When the old Ruta Maya shut down and the more warehouse-district-appropriate Halcyon took its place, we were depressed, as it seemed to be another instance of old funky Austin being steamrolled over. No matter your opinion on the Fourth Street location, you'll be stunned by Ruta Maya's reincarnation on South Congress in the renovated Penn Field buildings. It's expansive, airy, and clean (and it has a/c!), yet it retains every bit of character of the old digs. Plus, it has a beautiful view from the front porch! We applaud them for expanding the South Congress coolness factor down below Oltorf.
