Every beginning has an end and some Central Texas treasures had to say some hard goodbyes this year. Although Austin is constantly attracting several new companies and restaurants, some of its longtime staples have also had to shutter.
From decades-old family-owned eateries to beloved clubs and dive bars, here’s a look back at all the closures that shook the Capital City in 2025:
Trudy’s Tex-Mex
After almost 50 years in business, Trudy’s announced it would be closing its last location on Burnet Road in January. The local chain, which filed for bankruptcy before shuttering, was known for its Tex-Mex food like tacos, margaritas and more.
Con Todo
A Michelin-praised taco truck with 956 roots closed in early January. Con Todo was an Austin taqueria trailer that specialized in South Texas-style Mexican food like tacos and tostadas from the Rio Grande Valley.
Cuantas Hamburguesas
Texas’ best taco truck shuttered its equally delicious sister concept, Cuantas Hamburguesas in January. Cuantas, which opened in 2023, served Mexican-style street burgers and fries.
Skylark Lounge
In April, a beloved blues and live music venue closed its doors after more than a decade in operation. Skylark Lounge was a hub for musicians and fans of Austin Blues music scene. The club hosted numerous local blues musicians, weekly blues jam sessions and more.
Redbud Ice House
Nearly a year after opening, Redbud Ice House closed in early June. The East Austin restaurant, known for serving burgers and beer, was converted into a new Franklin Barbecue catering space in November.
Z’Tejas
For more than 30 years, Austin-founded Z’Tejas operated in and beyond Central Texas, serving up Southwestern Tex-Mex favorites. In early July, the chain’s officials announced it would close its remaining location in Kyle, after earlier closures this year.
JewBoy Sub Shop
Austin’s popular burger spot, JewBoy Burgers, shuttered its four-year-old sandwich concept in mid-July. JewBoy Sub Shop served a variety of Jewish deli classics with Tex-Mex flair.
Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice and Homemade Ice Cream
This was a brutal summer for Austin business closure announcements and this family-owned Austin sweets shop became one of many tough farewells. After over 30 years, Jim-Jim’s Water-Ice and Homemade Ice Cream officially closed its Sixth Street window in late September.
Cielo
Austin’s longest-running Latin nightclub closed after 16 years in July. However, Cielo’s owner, Elias Boukarim, revamped his downtown Austin space with a new Latin club, Deseo, which opened in October.
DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya
In August, this Michelin-recommended spot closed after six years of operating in Austin. DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya was a “New-School Japanese” hot pot eatery, where raw meats and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth, or nabe.
Sunny’s Backyard
This neighborhood dive bar’s last day of operation was in November. Sunny’s Backyard was a chill hangout spot for happy hours, games and hosting live music performances and community events.
Koriente
A 21-year-old Asian restaurant in downtown Austin announced it would be leaving its East 7th Street home in mid-November. Koriente was a restaurant and tea house that offered home-made, health-conscious Asian inspired dishes.
El Mercado
This 40-year-old Tex-Mex restaurant’s owner confirmed it would be closing its South Austin location this month. El Mercado’s space is set to become a second De Nada location by mid-January…