Downtown Austin Restaurant Irene’s Is Closing - Eater Austin

"Irene’s, a downtown Austin restaurant and bar known for its booze and drag brunches, will close its doors on Sunday, November 24. The lease for Irene’s wasn’t renewed when it expired in December 2023. Plans to turn the block — including Irene’s and next-door Mexican restaurant Taquero Mucho — into a residential high-rise building mean the restaurant would have to be demolished for construction. Irene’s parent company WIP Hospitality is looking to reopen Irene’s elsewhere. Ahead of its final day, Irene’s is hosting farewell events including throwback parties, bubbles brunch, College Night, and its final drag brunch." - Nadia Chaudhury