A Fresh Chapter
Words Codi Chen | Photos Eric Morales
Stepping into this cozy East Austin shop, you’re instantly greeted by the subtle scent of dried lavender mingling with palo santo. Sunlight spills through open windows, where shelves bloom with herbs, teas, crystals, tarot decks, while intention lays the groundwork with care and purpose.
This is The Herb Bar, Austin’s original apothecary and metaphysical shop, now rooted in the Cherrywood neighborhood after nearly four decades in South Austin.
Sip with Intention
The Herb Bar’s housemade teas are a delight to brew and to sip. Golden Hour is a local favorite, featuring tulsi, orange peel, rose petals, and saffron flowers. It’s a blissful blend for winding down at the end of a long day.
Owner Megen Mundy now stands at the helm of this beloved institution, honoring its legacy while embracing its evolution. “This shop has been in my orbit for thirteen years. It has always been a place where I felt seen and inspired, and where people can dip their toes into plant medicine without feeling intimidated,” Megen explains.
Their new location sits on a charming property with a sprawling yard, an intentional replacement for the iconic ivy-covered cottage. With more room to grow, the shop now includes a kitchen, classroom, and plans for community markets and herbal tea nights beneath the trees. It’s a space designed not just for making products but also for gathering, learning, and deepening local community.
“I dreamed of owning a shop like this,” Megen says. “The older location was gorgeous but very run-down. Now we can make even more of our products and create the community space we’ve been envisioning.” In true East Austin fashion, the neighborhood has embraced the shop with open arms, and Megen has seen a beautiful shift: more young people, more diverse culture, and a growing sense of curiosity. “There’s a whole new wave of people taking charge of their health,” she says. “It’s a dream to be part of their journey.”
Inside, a renewed sense of intention fills the air. Though the location has changed, The Herb Bar’s magic remains. It’s still a space to slow down, ask questions, and reconnect with one’s senses. In this new chapter, under Megen’s care, they’ll continue to offer remedies, rituals, natural/clean products, and a sense of community that’s growing deeper than ever
Breathe Deep, Drink Light
The Herb Bar offers unique ways to explore plant medicine beyond tea. Herbal smoke blends are perfect for those transitioning off cigarettes or looking for new rituals. Or try something that helps unwind without the crash, like their alcohol alternative, Three Spirit, packed with adaptogens, L-theanine, and B12.
