Our History
There sits in south Austin a cultural Mecca that effortlessly mixes cowboy songs with fine Mexican food and bright, beautiful murals depicting heroes and heroines of indigenous people. In a city where the word "unique" does not adequately describe most events, places, and people seen and heard in this Texas capitol, Jovita's Restaurante y Cantina stands out more than any other establishment.
Opened in 1992, Jovita's was built piece-by-piece, room-by-room. Spotlessly clean, Jovita's has many attributes that distinguish it not only from the half-dozen Mexican restaurants along South 1st Street, but also from the entire city, offering three separate indoor dining rooms, an outdoor patio fronting historic South 1st Street, and a beautiful outdoor seating area, stage, and scenic walkway along Bouldin Creek.
The staff is friendly, the atmosphere decidedly low key, and the music always great (generally in the country, folk, bluegrass, and rockabilly traditions). Jovitas has carved out a niche in a city that calls itself "The Live Music Capital of the World." The front portion of the original Jovita's holds roughly ten tables, as well as walls full of photographs and concert posters from artists who have performed here at Jovita's since the first day it opened over 14 years ago.
Adding to the atmosphere of Jovita's is an ample dance floor where couples spin around and parents dance with their kids. The colorful murals depict the rich heritage of the millions who occupied the region before the Spanish conquistadores imposed European rule in 1519.
Soon after we opened, Jovita's became known as a venue where bands could get started and make a name for themselves. Performers don't just play here, they become family. Wayne Hancock, The Derailers, Don Walser, The Cornell Hurd Band, Shelley King, The Gourds, Flaco Jimenez, & James McMurtry grace our stage regularly and we're always adding great new acts to our lineup.
Jovita's houses so many stories and lives that it becomes very hard to find its borders. More than anything else, Jovita's is a state of mind that continues to inspire all who walk through its doors and consider it home.