vinca’s accessories will make for an… unforgettable gift.
Viva La Silk
Hand-dyed, sewn and styled in Austin, Viva La Silk’s silk accessories are made with versatility and sustainability in mind. The scarves, robes, tops, pants, veils and more are made from 100% reclaimed silk, so the “wearable art” pieces are affordable and comfy.
There are hundreds of local businesses to support—even if it isn't on this list, you can probably get it local.
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Colleen's Kitchen and more Austin restaurants are offering meals to-go to make your Thanksgiving easier. (Colleen's Kitchen/Instagram)
There's never been a better time to live among Austin's endless restaurants as the holidays are finally here.
This year, indulge in that casserole or pie you didn't dare think of until November without making a mess of the kitchen. Here are 15 Austin restaurants providing decadent to-go meals for Thanksgiving.
Abby Jane Bakeshop, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd
Looking for sweets? Abby Jane Bakeshop in Dripping Springs has some holiday deals for you. They are offering desserts such as apple cranberry galette, sorghum chocolate pecan pie, sourdough stuffing and buttermilk grits pie. Prices range from $12-$45 and you can order online here. Pickups available Nov. 23 and 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Aviary Wine & Kitchen, 2110 South Lamar Blvd.
You can never have too much wine on Thanksgiving. This holiday season, Aviary Wine & Kitchen is offering six-packs of its Cave des Vignerons de Mancey Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Rouge-Bleu 'Méditerranée Dentelle' Blanc Magnum and Redolent Wine Co 'Brother from Another Mother' Pinot Noir + Nebbiolo Blend at $156. You can order online here or in person.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Bistro Vonish, 701 East 53rd St.
Maybe you want to put all your energy into cooking the turkey this year, Bistro Vonish will help supply the tasty sides if you're in a pinch. Sides include grilled green beans ($6.25) and roasted baby carrots ($5). Food is available for pick up on Nov. 24 from 3-9 p.m. You can order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Buenos Aires Cafe, multiple locations
This Argentinian restaurant has got you covered this Thanksgiving with their feasts, which come in small (feeds 2-3 people for $90) or large (feeding 4-6 for $150). These meals can include honey-glazed porchetta, roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic reduction, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, arugula, black garlic vinaigrette topped with parmesan cheese, cauliflower and turmeric mash, 10" pumpkin pie, and house-made brioche. Food is available for pick up from Nov. 22-27 (excluding Thanksgiving Day).
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
Capital City Bakery, 2211 East Cesar Chavez St.
This bakery has loads of baked goods for you this holiday season, which includes pumpkin pie, maple pecan pie, chocolate cream pie and some gluten-free or vegan goodies. Prices range from $6.50-$90 depending on what you get. Pickup is only available on Nov. 23 and 24. You can order online here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr.
This American bistro is offering some holiday deals including salads and bread, quiche, pies and desserts, cakes, sides and sauces. Their sides typically serve 4-5 people, and prices can range from $9-$55, depending on what you get. You must pick up your food by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24. You can order by phone at 512-454-2666, in person or online here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 22
Colleen’s Kitchen, 1911 Aldrich St.
Colleen's Kitchen has two options: a Thanksgiving farmhouse feast, which serves 6-8 people ($220) and includes an herb-buttered bone-in turkey breast along with all the Thanksgiving sides, or a Thanksgiving trimmings package ($145), which only includes the sides. Sides include scratch turkey gravy, orange cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted sweet potato casserole. Pickups are available on Nov. 24, and you can order online here.
Deadline to order: Not mentioned
District Kitchen, multiple locations
District Kitchen + Cocktails is offering a Thanksgiving meal, which consists of either half or whole turkey, cheddar mashed potatoes, pomegranate glazed brussels sprouts, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. Diners can choose either a meal that serves 2-4 ($69.99) or 6-8 ($139.99) and can also add on a pumpkin pie, cider or spiked cider, or siduri pinot noir. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 only. You can order here.
Deadline to order: Nov. 20
Easy Tiger, 6406 N. I-35 Frontage Rd.
Easy Tiger is pulling out all the stops to make sure you have what you need this Thanksgiving. You can choose between or mix and match their turkey feast ($225), charcuterie boards (ranging from $125-$150), pies ($40) or pull-apart rolls ($14).
Preorder here to pickup at the Easy Tiger North location (other locations not available for pickup) or get delivery from Nov. 23-26.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Launderette, 2115 Holly St.
Launderette will make you feel like a chef with Thanksgiving goodies like the delicata squash ($25) or the apple streusel tart ($40) coming with reheat instructions. Customers can pick up their food on Nov. 24 from 12-5 p.m. You can pre-order online here or by phone at 512-382-1599.
Deadline to order: Nov. 22
Old Thousand, multiple locations
This ATX Chinese restaurant will be offering lucky family Thanksgiving meals this holiday season. Both locations will offer classics like General Tso's chicken, Xiao Mian, beef and broccoli, green beans and egg rolls. This meal feeds four people, and vegetarian options are available as well. You can order by calling 737-222-6637. Pickups are available Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Swedish Hill, 1120 West 6th St.
This Thanksgiving, Swedish Hill Bakery, Deli & Café has got you covered when it comes to meals. From turkey that's brined and roasted with lemons and herbs ($155) to pumpkin pie ($40), you can enjoy a classic Thanksgiving dinner. Pickups are available on Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can order here.
Deadline to order: 5 p.m. Nov. 19
Tacodeli, multiple locations
Tacodeli is back this holiday season with their signature mole to-go, which is available to be served with tamales or turkey. The traditional Mexican meal will be served in 16 oz containers for $12.99 and can be picked up Nov. 23-24. You can pre-order online here.
Deadline to order: No deadline but limited availability
TLC Austin, 1100 South Lamar Boulevard Suite #1150
TLC is offering holiday family meals this Thanksgiving, which include honey-sage basted turkey, Nueske's Applewood smoked bone-in ham, andouille cornbread stuffing, rosemary-garlic mashed potatoes, country-style green beans, giblet gravy, citrus vanilla cranberry sauce, white chocolate-peppermint bark and Texas pecan pie. Both meal packs cost $299 and feed 8-10 people. You can pre-order online here. Pickups available on Nov. 24.
Deadline to order: Nov. 23
Walton’s Fancy & Staple, 609 West 6th St.
This holiday season, you can grab a Thanksgiving meal from Walton's Fancy & Staple, which includes thyme-rubbed airline turkey, white cheddar and gruyere mac and cheese, balsamic brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto and handmade pies. These meals can be served as individual or family-style portions. You can order by calling 512-391-9961 or email catering@waltonsfancyandstaple.com.
Deadline to order: Nov. 21
Happy feasting!
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Downtown restaurant Arlo Grey is holding Yurt dinners for the holiday season. (Arlo Grey/Instagram)
It doesn't stay cool in Austin for long, so if you want to enjoy the temperate weather, you have to get out while you still can. Some of Austin's favorite activities are outdoors, so you shouldn't let a little brisk weather get in your way.
Even if you run cold, you'll stay enjoying the Austin atmosphere with these heated patios.
Aba | 1011 S. Congress Avenue
Nestled in the luxurious new development along Music Lane, Aba is the Mediterranean-influenced brainchild of two-time Top Chef contestant CJ Jacobson and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises executive partner and divisional president Marc Jacobs. Among his California upbringing, travels to Israel and time spent in Austin, the cuisine is modern, bright and surprising.
The expansive patio has heaters throughout, but you might want to bring a jacket since the patio is open-air. You'll probably be hard-pressed to walk in at Aba, so make a reservation to be safe.
Arlo Grey Yurt Village | 111 E. Cesar Chavez Street
Yurt season is back at Arlo Grey, so gather up to eight of the ones you love most for a charming dinner by the Line Hotel's pool. Once seated, you'll be served with family-style dishes and craft cocktails created by Arlo Grey owner Kristen Kish.
Reservations are required and start at $100 per person. The experience starts on Dec. 1!
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden | 121 Pickle Road
Cosmic's habitat-preserving, rainwater-catching, food-truck-having heated patio is wildly popular, so good luck finding parking. Beer, wine and coffee drinks are available indoors with a very limited amount of seating, so the real party is outside.
Try the frozen Matcha Painkiller or one of the local beers while you enjoy this dog-friendly patio.
Culinary Dropout | 1721 Rock Rose Ave #100
Located in the heart of the Domain, Culinary Dropout serves twisted gastro-pub treats like pretzel bites, provolone fondue and honey-drizzled fried chicken. The expansive heated patio has games to play, stages for live music and views of the Domain's bustling foot traffic.
Upstairs at Caroline | 621 Congress Avenue
Caroline's large, open-air heated patio is a great choice for rooftop views of the skyline, and it's even better if you love a good special. Every day of the week features a new special at Caroline, often including $7 cocktails and $2 tacos. We suggest a Prickly Pear Rita.
There are lounges and games so feel free to stay awhile. Don't forget, you get 25% off if you bring in your dog during Sunday Yappy hour!
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