Austin News

This is a list no restaurant or bar owner wants to make: It’s the graveyard of Austin restaurants that have permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we normally only lose a few staples a year, the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting temporary shutdown of Austin restaurants, bars and retail stores has led some longstanding Austin favorites to close their doors forever,” the website Do512 reported.

The list included Magnolia Café, Buzz Mill Coffee, North by Northwest, and Barracuda.

Another website, Austonia, had its own grim list of restaurant casualties from COVID-19.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the United States, many esteemed local businesses have been forced to shut their doors permanently,” it said. “ Austin is no exception, and over the last six months some of the city's most beloved local establishments have had to say goodbye. This non-comprehensive list includes some of Austin's most iconic businesses that have closed for good due to COVID-19. May they live in the hearts and minds of Austinites forever.”

Its list included Buffalo Billiards, a “Wild West-themed watering hole and pool hall” that had been on Sixth Street for 21 years.

“Long before it became Buffalo Billiards, the historic space was known as the Missouri House, built by the Ziller family in 1861 and reputed to be Austin's first boarding house [and rumored brothel],” the website said. “Home to many a drunken cowboy brawl in its past life, Buffalo Billiards served as the perfect destination for a revelrous night on the town.”

Then there was MugShots, described as a “Seventh Street dive bar,” which closed Aug. 31.

“It is with a heavy heart to make this announcement, as we were forced to shut our doors permanently,” the restaurant said on Facebook. “ We wish to thank you for nearly 18 years of support and wonderful memories. We could go into reasons for our decision or cast blame, but that is not the MugShots way.”

The owners thanked customers for their support over the years.

“Your loyalty to MugShots has been like no other,” the owners wrote. “ A special thanks to all our staff members past and present. Your dedication is what separated MugShots from your typical downtown bar. Over the years you became like family, and you will truly be missed.”