South Austin Wine Bar Aviary Has Closed

Aviary in 2018 (photo by John Anderson)

Furniture-shop-turned-date-night-favorite Aviary Wine & Kitchen has shuttered.

Eater Austin first reported the closure yesterday, noting telltale signs of trouble – a notice of overdue rent posted on site at 2110-C S. Lamar and alleged bounced paychecks. The closure was confirmed with an end-of-day statement sent to press.

Mike Smith – whose hospitality group Hearth and Counter, co-owned with Chris Ragland, acquired the restaurant at the end of last year, after the pandemic had pummeled business – said the following:

“Unfortunately in this business we have to face the reality that not every comeback attempt will be a success. … Between the cavernous financial hole we inherited and other external pressures that we, like other Austin businesses operating in highly desirable commercial spaces are facing, we had to make the difficult decision to cut our losses and cease operations.”

Smith concluded by referencing another summer closure, Elementary, also located on South Lamar:

“Area eateries are being hit hard right now. A popular eatery not far from Aviary closed just a few weeks ago, despite attracting large crowds. It’s unfortunate that this is what dining establishment owners in Austin are facing right now.”

According to the press release, Smith’s “current focus is on setting up payment plans to fulfill financial obligations to employees and other vendors and creditors.”