Editor’s note: It’s time to look back at the top Austin news of the week. This week’s hottest headlines include exciting openings and barbecue news aplenty. Plus: a guide to escaping SXSW. Catch up on our most popular stories below, and then find some weekend fun right here.
1. Popular Italian restaurant follows sudden close with new East Austin space. Popular East Austin Italian restaurant Poeta will begin a new chapter at a new location later this spring.
2. Austin favorite declared best BBQ joint in Texas by Southern Living. Don’t be surprised if the almost ever-present lines grow even longer outside East Austin’s Franklin Barbecue. Offering yet another culinary accolade, Southern Living has crowned Franklin the best barbecue joint in Texas for 2025…