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In news that no doubt longtime Austinites will crave the big fish-in-a-small-pond days of yore, a popular downtown sushi spot has announced that it will be closing later this month to make room for one of the the tallest new skyscrapers in the city.
Maiko Sushi Lounge, the popular East-meets-West-sushi-fusion-eatery, which opened in 2005 at 311 W. Sixth Street and quickly became a hotspot for foodies in the city center, will close its shop on October 27th, a company representative told CultureMap.
“I am sad to announce that Maiko Sushi will officially close its doors on October 27th after more than 15 years. So get your last filling with sake mac and cheese, maki rolls, yaki udon or poke bowl. Happy hour, eat-in and take-out options are available [during] regular opening times, ”says Larina Chen-Mehta, whose parents own Maiko.
The closure, confirms Chen-Mehta, will be triggered by the development of a 60-story apartment and office tower by BBVA USA, the construction of which will include the demolition of the nearly 100-year-old building that houses Maiko, displacing the beloved eatery.
Chen-Mehta says she and her family were “hoping they would build retail stores in the new skyscraper, but that’s not the case,” and says there are currently no plans to reopen Maiko in a new location, though Austinites this can always give hope.
In its heyday, Maiko was full of local sushi lovers and happy hour fans at night, many of whom indulged foreign visitors with the vibrant, fast-paced scene and the exquisite and extensive menu of sushi specialties and fusion dishes. (Anyone still addicted to those Tuna Avocado Nachos and Texas Monster Rolls with Tequila Lime Sauce?)
The Maiko closure is one in a long line of popular local eateries that have closed (Las Manitas, Frank & Angie’s, Hut’s Hamburgers) to make way for a growing and transforming Austin, though many locals wonder if this is considered “Progress” can be viewed. ”
Local sushi aficionados don’t take the closing news very well. Dozens of Maiko fans comment and share their sadness on the restaurant’s Facebook page, and one poster even states, “It’s the only restaurant I can count on to be great every time.”
Maiko Sushi will be open for the next two weeks, so stop by while you still can. Check the restaurant website for updates.
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https://austin.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/10-13-21-maiko-sushi-lounge-closing-permanently-new-high-rise
