Irene’s, the popular downtown Austin restaurant and bar known for its booze and drag brunches will be closing this month. The establishment’s last day of service at 506 West Avenue on Sunday, November, 24.
The ABJ reports that the lease for Irene’s wasn’t renewed when it expired in December 2023. Plans exist to turn the block into a residential high-rise building, per Austin Monitor, meaning that the restaurant would have to be demolished for construction.
A recent press release states that Irene’s operating partner Scott Hentschel notes that Irene’s parent company WIP Hospitality (formerly known as ELM Hospitality) is looking to see if they can reopen Irene’s elsewhere.
“We are actively exploring new opportunities and locations where we can welcome you in the future,” he writes.
What Now Austin reached out to Mr. Hentschel for additional information, but he was not immediately available for comment.
