If you’re wondering what’s open now, what’s opening soon, and what’s stalled out, we’ve gotcha covered. And it’s not just about dining. There’s exciting news for our local sluggers and four-legged friends too. Did somebody say batting cages and air-conditioned doggie homes? Y-E-S.
Wild Kitchen + Bar: Hwy 71 in Bee Cave
Status: Soft opening now, grand opening coming soon
Wild Kitchen & Bar is located next to Nitro Swimming at the space formerly known as Hill Country Golf & Guitar that went into foreclosure in late 2016. The expansive space sits on 7.4 acres with a restaurant, party building, and an 18-hole mini golf course. They offer “approachable” wild game, New-American cuisine, and craft cocktails.
Wild Kitchen + Bar started operating in ‘soft opening’ mode in early July to test menu items, dining times, hiring and more. They’ve been very transparent about the process on social media, which is refreshing to see. Chef Steve Nelson is the executive chef, and his reviews have been good.
According to a review on Dining Out with Rob Balon:
“The old mini golf course from the former restaurant is still outside, and kids will love it, but the food here will send mom and dad into spasms of culinary rhapsody.”
Sounds promising, right?
Galaxy Cafe: Quinlan Crossing in Steiner Ranch
Projected opening date: February 2019
This family-friendly restaurant will land in the Lake Travis area with a simple goal in mind — to provide good people with quality meals at a good value. And nobody appreciates this concept more than busy Lake Travis area families, right?
Galaxy Cafe owners are excited to open their fourth location in our booming suburbs where there’s room to roam. That means they can build a playground and there will be plenty of parking spots.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a space that also includes a private room for special events, a large outdoor dining area, and a designated dog-friendly area. After all, the Galaxy Cafe is known throughout Austin as a dog-friendly business. Woof!
And speaking of pampered pooches …
DogSpot: Hill Country Galleria
Status: Happening soon
Hill Country Galleria has partnered with Brooklyn-based DogSpot to make sure your furry friends enjoy their shopping experience too. Instead of just waiting on the sidewalk, DogSpots are secure, spacious, air-conditioned, doggy houses. They have a Puppy Cam, so you can keep an eye on them while you’re inside.
Plus, don’t forget Bark to School photos on August 11 & 12 at Hill Country Galleria.
Indoor Batting Cages: Hill Country Indoor
Grand opening date: August 18, 2018
If you hear a community-wide sigh of relief, that’s because the indoor batting cages at Hill Country Indoor will be officially open for business. This is a big, big deal for Lake Travis and all of its hundreds of baseball and softball families.
When it comes to indoor batting cage options nearby, the selection is, well … is there a selection? Exactly.
If you haven’t checked out Hill Country Indoor, you need to give it a whirl. This state-of-the-art facility keeps getting better and better.
Saltgrass Steak House: Hill Country Galleria
Projected opening date: Late 2018
The restaurant formerly known as Mimi’s Cafe is being renovated and will reopen as Saltgrass Steak House. Many of you were sad to see Mimi’s go, but Saltgrass promises convenient meaty deliciousness. The restaurant will be transformed into a steak-ready space over the next several months.
Bee Cave Trail System: 620 & Bee Cave City Park
Status: Stalled
In May 2018, we reported the new pedestrian trail that would connect Falconhead Blvd to Bee Cave City Park was approved. Well, it just got stalled. Boooo.
Are you excited about the new businesses opening in Lake Travis? What, if anything, are we still missing? Let us know in the comments section on Facebook.
Image credit: Hill Country Galleria, Wild Kitchen +Bar, Cathy Hale
