East Austin: 14 food and lodging spots open or reposition

East Austin and downtown added 14 new or updated businesses this fall.

The group includes restaurants, two hotels, and a cycling studio. Some opened for business, while others are preparing to launch in the coming months.

Smokin' Dough Pizza Co. began serving 72-hour fermented, hand-stretched pizzas at Kitty Cohen's patio bar. The menu features artisanal meats and other toppings. Nearby, Andy Means, owner of Hank's, opened Big Al's Pizza next door. The New York-style shop operates daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. It sells slices, whole pies, cocktails, and kids meals.

Wasa at Papercut replaced the late-night sushi concept Konbini. The 14-seat walk-in bar serves sushi, nigiri, hand rolls, and sandos. Executive chef Elvin Jin of Tatsumi leads the kitchen. Rival Studios, co-founded by Fabiola and Charles Divins, offers indoor cycling. Instructor-led sessions last 45 or 60 minutes and vary by format, playlist, and theme.

Talisman Coffee Co. brought its family-run coffee operation to La Holly. Owners Fernando Alvarado and Johanna Alvarado Barker use beans from their farm in Nicaragua. The shop pairs these with pastries from Sour Duck Market. The family also operates a coffee trailer in South Austin.

Hotel Trinity, a project by White Lodging, launched in downtown Austin. The 14-floor building contains 258 guest rooms and 20 luxury suites. A guest-only rooftop social club sits on the top level. The fine-dining restaurant The Yacht Club serves oysters, caviar, cocktails, and seafood mains.

Bohème Hotel opened in East Austin with 20 rooms, including 14 studios and six signature suites. Owner Walker L. Molinare also opened two lounges. Sacred Souls operates on the ground floor, while Higher Spirits overlooks the neighborhood from the roof.

Chistā is taking over the former Tómalo Grill space near Rainey Street. Executive chef Mojdeh Eghbal will lead the Persian restaurant. The menu will feature regional Iranian dishes such as ghalieh mahi, a southern fish stew, and grilled peach labneh.

Chef Laila Bazahm is launching Shola at 105 Tillery St. on November 13. The name means living flame in Urdu and Hindi. The menu combines Indian flavors with Texas barbecue, featuring chargrilled bone marrow and smoked butter chicken. Bazahm is moving into the former Grizzelda's space, which opened in 2016.

Amanda Turner and Jonathan Sánchez, former Olamaie chefs, will run ChowChow in the former Hoover's Cooking building. The residency serves casual comfort lunch plates that change weekly. It is scheduled to open this fall at 2002 Manor Road.

Viktoriia Jones is opening the Art of Living Group Art Gallery in Mueller early next year. Architect Lorena Vieyra designed the space, which includes a coffee bar. Jones says the gallery aims to connect artists, enthusiasts, and residents through events and works.

Taqueria Chapala reopened on South First Street after losing its lease at 2101 E. Cesar Chavez St. The family-run shop, which has operated since 1997, serves barbacoa, breakfast tacos, enchiladas, tortas, and menudo. In the childcare sector, Escuelita del Alma received a five-year city grant. The $84,390 award is part of a $1.2 million Place-Based Enhancement Program. The funds are intended to stabilize operations at the Spanish-immersion center's new East Austin location. Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group is closing its Spanish tapas bar Kalimotxo at Arrive Austin. The group is opening a lobby bar in its place. Lefty's Day and Night remains open at the hotel.