ATX-CTA: Impact 5/28/2026

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Bar Hacienda opens at permanent location on Rainey Street

Bar Hacienda is now open at its new brick and mortar on Rainey Street, serving up specialty cocktails.

The context: The cocktail bar initially opened in 2025 in the basement of Tiger Lilly, an Austin-based event venue that closed its doors in late March, according to an Instagram post.

The concept was founded by Terance Robson, creative director, and Jack Hogan, director of operations and “inspired by the energy, flavors, and rhythms of Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina and across Latin America,” according to a news release.

On the menu: Patrons can find reimagined classic cocktails and unique flavor combinations coming to life behind the bar. Brand new additions to the bar includes the Hacienda Daiquiri, a rum-blend drink with sweet plantain, palm sugar and lime.

70 Rainey St., Ste. 200, Austin

Latest News

Austin eyes new charter amendment election after canceled 2024 vote

Austinites could vote on several updates to the city's foundational rulebook this fall, two years after an election for some of those changes was canceled.

The details: Austin's city charter establishes basic rules and procedures from elections and administration to planning and taxing. The charter can only be amended every two years through an election.

At City Council's request, charter edits were proposed throughout 2024 and officials eventually called an election over more than a dozen potential changes. However, errors in how the city ordered that election prompted a resident lawsuit and the vote was halted under a court order.

Some of those past amendments and at least two new concepts could once again be placed on ballots this fall. Council will discuss a possible 2026 charter amendment election further this summer.

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CI Business

East Side Pies celebrates 20th anniversary in Austin

East Side Pies commemorated its 20th anniversary in Austin in March. The pizza restaurant offers thin crust, specialty pies, sandwiches and salads.

Owners Noah Polk and Michael Freid established the East-Austin born pizza shop in 2006. The first location opened on Rosewood and the brand later expanded to North central and Northwest Austin.

On the menu: Pizzas include the brand's signature thin crust as well as a gluten free option. Specialty pies include the Chicago, made with red sauce, Italian sausage, green bell peppers and roasted onions, as well as the Chimi Hendrix, which features chimichurri, chicken, red bells and gorgonzola.

In their own words: “Austin has changed a lot over the years, but one thing has stayed the same,” the business shared in a post. “The community that continues to show up for us day after day.”