Perla's on South Congress 'temporarily closed' after fire

AUSTIN, Texas — A seafood spot on South Congress Avenue in Downtown Austin is temporarily closed after a fire Sunday night. Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar updated its Instagram bio to reflect the closure, stating "We will share a reopening date as soon as possible." The Austin Fire Department (AFD) said crews responded to the restaurant, located at 1400 South Congress Avenue, around 6:14 p.m. Sunday. AFD said it took about two hours to extinguish the fire, which began in the vent hood system and went through the roof. AFD said it took extra time in extinguishing the fire due to having to open "void spaces that were concealing flames." Fire officials said the fire damage was "extensive and affected every floor of the building." One firefighter was treated for a minor heat-related issue and officials said they were able to return to work after receiving fluids. The restaurant was founded 17 years ago in 2009 and has been located in the same spot ever since. Menu items include the lobster roll, Crispy Gulf Red Snapper plate and the Cornmeal-Fried Oysters. Customers can typically visit the restaurant for weekday lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bar opens from 3 to 5:30 p.m. each day, and brunch is available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only.