We're in Texas Monthly — Now Come Sit at Our Table
To every woman who has gathered at our tables — thank you. You're the reason a magazine like Texas Monthly came knocking. You're why our evenings stay loud and our calendars stay full. We built Mahj House to redefine how women gather in this city, and you've made that vision real, week after week.
To the readers just finding us: come over. We've saved you a seat.
Austin's first mahjong studio + boutique was just spotlighted by Texas Monthly. If that's how you found us — welcome. Here's what's waiting behind our doors.
Beth Carr, Meryl Schuck, Courtney Harvey and Tara Young play mahjong together at Mahj House Austin, located at 4425 Mopac Expressway South, Austin, Texas. Founded in 2025 by Harvey and Young, Mahj House Austin is a curated space for connection and community.
Just a few weeks ago Texas Monthly published a feature on the mahjong revival sweeping across our state — and Mahj House Austin was right there in the story. They called us the first social center of its kind in the state capital, which is the kind of sentence that stops you in your tracks when you see it in print.
If you're reading this because you found us through that piece — welcome. Pour something cold, settle in, and let us tell you what's actually happening behind our doors.
“The first social center of its kind in the state capital.”
— Texas Monthly
A quick word on the moment
Mahjong is having a moment. Texas Monthly framed the boom as a “glitzy revival” — Good Housekeeping and The Economist have weighed in too. The comparison most people land on is pickleball: the same momentum, the same word-of-mouth fire, the same sense that a generation of women have quietly decided this is what they want their evenings to look like.
We knew that before the magazines did. Because we built this place for it.
What Mahj House Austin actually is
We are part studio, part boutique, part beautifully-set living room. Mahj House Austin is the kind of space where you can walk in for a Tuesday-afternoon lesson, stay for a glass of something, and leave with a tile set you'll want to display long after the table is cleared.
Inside our doors:
A teaching studio where our instructors lead small-circle lessons — from your very first tile to confident, joyful gameplay.
Curated open tables where members and guests gather weekly. Laughter is the soundtrack. No one is keeping score on who's the “best.”
A retail gallery stocked with luxe sets, accessories, and gift-worthy pieces from women-owned tile brands we love.
The whole space is designed to feel less like a class and more like a private invitation.
What walking in feels like
Most of our newest guests tell us the same thing: they expected a class. They got an experience. They came in to learn the rules. They left with a circle of women who text them on Thursday asking when the next game is.
That's the point. Mahjong, for us, is a ritual — a slowed-down rhythm in a fast week, a beautiful excuse to close the laptop and uncork something nice. The tiles are gorgeous. The conversation is better.
If Texas Monthly was your first hello — start here
We made it easy to step in for the first time. Three doors, pick the one that fits the mood:
Beginner Mahjong — our come-learn-with-us series. Two or four sessions (you pick!), small circle, all the basics. By the second class, you're playing.
Guided Play and Open Play Tables — already know the rhythm? Drop in, we'll seat you. Bring a friend, or come solo and meet your next standing date.
Visit the boutique — not ready for a class yet? Come browse the tiles. Touch a set. Get a feel for the space. We promise it's lovelier in person than any photo can show.
See the full schedule and book your seat at mahjhouseaustin.com.
Thank you, Austin
To every woman who has gathered at our tables — thank you. You're the reason a magazine like Texas Monthly came knocking. You're why our evenings stay loud and our calendars stay full. We built Mahj House to redefine how women gather in this city, and you've made that vision real, week after week.
To the readers just finding us: come over. We've saved you a seat!
Read the Texas Monthly feature here:
Texas Launched a Glitzy Mahjong Revival. Not Everyone Is Happy About It.
May Highlights
Last call — these May classes still have open chairs! Mother's Day shopping, mother-daughter mahj, a fundraiser evening, beginner bootcamps, and plenty of guided play. Pull up a chair.
Hi friends,
May is shaping up beautifully at the House — and we've got a handful of tables still saving spots for you. If you've been waiting for a sign to come play, consider this it. Here's where we'd most love to see you this month.
Play, Sip, & Celebrate: Mother’s Day at Mahj House
Friday, May 8 · 12–2pm · with Meryl
There's something pretty special about sitting across the table from your mom (or your daughter, or your chosen family) and clicking tiles together. Bring the woman who taught you everything — or the one you're teaching now — for an afternoon of mahj, snacks, and good company. Plenty of room at the table.
Shop With Us — Mother's Day Weekend
Saturday, May 9 · 10am–3pm · No appointment needed
We're throwing the doors open for a special Saturday of Mother's Day shopping. Come browse our newest arrivals from Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong House, Peace Love Mahjong, Playaway Cards, and more.
A few favorites to make gifting effortless:
Pre-wrapped bundles — dice dishes paired with a Mahj House gift card, already tied up with a bow and ready to hand over.
Fresh bouquets from Marcella Studio — $40, available in-store while they last.
Whether you're shopping for the mom who taught you the game, the friend who's about to learn, or yourself (no judgment here), we've got something she'll love.
See you Saturday → 4425 Mopac Expressway South, Building 4 Suite 800 Austin, Texas 78735
Dam That Cancer Fundraiser
Wednesday, May 13 · 6–8pm · with Taylor
Mah jongg with a purpose. Join instructor Taylor for an evening of play that gives back to a cause close to her heart. Bring a friend (or three) — the more hands at the table, the bigger the impact. We've held a lot of seats open for this one on purpose.
Beginner Bootcamp — Late May Session
Tuesday, May 26 + Thursday, May 28 · 12–2pm · with Meryl
Brand new to the game? This is the one. Two afternoon sessions take you from "what's a bam?" to confidently picking up a card with friends. The late-May pair has the most open chairs — practically a private lesson. Earlier May pairs (mid-month and morning sessions with Cristi) still have spots, too, if your calendar prefers.
Advanced Lesson
Friday, May 29 · 12–2pm · with Meryl
For our seasoned players ready to sharpen strategy and pressure-test their card. A small-group format on purpose, so we can really get into the nuance. Just a few seats taken — come claim one.
Guided Play, Your Choice of Day
Want a teacher in the room while you work out a new card? We've got open Guided Play sessions all month long:
Friday, May 15 · 12–2pm with Meryl
Saturday, May 16 · 1–3pm with Meryl
Tuesday, May 19 · 12–2pm with Meryl
Thursday, May 21 · 12–2pm with Meryl
Tuesday, May 26 · 6–8pm with Taylor
Wednesday, May 27 · 10am–12pm with Cristi
Drop in solo or grab a friend — we'll fill the table.
See you at the House, The Mahj House Crew
Mahj House Austin · mahjhouseaustin.com
Announcing our Summer Social League
Join us for a summer social mahjong league in 2026! We will play over the course of 5 weeks. Players will compete for a grand prize of Oh My Mahjong tiles and the 2nd place winner will take home a set of My Fair Mahjong travel tiles.
Whether you’re a skilled player or new to the tiles, this 5-week Mahjong League is all about community, competition, and celebrating the joy of the game! It's a social League which means fun comes first!
What's a Social League?
5 weeks of play using National Mah Jongg League rules (no blanks, 8 Jokers)
Scores are tracked and a Grand Prize Winner will be crowned at the end
Each week you will receive 1 raffle ticket just for showing up
Earn an extra ticket for each Mahjong you call (must be present; Subs will not count)
Play four games each week
Table seating is randomized upon arrival
Please note since there is scoring there is no instructor assistance during games
What's included:
5 weeks of structured League Play at Mahj House’s private studio
Welcome gift for each member
Raffle prizes every week
Drinks and snacks included
Prizes:
Grand Prize (most points overall): Set of Tiles by Oh My Mahjong
Second Place (Runner up): Mini Anywhere Travel Set by My Fair Mahjong
Additional information:
If you are unable to attend one week you may send a substitute player in your place
The substitute must know how to play by NMJL rules
Spots are limited to 24 players
Reservation fee is non-refundable
Questions? Email our team mahjhouseaustin(at)gmail.com
Dates: bi-weekly on Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m.
June 9th
June 23rd
July 7th
July 21st
August 4th
Cost: $200. Don’t wait. Spots will fill quickly! Book your seat here.
Mahj House Signature Snack Mix
If you’ve ever hosted a Mahjong game, you know the "snacks" are just as important as the "bams and dots." This week, we’re sharing the recipe for the Mahj House Signature Snack Mix: The East Wind Edition.
We took the nostalgia of the classic Chex Mix—the "GOAT" of savory snacks—and gave it a sophisticated, high-protein upgrade. It’s got that buttery, garlicky crunch we all crave, but we’ve balanced it with roasted chickpeas and freeze-dried edamame to keep your energy up through the final round.
A wonderful recipe for the next time you host.
The East Wind Mix
(Savory Classic)
If you’ve ever hosted a Mahjong game, you know the "snacks" are just as important as the "bams and dots." This week, we’re sharing our secret recipe for the Mahj House Signature Snack Mix: The East Wind Edition.
We took the nostalgia of the classic Chex Mix—the "GOAT" of savory snacks—and gave it a sophisticated, high-protein upgrade. It’s got that buttery, garlicky crunch we all crave, but we’ve balanced it with roasted chickpeas and freeze-dried edamame to keep your energy up through the final round.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Flavor: A deeply savory blend of Worcestershire, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs.
The Texture: We use the "low and slow" baking method to get that perfect, non-greasy crunch.
Dietary Friendly: It’s naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for Gluten-Free or Vegan guests without sacrificing flavor.
Batch Ready: One recipe makes 14 cups—more than enough for your whole quad.
What’s Inside:
The Base: Rice and Corn Chex + GF pretzels.
The Protein: Whole raw cashews, almonds, roasted chickpeas, and edamame.
The Sauce: A seasoned butter glaze that hits every single crevice of the cereal.
Pro Tip from the Kitchen: Don't skip the 15-minute stir! It’s the secret to even toasting and making sure those spices don't settle at the bottom of the pan.
The East Wind Mix (Savory Classic)
Ingredients (Makes about 14 cups)
• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal (GF certified)
• 3 cups Corn Chex cereal (GF certified)
• 1½ cups whole raw cashews
• 1½ cups whole raw almonds
• 1½ cups bite-sized pretzels (GF if needed)
• 1 cup freeze-dried edamame
• 1 cup roasted chickpeas
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (vegan version if needed)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) or seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a huge bowl, combine cereals, cashews, almonds, pretzels, edamame, and chickpeas.
3. In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and salt.
4. Pour butter mixture over dry mixture and toss until every piece is coated.
5. Spread on prepared baking sheets. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until mixture is toasted and dry.
6. Cool completely on pans. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks – if it lasts that long.
Whether you're looking for the perfect "thank you" gift for your host or want to be the MVP of your own table, this mix is a guaranteed win.
Pro Tip: The low-and-slow baking (250°F for 1 hour) is THE SECRET to that classic Chex Mix texture. Don't rush it! Stirring every 15 minutes ensures even toasting.
Finding Your People: Why Mahjong Helps Women Build Real Friendships Again
Mahj House Austin is a welcoming studio in Austin, Texas offering mahjong classes, events and community gatherings. Learn, play and connect in a beautiful, relaxed space.
All are welcome to come play and enjoy the game of mahjong at Mahj House Austin.
Let’s Be Honest: Making Friends as an Adult Can Be Hard
Wherever you are in your Mahjong journey, we have a class for you! Join us for beginner, intermediate, or advanced lessons, or book our space for your next special event.
Somewhere between the school drop-offs, work calls, and bedtime routines, our social lives quietly shrink. The text threads go unanswered. The “we should get together soon” plans never quite happen.
It’s not that we don’t want connection — it’s that finding it feels like one more thing to manage.
That’s exactly why we created Mahj House Austin: to give women a reason — and a space — to gather that doesn’t require planning, perfection, or small talk over a loud brunch table.
Just a cozy game, a few good laughs, and the feeling that you belong somewhere again.
Mahjong Brings Back the Lost Art of Gathering
There’s something about the rhythm of mahjong that breaks down walls.
You sit. You play. You laugh.
And before long, you’re talking about real things — not just the weather, not just the kids’ schedules.
The tiles become background music to conversations that matter.
“Where did you move from?” turns into “I felt that way too.”
A few games later, you’ve gone from strangers to friends.
No networking. No pretense. Just people connecting the old-fashioned way — eye contact, laughter, and shared time.
Adding beauty to your experience: Take a moment to enjoy the art from Adriana Oxford when you stop by.
It’s Connection Without the Performance
Learning made easy! We teach using tiles specifically chosen for their clear, beginner-friendly design. Every class includes a guide to the tiles and the most important rules.
There’s no need to impress anyone over the mahjong table.
No one cares if your house is spotless or if your outfit matches. The focus shifts from presentation to presence — and that’s liberating.
Around the table, everyone’s on equal footing.
You’ll find the CEO next to the stay-at-home mom, the empty nester next to the new transplant, the introvert laughing louder than she has in months.
Mahjong levels the playing field — and in doing so, it opens the heart.
Why It Works
There’s structure — so conversation flows naturally. You don’t have to fill every silence.
There’s learning — so you bond through shared progress and encouragement.
There’s repetition — you play again next week, and the week after that. Consistency grows connection.
There’s play — which lets joy sneak back in, even when life feels heavy.
Mahjong gives women permission to prioritize fun, connection, and themselves
— three things that too often fall to the bottom of the list.
The Heart Behind Mahj House Austin
Between the 2 of us founders, we are moms to five girls, and we started this studio because we want them to see women building community in real time.
We want them to see laughter, not loneliness.
To see women cheering each other on instead of comparing, connecting instead of competing.
Through this game — this ancient, beautiful rhythm — We’re teaching them (and reminding ourselves) that friendship isn’t something that happens by accident. It’s something we create on purpose.
Yes, we have them! Oh My Mahjong tiles are available now at Mahj House.
Come Find Your People
If you’ve been craving new connections — or if you’re simply ready to have fun again — come play with us at Mahj House Austin.
You don’t need to know the rules. You just need to show up.
We’ll teach you the rest — one tile, one laugh, and one new friend at a time.
See you soon at Mahj House Austin, the city’s first club for mahjong.