Is The Malibu Barbie Cafe in Austin Worth A Visit?
April 4, 2025 |
By Tina Achtermeier
Barbie Cafe

Austin’s been taken over by someone new. She’s blonde, iconic and hails from California. While sometimes Californians taking over Austin can be exhausting, this time, we’re totally fine with it. Because the Malibu Barbie Cafe has officially rolled into town, and yes, it’s just as cute, extra, and bubblegum pink as you imagine.

Everything’s Pink — Like, Actually Everything

From the second you step inside Wanderlust Wine Co., it’s like Barbie herself waved a glitter wand over the place. We’re talking pink walls, pink menus, pink cocktails, pink napkins… pink vibes everywhere.

The whole setup is so lovingly detailed, you kind of forget you’re in downtown Austin and not somewhere along the Malibu coast in 1973. It’s kitsch. It’s fabulous. And it totally works.

The food is surprisingly good and the drinks are dangerous (in the best way). Think fruity, fizzy, photo-ready. It’s all curated by Chef Becky Brown, a MasterChef finalist. So, yeah, it’s not just pretty, it’s actually tasty.

Roller Barbie Energy, Activated

So here’s the part we didn’t know we needed: a full-on roller-skating rink. Outside on the back porch, they’ve set up a cute little Barbie-style skate zone. You can rent skates for just $1 (which goes to Girls Inc.) and live out your Roller Barbie fantasy in real life.

Did we try it? Of course. Did we survive? Barely. But worth it for the photo ops alone.

How to Get In To The Malibu Barbie Cafe

This dreamy pink pop-up is only around for a few months: April 4 – June 15, at Wanderlust Wine Co. (located on 6th Street at I-35).

Tickets are $25 (plus fees) and include:

  • $10 food credit
  • $5 merch credit
  • 90-minute time slot to soak up all the pink your soul can handle

You can grab your spot through Bucket Listers.


Should You Go?

If you’ve ever loved Barbie, even a little then yes. If you’re into themed pop-ups, cute cocktails or just need a serotonin boost wrapped in rhinestones and roller skate? Then, it’s a double yes.

The Barbie Cafe is sweet, silly and over the top. Honestly? We could all use a little more pink right now.

See you on the rink. Or at the bar. Or both.

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