04-04-2025
It's a Barbie world at Austin pop-up cafe and roller rink. Your pink fantasy awaits
The rumors are true, the sequins are sparkling and the roller skates are laced up. Downtown's Wanderlust Wine Co. (610 N Interstate Hwy 35) has been transformed into a sun-drenched, '70s time capsule, as the Malibu Barbie Cafe officially opened its doors Thursday.
This is a full-blown, pink-powered extravaganza. The air crackles with the scent of culinary creations from Chef Becky Brown (yes, the Master Chef finalist and Chopped champion), a fast-casual menu that promises "all-day friendly fare" and desserts that would make Barbie's sweet tooth tingle.
What's a Barbie bash without a fabulous feast? Chef Becky Brown has curated a menu that's as playful as the cafe itself. Dive into hearty mains like the double smash burger and the sophisticated gouda, gruyere and fig jam grilled cheese, or indulge in pink pancakes.
For those looking to share, the artichoke dip, beet hummus and West Coast Wave Salad are perfect for grazing. And for dessert? You can unleash your inner artist at the Design Your Own Cupcake station, construct a towering Make Your Own Sundae, or grab cake pops or an ice cream float.
Wash it all down with a selection of soft drinks, local beer picks or wines from Wanderlust Wine Co. For adults ready to elevate their experiences, there are wine-based cocktails, including the breezy Malibu Vibes, the refreshing Groovy Arnold Palmer, the vibrant Think Pink Margarita, the crisp Cali Collins, or the tropical Beach Mojito.
And of course, little dreamers aren't forgotten. A special kids menu is also available.
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Tickets are $25 at Bucket Listers. Each ticket includes a food and merch credit, ensuring you can snag a bite of Chef Brown's magic and a piece of exclusive Barbie swag.
This is a full-sensory experience with everything from the whir of roller skates on a retro rink to enough pink to make a flamingo blush. For just a dollar, you can glide on the rink like a true Malibu maven, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross's California wildfire recovery efforts.
Guests can also strike a pose in the Barbie photo booth, unleash their inner stylist with personalized Barbie looks and experience a whirlwind of special events from cupcake decorating classes to paint parties, and 21+ Skate Nights where the adults can relive their roller rink glory days.
The Malibu Barbie Cafe is set to dazzle Austin until June 15.
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This isn't the first time Wanderlust Wine Co. has undergone a dramatic makeover. Just last month, during the South by Southwest Conference and Festival, the space was transformed into a celebration of Whataburger's 75th anniversary, showcasing the beloved Texas brand in all its orange glory.
And before that, the venue served as a key activation site for the San Antonio Spurs' I-35 game series, proving its versatility as a prime location for unique and engaging experiences.
"We're a family operated, minority-owned business, and as a winery, we're kind of traditionally seen in only a testing room format" said owner Sammy Lam "but I think we pride ourselves in constantly finding ways to put wine at the forefront of different experiences."
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Malibu Barbie Cafe opens in Austin: Tickets, roller skating, cocktails
