Fare Thee Well, Starlite?

Update: After speaking with Starlite owner Michael Terrazas, it appears that the restaurant may not necessarily undergo a name change after all. "Starlite will alter its offerings and hours to accommodate more corporate and private events as well as off-site catering," wrote Terrazas. "We will continue to serve up the classic lounge environment on the weekends and Sunday brunch will remain the local favorite it has always been since we began in 1999."

Austin Business Journal reports today that Warehouse District eatery Starlite may be closing its doors after nine years of operation.

From what we gather, the closure has less to do with the current economic malaise than it did the general need for the restaurant to better fit its current neighborhood, which it relocated to from Hyde Park in 2005. A new bistro-style menu had just been introduced a few months ago, along with an update of the restaurant's interior to reflect its more casual style.

Edible Austin (@edibleaustin) also mentions that Starlite bartender Ben Craven, who helped the restaurant earn a "Best Creative Cocktails" award in the Chronicle's 2008 Restaurant Poll, is heading to the new seafood restaurant that's taking over the old site of Mars on South Congress.

For the time being, the restaurant will remain open with reduced hours. We recommend calling in advance (512-374-9012) if you're planning to drop in one last time before their excellent duck confit is potentially gone forever.

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