🍹 Your ultimate margarita guide

More Than 70 Austin Minors Detained by ICE

Austin has seen a 94% increase in the number of minors U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have detained since President Donald Trump took office compared to former President Joe Biden’s last year in office. More than 70 minors in the Austin area have been detained, compared to 36 in 2024. [KXAN]

Speeding Ticket Numbers Are Up

After Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the department would focus on traffic enforcement, the number of speeding tickets issued last year compared to 2024 increased by 200%. Distracted driving citations went up by 156% during the same time period. [KUT]

CultureMap’s Tastemaker Awards Nominations Are Out

Dozens of Austin restaurants and chefs are nominated in CultureMap’s annual Tastemaker Awards. Winners will be announced on April 9. [CultureMap]

City Urges Caution As Favorable Algae Conditions Return

As warm conditions continue throughout the Austin area, city officials are reminding residents to use caution on local rivers and lakes due to blue-green algae, which can be toxic. [City of Austin]

Austin’s dining scene has been off to a busy start in 2026. Here’s what’s new:

January 2026

🍝 Poeta, 1108 E. 6th St.

Poeta opened inside East Austin Hotel on Jan. 8. The hotel is the third home of the Italian restaurant.

🍸 Sweet Sensi Lounge, 607 Congress Ave.

Cocktail bar Sweet Sensi Lounge opened a block south of Paramount Theatre on Jan. 17. The bar’s menu includes CBD products, brownie flights, and tacos.

☕ Black Sheep Coffee, West 6th St. and Guadalupe St.

Black Sheep Coffee opened downtown on Jan. 15. The shop is currently serving pancake syrup lattes.

🍽️ Ēma, 3120 Palm Way

Ēma, a Mediterranean restaurant serving small plates, opened at the Domain on Jan. 31.

December 2025

🍣 Hokkaisan Omakase, 609 Congress Ave.

Hokkaisan Japanese grocery store downtown opened an Omakase experience in its upstairs dining room at the beginning of December. Omakase is available every other Friday for $69.

🍚 Kiin Di, 2414 S. Lamar Blvd.

Thai food truck Kiin Di had the soft opening for its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in early December and expanded dining hours in January. Kua curry beef ribs, creamy curry crab, and killer noodles are all on the menu.