CultureMap Austin

CultureMap is your go-to platform for local lifestyle updates. We cover topics that are important to you, such as the best dining spots and exciting activities. You'll appreciate our daily insights on maximizing your experience in the cities we cover, along with interesting facts about events happening throughout the state.

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Articles

8 day trips with restaurant recs just a short drive from Austin

1 day ago | austin.culturemap.com | Katherine Stinson

As Austin sizzles this summer, escape the heat and embark on a flavor-filled field trip. We've handpicked eight delicious foodie destinations in or near Central Texas that promise local tastes and ice-cold air-conditioning. Pack your appetite, fill your gas tank, and hit the road to explore charming towns, scenic routes, and unforgettable culinary experiences just outside the city limits.
Austin's downtown rail station closes due to work on convention center

4 days ago | austin.culturemap.com | Britny Eubank

Amid escalating costs for housing, the income gap in Austin has widened almost as much as the Texas Panhandle's 20-mile Palo Duro Canyon. U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by the City of Austin for CultureMap shows a widening imbalance between household incomes, as the growth rate for high-earning households especially takes off. At the lower end of the income spectrum, the number of households in every annual-income category from $0 to $74,999 declined.
Austin restaurant Salty Sow opens barbecue outpost with new friends

4 days ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

After 13 years of Austinites showing up to Salty Sow expecting barbecue, the restaurant has joined forces with a "pit boss" ready to provide it. A new concept called Smoke Break, headed by Chad Deen of the existing barbecue trailer Waylon J's, has moved into a building on Salty Sow's property. Smoke Break opens Friday, June 20, and will serve barbecue during the lunch hours when Salty Sow is usually closed.
Austin wine pro is the first winner of a new James Beard Award category

4 days ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

One Texan finalist has emerged victorious in the national categories at the prestigious James Beard Awards. Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie's took home the award for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. This was more than an accomplishment of national importance; it was also the first time the award has ever been given.
Upscale Italian restaurant in Austin gets new chef, interior upgrade

5 days ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

One of Austin's leading Italian restaurants, Juniper, still feels fresh after nearly a decade, and some operational changes on the horizon are opening another new chapter in the restaurant's 10th year. Most notable is the addition of a new executive chef, paired with a new general manager and some interior renovations. The restaurant announced its new chef on social media in late May, and followed up with a press release containing more information on June 13.
East Austin group fills music booking gap after Skylark Lounge closure

1 week ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

One of Texas’ most lauded hospitality groups is finally coming to Houston. Austin-based Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group has claimed the former MF Lobster space in Autry Park for a new restaurant that will open in late 2025. At this time, Emmer & Rye isn’t providing any details about the restaurant, including its name or what kind of food it will serve.
One of Austin's top restaurant groups claims first space in Houston

1 week ago | austin.culturemap.com | Eric Sandler

An Austin summer always threatens a slowdown in food and entertainment, but the food scene isn't showing any signs of flagging yet. A food truck switch-up at Radio Coffee and Beer, a new pop-up for Broadway lovers, and an energy infusion for a longtime bakery are all keeping the ball rolling. Openings and closingsWow Poke, a local handful of food trailers for Hawaiian-inspired bowls, is now parked at Radio Coffee and Beer (4204 Menchaca Rd.).
A new poke trailer and a Broadway bar brighten up Austin food news

1 week ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

An Austin summer always threatens a slowdown in food and entertainment, but the food scene isn't showing any signs of flagging yet. A food truck switch-up at Radio Coffee and Beer, a new pop-up for Broadway lovers, and an energy infusion for a longtime bakery are all keeping the ball rolling. Openings and closingsWow Poke, a local handful of food trailers for Hawaiian-inspired bowls, is now parked at Radio Coffee and Beer (4204 Menchaca Rd.).
The Bachelor's Zach Shallcross & Kaity Biggar secretly marry in Austin

1 week ago | austin.culturemap.com | Stephanie Allmon Merry

On May 8, Austin foodies gathered to send their compliments to the chefs — and the chefs received them in grand fashion at the 2025 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards. Industry pros and foodies got together to celebrate the best restaurants, chefs, bars, and more. Nominees and winners (as introduced in our special editorial series) were chosen by a panel of expert judges including last year's winners, and the Best New Restaurant category was chosen by the public.
Longtime Miami vegan and wellness festival plants seed for Austin debut

1 week ago | austin.culturemap.com | Brianna Caleri

James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author Rick Martinez is stopping by the Texas capital for several days in June in celebration of his highly anticipated second cookbook Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking. Martinez, who was born in Austin, is renowned for his enthusiastic personality and his vast culinary talent, having won several awards for his debut cookbook, Mi Cocina, which released in 2022.