Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the name of the new showroom as Korman, The Jewel House.

Austin’s downtown area has seen some recent changes with six business openings, three businesses coming soon and celebrations of anniversaries and relocations. This list is not comprehensive.

Now open

1. HokkaiSan

Owned by Jason Qiu, the Japanese-style grocery store now offers a curated selection of food, Asian snacks and beverages for visitors to get a taste of Japan. Customers looking to indulge in a meal can check out the store’s fresh sushi and hot meals, including teriyaki bowl options, which are prepared daily.
HokkaiSan opened its doors to the Austin community on Aug. 23. (Courtesy HokkaiSan)
HokkaiSan opened its doors to the Austin community Aug. 23. (Courtesy HokkaiSan)


2. Lau Lau

The family-run business is named after a Chinese family and is owned by long-time service industry workers, including Hannah Foy. In addition to classic coffee drinks, customers can order specialty items including Fish Sauce Caramel Latte, Chinese Five Spice Cortado and Foy’s Old Fashioned Latte.
Lau Lau's menu showcases traditional coffee options, specialty drinks highlighting Asian American flavors and pastries. (Courtesy Lau Lau)
Lau Lau's menu showcases traditional coffee options, specialty drinks highlighting Asian American flavors and pastries. (Courtesy Lau Lau)


3. Lil’ Ramen Tatsu-Ya

The latest location offers a limited menu focused on the restaurant’s most popular items, including The OG Tonkostu, Miso Hot Tonkostu and Curry Nu Skool Vegan. Diners can also find small bites such as edamame, fried gyoza, karaage and katsu sliders.
Lil' Ramen Tatsu-Ya is now open with a limited menu of the restaurant's most popular items. (Courtesy Ramen Tatsu-Ya)
Lil' Ramen Tatsu-Ya is now open with a limited menu of the restaurant's most popular items. (Courtesy Ramen Tatsu-Ya)


4. Mù Coffee

Mù Coffee is now serving coffee with Chinese-inspired flavors at The Cauldron in West Campus until mid-September. Founded by The University of Texas alumni Genny and Juan Acosta-Li, the coffee business features unique drinks such as the Osmanthus Latte, Barley Cold Brew, Five Spice Mocha and Jasmine Matcha.
University of Texas at Austin alumni Genny and Juan Acosta-Li launched the coffee business in February 2025. (Courtesy Mù Coffee)
The University of Texas alumni Genny and Juan Acosta-Li launched the coffee business in February 2025. (Courtesy Mù Coffee)


5. Strong Pilates

Community members can participate in 45-minute classes featuring high-intensity, low-impact reformer strength training. Classes craft a full-body workout focused on building strength and improving endurance. Owned by Kendra Blair and Shannon Togher, the location offers class packs and memberships for interested participants.
Strong Pilates features lower body, upper body and abs classes focused on building strength and endurance. (Courtesy Strong Pilates)
Strong Pilates features lower body, upper body and abs classes focused on building strength and endurance. (Courtesy Strong Pilates)


6. Victory Lap

The sports bar Victory Lap has opened a new Rainey Street location. The bar’s decor highlights the history of The University of Texas' athletics department and includes turf patios and large TV screens. The bar serves draft and bottled beers, wine and signature cocktails. Guests can also grab pizza by the slice—priced $5 to $7—through the walk-up pizza window.
Inside Victory Lap Rainey Street bar, walls lined with Longhorn memorabilia celebrate The University of Texas at Austin athletic history. (Courtesy Victory Lap)
Inside Victory Lap Rainey Street bar, walls lined with Longhorn memorabilia celebrate The University of Texas' athletic history. (Courtesy Victory Lap)


Coming Soon

7. Kappo Kappo

Kappo Kappo is a collaboration between designer Kelly Wearstler and twin chefs Haru and Gohei Kishi. The restaurant will offer a chef-driven tasting experience combining Japanese kappo cuisine and French technique, according to a news release.

8. Nica on 4th

The team behind Elephant Room and Parker Jazz Club, Kris Kimura and Aaron Frescas, has crafted a new jazz bar concept set to open Sept. 18. The business will feature table service combined with classic, handcrafted cocktails and an intimate, prohibition-era atmosphere of 1920s Chicago, where community members can experience live music.


  • Opening Sept. 18


  • 117 W. Fourth St., Ste. 101A, Austin


  • Website not yet available


Nica on 4th will take patrons to the prohibition era with its specially-designed space and atmosphere. (Courtesy Nica on 4th / Photo by Aidan Loughran)
Nica on 4th will take patrons to the prohibition era with its specially-designed space and atmosphere. (Courtesy Nica on 4th / Photo by Aidan Loughran)


9. VanHorn’s

The chef duo behind Bill’s Oyster and Teddy’s Restaurant & Bar is opening a New York-inspired steakhouse in Downtown Austin this fall. The new concept will be led by chefs Daniel Berg and Dylan Salisbury. The menu blends fine dining with casual fare, featuring Pat LaFrieda steaks—sourced from the renowned East Coast butcher—alongside burgers, cocktails and wines at a range of price points.


  • Opening this fall


  • 238 W. Second St., Austin


  • Instagram: @vanhorns.atx


VanHorn’s will showcase New York–style steakhouse favorites, including the classic Porterhouse. (Courtesy Berg & Sons Hospitality)
VanHorn’s will showcase New York-style steakhouse favorites, including the classic Porterhouse. (Courtesy Berg & Sons Hospitality)


In the News

10. Geraldine’s

This fall, Geraldine’s will mark its 10th anniversary on Rainey Street, nestled in the Hotel Van Zandt. The restaurant features modern Mexican cuisine with a southern influence, serving up dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In honor of the locale’s 10th anniversary, Geraldine’s will be showcasing its new, refreshed menu, “Heritage Flavors Reborn.” Dishes will include al pastor, ostiones and mole verde.
Geraldines dining room at the Hotel Van Zandt provides a setting for its modern Mexican menu and live music offerings. (Courtesy Geraldines/Hotel Van Zandt)
Geraldines dining room at the Hotel Van Zandt provides a setting for its modern Mexican menu and live music offerings. (Courtesy Geraldines/Hotel Van Zandt)


11. Eliza Page

For the last two decades, Eliza Page has showcased fine jewelry from its Second Street location in Downtown Austin. Eliza Page is known for its curated collections that emphasize quality, sustainability and craftsmanship. The boutique features handcrafted pieces by local and international artists, and offers custom design services by expert jewelers.

12. Pease Park

Marking 150 years of community and nature, Pease Park, home of Austin’s iconic troll statue, continues to serve as a local treasure. The initial 23 acres of what became Pease Park were donated to the city of Austin by former Texas Gov. Elisha Pease and his wife, Lucadia, to be used as the city’s first public park. Today, the park spans 84 acres in a series of connected green spaces running along Lamar Boulevard from West 15th to West 31st streets.
Malin's Fountain, the recycled-material troll by artist Thomas Dambo, stands near Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park, welcoming visitors to Austin’s historic green space. (Elle Bent/Community Impact)
Malin's Fountain, the recycled-material troll by artist Thomas Dambo, stands near Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park, welcoming visitors to Austin’s historic green space. (Elle Bent/Community Impact)


Relocations

13. Korman, The Jewel House

The jewelry store will host its grand opening in October at its new North Lamar Boulevard location in the former University Cyclery building. Branded as the “Jewel House,” the space includes an intimate bridal salon for couples seeking a private experience. Independently owned for more than 50 years, Korman has been led by Kat and Larry Stokes since 2018.