Popular Tex-Mex/barbecue restaurant in West Palm Beach closing, poised for major upgrade

Austin Republic is closing after dinner service on Saturday, April 6, but don't despair. This is only a temporary closure that will see them rise up like a mighty Tex-Mex/barbecue Phoenix when they reopen in their actual brick and mortar restaurant at the end of May.

After operating out of a tricked-out cargo container converted to a mobile kitchen since April 2023, Austin Republic will soon open its permanent restaurant on the same site at 4801 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.

Chef Jimmy Strine said they needed to close the mobile kitchen in order to make room for the final phases of construction on the new restaurant.

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Located near the hip SoSo District, the restaurant will have high ceilings, a much bigger kitchen, games, an outdoor area and more, Strine said.

Joking that it will be so much cooler cooking inside than in the mobile kitchen, Strine said the new facility will feature an actual grill and a salamander in addition to the rotisserie and outdoor smoker.

Will the barbecue, Tex-Mex menu change at Austin Republic?

As far as the menu, Austin Republic devotees need not worry — all of their favorites still will be available with some new additions. "We're going to go much farther on the Mexican/Tex-Mex side," Strine said. Some of these new options will include "chile rellenos, expanding on the enchiladas and a carne asada plate," he said.

"Barbecue will stay about the same with a few more sides," Strine said. Patrons still will be able to get that tasty brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs, rotisserie chicken and Texas hot links and now can pair them with new sides like corn on the cobb, refried beans and a second, more-traditional, Southern-style potato salad (they currently serve a German potato salad).

Austin Republic's new restaurant will include a family-friendly outdoor area with games

The new restaurant will have a full liquor license allowing it to serve libations at both an indoor and an outdoor bar.

Shooting for a family vibe, the outdoor area will feature artificial turf and outdoor games like cornhole and a nine-hole putt-putt course — and it will be dog friendly.

For sports fans, Austin Republic is planning to use a projector to cast games to a massive screen that will be over the bar.

Also, in a covered area just outside the main dining room, there will be games including a pool table, dart boards and more.

If you're a night owl and love great 'cue and Tex-Mex, get ready to celebrate. The restaurant is planning to have a 24-hour walk-up window eventually. Strine said the restaurant anticipates offering breakfast tacos in the mornings.

Though Strine said Austin Republic is hoping to have live music, he said that will depend on the noise levels. They don't want to upset any neighbors.

Austin Republic restaurant in West Palm Beach

Where: 4801 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

When: closing April 6, reopening in permanent restaurant end of May

Information: theaustinrepublic.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.