Austin’s is back.
Junction 84 business owner Shawn Seay has bought Metro, the bar at 719 Austin Avenue, and has renamed the business Austin’s, after his business partner’s old bar that resided at the same location. Austin’s is currently open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m,, but Seay plans to have a full kitchen functioning by the end of April so that Austin’s can serve dinner and even breakfast.
“I’m originally from Louisiana,” Seay said. “The kitchen will be open next month and we’ll push back our hours. Austin’s will be the only place in Waco that you’ll be able to come and get beignets and Bailey’s for breakfast.”
The change in menu isn’t the only thing different at Austin’s. Seay has spent over $25,000 so far renovating the location in order to give the nightclub and bar a new feel.
“I have new hardwood floors throughout the place, an executive lounge, the only TV wall in Waco, and I have much more planned,” Seay said.
In order to help recover the location’s waning reputation, Seay has hired new security and is bringing back live music to Austin’s outside stage and patio. The only caveat: it might be too loud for the city.
“The city has strict rules on how loud things can be at any given time,” Seay said. “I’ve started bringing back the rock, country, and 80s and 90s cover bands that Austin’s has catered to in the past. I even walk around the perimeter of the venue with a sound meter so that I can keep tabs on the noise and keep our neighbors happy.”
---
Photo by WacoFork staffer Dustin Payne. Follow Dustin @createdlove on Twitter.
