Karaoke Bar Ego's Future in Question Due to Maintenance Disputes with Landlord

Another longtime business on South Congress, Ego's, says it may be forced to close due to maintenance disputes with its landlord. In an Instagram post, the bar cited issues with pipes that need to be fixed and expressed uncertainty about its future.

"Right now we're taking it day by day while we wait to see if the landlord is willing to fix all of the pipes that keep collapsing, but it's not looking good since they plan on demoing the building at some point anyway and we're the only business left in that building," the post said.

If Ego's does close, it will be on Sunday, August 11, with a "last big hurrah" event announced on Instagram. While the bar's owner plans to return after building renovations, the timeline is unknown.

Ego's, an Austin staple since 1979, is the latest business facing changes on SoCo, where major clothing brands have moved in and homegrown companies have moved out. Recent closures include Good Company, Sunroom, Mi Casa, and Maya Star. [https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2023/07/10/outdoor-voices-closing-stores-austin-company-sale/11737335/] [https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2023/12/01/maya-star-vintage-boutique-leaving-south-congress/11883861/]

The street has seen a shuffle of businesses in recent years, with Reformation, Madewell, and Lululemon joining the ranks. Amidst these changes, Ego's and other unique Austin businesses are facing an uncertain future.

For more updates on Austin's business landscape, follow Beck Andrew Salgado's coverage in the American-Statesman.