It’s the end of an era for two restaurants nestled along South Congress Avenue in Austin as the duo prepares to permanently close after almost 30 years.
Vespaio Ristorante, an Italian eatery operating on South Congress since 1998, announced in early January it would be closing for good after a final day of service on February 28. Within the same message, owners confirmed their other restaurant, Chapulin Cantina — Vespaio’s next door neighbor that previously housed the Enoteca Vespaio space — would also cease operations. Owners Daniel Brooks and Ryan Samson did note their new Italian restaurant concept, Vespa Rossa, opened in Dripping Springs last year, carrying on some of Vespaio’s legacy with it.
«Founded in 1998 by three restaurateurs who believed in South Congress long before it became one of Austin’s most recognized streets, Vespaio quickly became a cornerstone of the neighborhood,» the announcement read in part. «Known for its scratch-made pastas, warm atmosphere and loyal following, Vespaio helped shape SoCo’s identity as both a culinary and cultural destination.»
While not fully gone, its departure from South Congress is the latest among a slew of businesses to say goodbye to the famed South Austin corridor in recent years. A month prior to Vespaio’s announcement, locally owned shops Limbo Jewelry, Triple Z Threadz and Dope Daughters closed in December, with Tripe Z Threadz co-owner Ann Rutt telling CBS Austin they were «forced to close.»
«Being forced to close our doors is bittersweet, but we are optimistic for the future and excited to continue connecting with our customers online,» Rutt told CBS Austin. «As South Congress changes, please do not forget there are still local businesses there to support.»
Back in January 2025, South Congress Books bid Austin farewell just two years after being forced to relocate from South Congress to Kerbey Lane. Following its physical location’s closure, the business still operates at Uncommon Objects and Antiques of Oakmont outposts as well as on eBay and AbeBooks.
It’s an evolution that has come with Austin’s rapid growth and redevelopment efforts, with more luxury brands beckoning to the corridor in recent years. Today, South Congress is home to high-end storefronts like Alo, Reformation, Madewell, a Sézane pop-up shop and GANNI. The strip doubles now as a southside complement to the Domain in North Austin, which features Balenciaga, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, DIOR and Gucci storefronts.
While the face of South Congress has changed substantially in recent years, not all businesses who’ve left the corridor have closed entirely. Monkey See, Monkey Do!, a novelty toy store and gift shop, relocated to the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Menchaca Road last spring after 20 years on South Congress.