BUDA, TEXAS, January 6, 2026 — The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) is proud to announce the upcoming opening of Astra Restaurant & Bar, a highly anticipated new dining destination coming to historic Main Street in downtown Buda in late January or early February 2026. Led by acclaimed Texas restaurateur Matti Bills, Astra represents a significant addition to Buda’s growing culinary and cultural scene.
Astra is an elevated yet approachable neighborhood restaurant offering an all-day menu centered on locally sourced, scratch-made cuisine. The concept features shared plates, artisan sandwiches on seeded sourdough with house-cured meats, sourdough pizza made with organic heirloom flour from Barton Springs Mill, handmade pastas, crudo, seasonal vegetable dishes, burgers, and house-made soft-serve waffle cones. The restaurant will also feature an on-site garden and products grown at their other urban farms, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. The restaurant will include a wood-fired oven, high-quality espresso and matcha service, and a thoughtfully designed outdoor space shaded by large oak trees. Astra is designed to be kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and welcoming to the broader community.
Astra is the latest project by Matti Bills, cofounder of Mum Foods (Michelin-recommended) and Howdy Child, and founder of Three Six General. Three Six General will produce Astra’s house-made cured meats, including mortadella, coppa ham, bacon, and salamis. The cocktail program will be led by Lauren Beckman, cocktail director at Mixtli, further elevating Astra’s culinary profile.
Bills, a native Austinite, eighth-generation Texan, and environmental science graduate of St. Edward’s University, is widely recognized for her expertise in butchery, barbecue, and local sourcing. Her pastrami was named best in Texas by Texas Monthly in 2017, and she is a recent recipient of a women-owned business grant from the Texas Food & Wine Alliance. She was also recently featured in The Texas BBQ Book by Veronica Meewes.
“Astra has been a labor of love rooted in community, hospitality, and deep respect for the ingredients and people who make Texas food special,” said Bills. “Buda’s Main Street offered the perfect setting for what we’re building — a place that feels welcoming, grounded, and genuinely connected to its surroundings. We’re excited to grow here and to be part of downtown Buda’s next chapter.”
The Buda EDC worked closely with the project team to support Astra’s location on Main Street, aligning with the organization’s broader strategy to cultivate a vibrant, walkable downtown that supports local entrepreneurs and destination-quality dining.
“Astra reflects exactly the type of thoughtful, locally rooted investment we aim to attract to downtown Buda,” said Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation. “Matti Bills brings an exceptional reputation, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a proven culinary vision that will enhance Main Street as a place to gather, dine, and experience the character of our community. We are proud to support this project and welcome Astra to Buda.”
Planned Hours of Operation (Initial Opening):
• Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed (temporarily)
• Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Astra plans to expand to seven days a week by summer 2026, with additional programming such as happy hour offerings and Sunday brunch anticipated as the restaurant grows.
More details, including an official opening date, will be announced soon.
About Astra Restaurant & Bar
Astra is an elevated, yet approachable neighborhood restaurant located on Main Street in downtown Buda, Texas. Founded by Texas restaurateur Matti Bills, Astra offers an all-day, scratch-made menu rooted in local sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful hospitality. With wood-fired cooking, house-cured meats, craft cocktails, and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, Astra is designed as a place to gather, connect, and enjoy great food in the heart of the community. Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/astra.btx/ .
About the Buda Economic Development Corporation
The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) is dedicated to sustainable economic growth and the quality of life in Buda, Texas. Through strategic partnerships, business support services, and targeted industry development, Buda EDC works to attract new investment, retain and expand local businesses, and promote innovation across key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, knowledge-based services, and arts and entertainment. With a commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and preserving Buda’s unique culture, Buda EDC serves as a catalyst for opportunity, ensuring a thriving economy for residents, businesses, and future generations. Learn more at www.budaedc.com.
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Contact:
Buda Economic Development Corporation
John Costilla | john.costilla@budaedc.com | 512-295-6525