Poeta Takes Up Residence at the East Austin Hotel

Since opening in December 2023 at the Frances Modern Inn, Poeta has changed locations more than once. The restaurant closed its original space in early 2025 and relocated to Swoop House, where limited capacity resulted in a prix fixe menu.

In January, Poeta will open its new location at 1108 E. Sixth St. with a New Year’s Day brunch, followed by a limited soft opening and a full public debut Jan. 8.

The East Austin Hotel space allows the restaurant to offer both à la carte dining and a chef’s tasting menu.

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Poeta’s waffelgato dessert. (Photo by Jessica Attie)

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Stracciatella with tomato and sourdough focaccia. (Photo by Katherine Irwin)

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Chèvre cheesecake with cherry and pistachio. (Photo by Taylor Hannon)

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Pork coppa with mushroom escabeche and watercress. (Photo by Katherine Irwin)

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Beet salad. (Photo by Erin Holsenback/An Indoor Lady Photography)

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Trottole pasta from Poeta. (Photo by Erin Holsenback/An Indoor Lady Photography)

At the East Austin Hotel

“Moving into Poeta’s new space feels like a meaningful step forward,” Craig said. “Our time focused on tasting menus was incredibly rewarding, but hearing how much our guests also missed the comfort and familiarity of choosing dishes they grew to love compelled us to find a space we would be able to offer both.”

In the kitchen, Thurwachter and Craig, joined by chef de cuisine Kevin Donovan, are returning to a menu built around à la carte dishes alongside a chef’s tasting option. The menu follows Italian traditions, with house-made pastas and vegetable dishes.

Poeta will operate the upstairs bar of East Austin Hotel, serving cocktails and a full bar menu, with à la carte dining at the bartop. The new location features an upstairs patio and 90 free on-site parking spaces.

Design and details

Interior designer Ayse Iyriboz, who also designed Poeta’s Swoop House space, worked with Craig on the new restaurant. Elements from earlier locations have been carried over, alongside deeper colors and new materials tailored to the East Sixth Street space.

“Our goal has always been to provide an inclusive experience,” Craig said. “The East Austin Hotel space allows room for a more relaxed vibe, easier access for our guests, and the return of the à la carte menu we’ve been excited to bring back.”

Poeta will also make space for private events beginning in early 2026, with availability throughout the week.

For more information and updates, visit their website or follow the restaurant on Instagram at @poetarestaurant.

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