Katz's Deli Plots Comeback on West Sixth in Austin

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After closing its original West Sixth Street location in 2011, the iconic Katz's Deli is making a comeback in Austin. Owners Barry and Lisa Katz have purchased the building where the original restaurant stood and are planning a full restoration of the ground-floor space. While an exact opening date is still uncertain, the Katzes are targeting a return to their Austin roots sometime in 2027 or later.

Why it matters

Katz's Deli was a beloved late-night institution on West Sixth for over 30 years, serving as an anchor for the area. Its closure in 2011 left a void for many longtime Austinites who craved the deli's classic Reubens and other comfort foods. The Katz family's decision to buy back the original property and restore the deli is seen as a win for the local community and a chance to revive a cherished piece of Austin's culinary history.

The details

The Katz family acquired the 618 West Sixth Street property through a bankruptcy-court auction, clearing the way for their planned restoration of the ground-floor space. While an exact timeline is still uncertain, the company's website projects the Austin location will not reopen before 2027. In the meantime, the Katzes have tapped local architecture firm Michael Hsu Office to lead the design, blending old-school Katz's nostalgia with details from the family's newer Houston locations.

• Katz's Deli opened its original West Sixth Street location in 1979.
• The downtown Austin deli closed at the start of 2011 after roughly 32 years in business.
• The Katz family bought back the 618 West Sixth Street property through a bankruptcy-court auction.
• Katz's website projects the Austin location will not reopen before 2027.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Katzes say they will share more details as plans move forward, so fans should keep an eye on official channels for the first real glimpse of Katz's comeback.