The Lung House: A Legacy in Austin
historic place
The Lung House, a historic place in Austin, Travis County, Texas, was erected around 1906. Joe Lung purchased this home in 1917, and his family lived here until 1960. The Lungs were among Austin's first Chinese families, reflecting the broader Chinese immigrant experience. Joe Lung arrived in Texas around 1874, working in railroads and later restaurants. The family significantly shaped Austin's restaurant scene, beginning with Joe Lung Café in 1897. After Joe Lung's passing in 1926, their restaurant became Lung's Chinese Kitchen, Austin's first authentic Chinese restaurant. The house also served as a center for community support. A state historical marker was dedicated here in 2010. The Lung House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its ethnic history. It highlights the Lung family's contributions and the Chinese immigrant community's presence in Austin.