ATX-BAS: Impact 2/6/2026

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Cafe Monet offers hands-on stress relief through pottery

Pottery, clay and wheel studio Cafe Monet has been providing a space to flex creativity and relieve stress in Bastrop for over a year now.

After more than two decades in Southwest Austin, Cafe Monet owner Jules Winson opened a second location in Bastrop last year, inspired by the area's rapid growth and her own childhood memories.

What they offer: Located inside the Hyperloop Plaza next to The Boring Company, the studio provides:

Pottery wheel “Try It” classes
Paint-your-own-pottery sessions
Clay handbuilding
Workshops

Why it matters: The various classes present participants with the opportunity to ground themselves and calm their minds.

“For me, working with my hands helps me slow down,” Winson said. “Especially working with clay. Clay just sort of requires you to ... be really present in the moment.”

865 FM 1209, Bastrop

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Bastrop's Back 9 Bar closes as owners retire

Bastrop-area residents packed into Back 9 Bar in late January for one last night of karaoke, line dancing and more as staff and patrons said their goodbyes.

In a nutshell: Back 9 Bar owners announced the closure in a social media post Jan. 15.

“We will be retiring from the bar business,” the post stated. “We would like to thank all our guests [who] have come out to Back 9 Bar and have made it a special place.”

What residents are saying: The establishment—which featured a golf driving range, live music, food truck options, yard games and more—was a go-to watering hole for many who expressed their sentiments online.

Notable quote: “Over the past 10 years, we have made many friends along the way,” the owners said. “We appreciate each and every one of you for the support.”

834 Hwy. 71 W., Bastrop

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FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Austin area.

Cupprimo at the Lake now serving cupcakes and more in Lakeway

Locally owned by Amy Closson, the shop's daily menu includes quiche, coffee and seven cupcake flavors available every day of the week: red velvet, blue velvet, tuxedo, strawberry, birthday cake, double chocolate and primo vanilla.

There are also special cupcake flavors available on certain days of the week such as lemon raspberry on Mondays and whiskey brownie on Fridays, as well as mystery cupcake flavors on Saturdays and Sundays.

Read now.

🍽️ Mediterranean restaurant Ēma to launch third location at Domain Northside
(Read more)

🍖 Estancia Brazilian Steakhouse now open in Leander
(Read more)

☕️ Noble Joe Coffee Co. to expand with new vintage trolley off East Riverside
(Read more)

😋 'Here to stay': Jason’s Deli serves up fresh flavors in Cedar Park
(Read more)

The Toasted Yolk Cafe now serving breakfast, brunch, lunch in Round Rock

The Toasted Yolk Cafe opened Jan. 26 in Round Rock.

The cafe offers a menu centered around the morning and mid-day meals, as well as specialty donuts and beverages. This includes breakfast burritos, different takes on toast, salads, soups, sandwiches and cocktails from the restaurant's full bar.

Read now.

Stay In The Know

Q&A: Meet the Democratic candidates running for State Board of Education District 5 in March primaries

Central Texas voters in the March 3 primary election will decide who will be the Democratic candidate in the State Board of Education District 5 race in November.

What you need to know: Six candidates have filed to run in the Democratic primary. Mica Arellano is running unopposed in the Republican primary to be a candidate in the November election.

Democratic District 5 incumbent Rebecca Bell-Metereau is not seeking re-election.

The setup: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Learn more: Visit Community Impact’s voter guide to view more election coverage.