Austinist: East Side Blues: Azul Closes Their Doors

Barney Noodles

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:43:44 -0600

from what i understand, the owner (not the related tennat) is ready to cash out. expect condos!

kam

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:04:29 -0600

I'm not suprised. I had a terrible experience the last time I went to Azul. It literally took 30 minutes for my to-go sandwich (there were only 2 other people in the place) While I waited I watched the multitude of fuzzy inchworms crawl over the counter and one actually crawled up my leg. It was gross! The staff was too busy decided what kind of music to play next to notice the worms or me sitting there for half an hour for a turkey sandwich!

Mike Agresta

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:53:04 -0600

I for one am not sad to see it go... it never felt like a welcoming place to hang out. I'd always rather ride 5 blocks uphill to Cafe Mundi. I doubt the first Starbucks on the eastside will make it on Chavez. Community groups are strong around there, and everything on the street seems to be family owned. Maybe an Austin coffeeshop chain, though...

LoudMouth

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:22:29 -0600

Being a resident of North Lamar, I will be trying not to get shot, butt raped, or addicted to crack when I go home tonight.

mercedeskraus

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:27:41 -0600

Being a resident of the mid-east side, I will be frequenting both Rio Rita (half cafe/half lounge, great outdoor patio, same owner as Beerland) and Cafe Mundi (tucked away on E. 5th between Comal and Chicon). Mundi's got excellent coffee; Rio Rita's got excellent atmosphere and hours. I will miss that cheap beer at Azul, though! :'(

themo

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:56:18 -0600

i had been going to azul for years, but i must say their sandwiches had been getting smaller over the past year or so, i figured they were trying to cut corners to save money. great folks, pretty good food, sweet vibe. too bad it's gone.

jaded_girl2

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:54:29 -0600

Hey Austinist, you totally forgot to mention the Rio Rita. It's one of the few places on the East side that you could go and get your espresso fix as late as 2am. They serve slices of East Side pies, and an old Pac-Man game table. Nice.

aalter

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:41:14 -0600

besides occasional lousy service, it is sad indeed to see azul go. this town, i tell ya.

jamonito

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:15:14 -0600

Aw dang! I'm on sabbatical out of Austin for a couple years. Azul was my favorite place in town and Margaret was the coolest, bestest business owner. I am so sad. Their sandwiches will be irreplaceable--the herbed pork tenderloin with apple and shallot vinaigrette and the incredible chicken salad with pecans and pimentos. We blew it! We should have made them rich!!! Feh! Down with condos! Down with Starbucks! Viva Margaret!

Grape Ape

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:05:27 -0600

Actually, it was sold to a developer for condos and Starbucks is the first retailer to sign a lease for retail space.

nashcook

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:44:55 -0600

I was asking one of the clerks at East 1st Grocery what was going on. He said the property sold for condos. That's a fun rumour.

name

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:39:17 -0600

mmm, a frothy bj to go....

LoudMouth

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:29:04 -0600

Why go to Hot Mama's when you can go to Latte Dolls and get a BJ with your frappe?

txterryo

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:12:18 -0600

Hot Mama's on E. 6th Street - great coffee, awesome tacos and fantastic hummus. It's my favorite East side stop. And huzzah! They were just granted their liquor license.

name

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:44:44 -0600

i heard a TERRIBLE rumor, that starbucks was moving into that location. if that is true, holy fuck, god save cesar chavez.