There’s a lot “growing” on in our little piece of the Austin metropolitan market! Take a look at what has recently opened and the big things coming up for Leander and Cedar Park.
A New Date Night Spot
Austin’s third Night Owl Bar is now open in Old Town Leander. Enjoy a signature cocktail — maybe the Cold Springs or Nameless Hollow — or grab a bite from the Nice to Meat You barbecue food truck. Indoor and outdoor seating (with misters) are available, with televisions for both areas if you’re watching the big game. Another plus — dogs are welcome (well-behaved, of course). And if you can’t make it a date night, go ahead and bring the kids who might enjoy playing cornhole and the oversized Jenga.
You’ve Never Seen Anything Like NFM
Ever been to the formerly-known-as Nebraska Furniture Mart? There’s only one in Texas — in the North Texas nether regions of The Colony — so it might not be all that surprising if you haven’t. But all of that is going to change in 2025 when the state’s second NFM is expected to open in Cedar Park.
It’s appropriate that NFM dropped the “Furniture” from its name because this behemoth of a store offers so much more than furniture! Find appliances, computers, treadmills, flooring, kitchen items, home décor, grills and lots more in addition to all of the furniture you can imagine. The Cedar Park store is big — as in 500,000 square feet bit — and the accompanying 700,000-square-foot warehouse means you can most likely take home your goodies the same day you buy them. Delivery is also an option, if you don’t have a truck big enough. NFM won’t be the only thing going up on the 117-acre spread near H-E-B center on New Hope Drive between the 183A tollway and US 183. The development will also have a minimum 250-room hotel — Cedar Park’s first full-service hotel — a 30,000-square-foot convention center that will be owned by the city and 250,000 square feet of additional retail space.
Pointe 183 is Underway
Pointe 183 is a 22-acre mixed-use development along the frontage road of the 183A tollway that will include office space, restaurants and retail. Phase 1 broke ground this spring and will include medical and office buildings as well as an animal hospital. A driveway will connect this phase to the adjacent St. David’s Emergency Center.
Future phases are expected to include restaurant and retail space and possible entertainment venues, a hotel and space for specialty medical providers. Phase 1 is expected to be complete in late summer 2024, and the entire development should be built out over the next five years.
More Restaurants Coming to Leander
The famous tea found at McAlister’s Deli will be a bit closer for Bryson residents when the shop opens late 2024/early 2025 at the new Southbrook Station in Leander. To go with tea, consider a McAlister’s Club, Savannah Chopped Salad, Spud Max or French Dip.
Crust Pizza Co. is making its debut in the Austin area with two restaurants — one of which will be located at South Brook Drive and US 183 in Leander. Known for Chicago-style thin-crust pizza, this pizzeria also has a wide selection of salads, pastas, sandwiches and more. But pizza is in the name, and you won’t be disappointed if you go for a pie. Big Don’s is a favorite with six kinds of meat and two types of cheese. If your favorite pizza has chicken on it, try the Chicken Club or Big Buffalo Chicken. And if you really want to load up on carbs, the Mac Attack or Mr. Potato Head are sure to please. Crust Pizza is expected to open next year.
