Moonshine Comfort & Cocktails brings a warm, “grandma’s kitchen” feel with a contemporary twist to its Northwest Austin-Cedar Park location. Guests are welcomed by a soft fire and a spacious interior featuring a large bar stocked with whiskeys and tequilas, a dining room with long communal tables and an outdoor patio.

The overview: The inviting atmosphere is designed for everything from casual family meals to milestone celebrations. General manager Kyle Lane said the goal is to serve as a neighborhood gathering place for groups of all sizes.

What's for dinner: The menu, described as “Southern comfort meets Texas ranch,” blends regional classics with updated flair, including corn dog shrimp, fried green tomatoes and chicken-fried steak, alongside cocktails such as a bourbon slush.

A lesson in history: The concept builds on Moonshine’s downtown Austin roots in the historic Waterloo Compound, carrying forward a legacy of preserved architecture and Southern hospitality. The Avery Ranch location opened in 2018 and reflects a more modern interpretation of the brand.

• 10525 W. Parmer Lane, Austin

Pushing to sustain local growth in a "new fiscal and competitive reality," City Council voted to craft economic development policies aimed at recruiting new investment and major projects, attracting more international attention and supporting local businesses.

The details: Officials passed a resolution from Mayor Kirk Watson on May 7 that kicks off the creation of what he called an "active, progressive" civic economic development playbook. The council directive was based on an overview of Austin's current situation and proposals for future economic opportunities, including public benefits.

The May vote launches a monthslong process to draft the city's new policies. They'll feature an inventory of Austin's existing economic tools, analysis of recruitment priorities, a small business development program, a focus on international partnerships and more.

The plan drew support from Austin's business community, and concerns from dozens of residents who opposed civic support for certain types of businesses tied to the military or artificial intelligence. References to those sectors were removed from council's approved resolution.

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate. Candidates on both sides of the aisle will compete in runoff elections May 26 after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

State Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski are vying for the Democratic nomination.

The overview: In a three-way primary race, Johnson secured 48% of the vote while Jaworski received 26% of the vote. The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face the Republican nominee and potential third-party candidates in November.

The context: The attorney general serves as Texas' top lawyer, defending the state in court, filing consumer protection lawsuits and issuing opinions interpreting state law. The agency also enforces Texas' child support laws, investigates human trafficking cases and manages access to public records.

At the polls: Texans can vote early from May 18-22 and runoff election day is May 26.

For the first time in over a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general's race as Republican Ken Paxton runs for U.S. Senate. Candidates on both sides of the aisle will compete in runoff elections May 26 after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

State Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin are each seeking the Republican nomination for the seat.

The overview: Middleton and Roy were the two highest-performing candidates in a four-person primary race. The winner of the May 26 overtime round will face the Democratic nominee and potential third-party candidates in November.

The context: The attorney general serves as Texas' top lawyer, defending the state in court, filing consumer protection lawsuits and issuing opinions interpreting state law. The agency also enforces Texas' child support laws, investigates human trafficking cases and manages access to public records.

At the polls: Texans can vote early May 18-22 and runoff election day is May 26.

Check out some of the most read stories from the Austin area May 4-7. 

1. Road to relief: Drivers navigate construction along SH 71 as TxDOT continues $293M updates

2. Cedar Park unveils plan for major expansion of Lakeline Park

3. Thomas Ranch near Spicewood continues to progress on construction

4. Second HTeaO location opens in Georgetown

5. New playground, tennis, pickleball courts now open in Round Rock

6. Royal Blue Grocery moves closer to Mueller opening