New eateries and relocations reshape Central Texas food scene

On Oct. 29, Taqueria Chapala opened its new location on South First Street. The move follows the closure of its longtime spot on East Cesar Chavez Street on Sept. 27. Owner Manuel Lopez is continuing the family operation at the new address. The menu retains classic items such as tacos and fajitas, alongside signature dishes like the Chapala Especial and menudo.

October brought additional dining options to the surrounding suburbs. A new Mexican seafood food truck began serving customers in Hutto, expanding from its original Round Rock base. The truck offers traditional dishes including aguachile verde, ceviche, and shrimp tacos, paired with beverages like horchata and mangonadas. In Kyle, a new cafe opened at the Shops at Brick and Mortar District. It serves a rotating seasonal menu and full bar, featuring dishes like Nashville hot chicken and waffles alongside dragon fruit pancakes.

Coffee seekers have new options in Leander and Leona Botanical Cafe. Black Rock Coffee Bar opened its 11th Central Texas location on Hero Way. The shop serves breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and signature cold brews. Nearby, El Tigre Coffee Roasters added indoor and outdoor seating at Camp East. Owner Tatanka Guerrero developed the space, which features local artwork and house-made syrups. The shop is open daily until 3 p.m., with weekday hours starting at 7 a.m. and weekend hours starting at 8 a.m.

New leadership has taken over established spots in the region. Robert Mason purchased and reopened the Whitestone Boulevard location in Cedar Park following a brief closure. The FM 620 location nearby is now permanently closed. Mason plans to open additional Austin area locations and offers Sunday kids' promotions. In Spicewood, Aaron and Sally Creamer bought the Winston's location on Bee Creek Road and renamed it Neighbor's Cafe. The previous owners sold the business to focus on their Hill Country Galleria site. The new cafe serves coffee, pizza, salads, and breakfast items.

Other new entrants include Doug's Boys Pig & Loaf, a food truck owned by Winnona and Marcus McDonald. Located at Terry's Corner near Paige, the truck serves slow-cooked barbecue sandwiches with chopped beef, pulled pork, and sausage. It also offers loaded mac and cheese and nachos, with catering available. In Leona Botanical Cafe and Bar, head chef Bob Moren leads the in-house restaurant. The menu features handcrafted burgers on Veracruz Fonda bakery buns, chicken sandwiches, Parmesan truffle fries, and soft-serve ice cream.

In Round Rock, a local wing franchise celebrated its fifth anniversary in October. The business is owned by T.J. and Erin Mahoney. It serves bone-in and boneless wings with signature sauces and dry rubs, along with salads, burgers, and pizza.