A Whopping 24 New Houston Restaurant and Bar Openings You Should Know About

Eater

2 days ago

This periodic column highlights notable restaurant openings in and around Houston. Catch up on more news about Houston restaurant openings right here.
Know of a new or soon-to-open restaurant that should be on Eater Houston's radar? Get in touch by emailing [e-mail]. King Steaks
2200 Post Oak Boulevard, #140, Galleria area
There's a new steakhouse in town. Johnny Vassallo, the owner of the three locations of Mo's Irish Pub in the Houston area, opened King Steaks in May. The meat-focused restaurant prides itself on its Texas theme and a menu that uses beef tallow rather than seed oils for frying. Chef Eric Aldis, formerly the culinary director of Federal American Grill, keeps the menu short and sweet, starting with a selection of salads and appetizers, including shrimp cocktail, bacon-wrapped scallops, cheesy flatbread, and caviar service. For entrees, there are three types of steaks, most notably a 14-ounce Texas strip (that's a New York strip for those new to the party), plus a 20-ounce rib-eye, and a filet that's available in three sizes with the optional sauces and toppings, including a blue cheese fondue. Other beefy mains are a short rib in a red wine sauce, the 10-ounce wagyu King burger, and a French dip. The selection of sides is extensive, with nearly a dozen to choose from, with dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts, loaded baked potatoes, jalapeño hashbrowns, creamed spinach artichoke, foie gras, and beef tallow fries. Nan Xiang Express
13126 Farm to Market 1960 Road West, Cypress
Those looking for a new spot for dumplings that's outside of the loop, you're in luck. Founded in New York in 2016, this restaurant opened in the Cypress area in May. It serves Shanghainese comfort food, including its signature soup dumplings in various styles, and Shanghai-style dim sum, like crispy bottom buns filled with pork and/or crab. Other highlights on the menu include beef-filled scallion pancakes and a variety of rice and noodle dishes, such as Shanghai stir-fried noodles. Drinks include flavored green teas and soy milk served hot or cold. Good God, Nadine's
33 Waugh Drive, Heights
Channeling the energy of an eclectic and sometimes over-the-top auntie, this Southern restaurant and cocktail lounge aims to be your new party spot. The menu primarily focuses on drinks, with tropical and frozen cocktails and wine on tap. Still, the food doesn't disappoint, combining flavors from the American South (think Creole, Cajun, and Southern) with those of Caribbean, Mexican, and Vietnamese traditions. Diners can share plates like the Prawn Party, an assortment of cold boiled shrimp prepared in various ways, including shrimp salad and Sichuan-style salt and pepper. Be sure to look out for the Blue Plate specials — spins on comforting classics, including meatloaf Wellington and pho-spiced pork chops. La Cabra
300 Sharpstown Center, #1080, Sharpstown
Former MasterChef: Legends contestant Joseph Manglicmot opened a soccer-themed sports bar in a strip mall in Sharpstown in May. Named for the phrase 'the G.O.A.T.' in Spanish, La Cabra welcomes bar goers with various seating styles, including green booths, a U-shaped bar, and plenty of TVs to watch upcoming games. Along with cocktails, beer, and shots, patrons can secure crawfish (while still in season) and other dishes from Lafitte's Seafood and attend karaoke nights on select Saturdays. Succulent Fine Dining
1180 Dunlavy Street, Regent Square, River Oaks
For a slice of California's Napa Valley, head to Regent Square. Succulent Fine Dining opened on Monday, May 19, inviting diners into a charming, quaint space that channels the West Coast dining scene. Shawn Virene, the restaurateur behind Champagne-focused hotspot a'Bouzy, combines his passion for wine and hospitality with a menu focused on seasonal produce from the West Coast and local farms, including Round Top's Huckleberry Farms, also owned by Virene. Highlights from the menu include a pani puri filled with chicken liver mousse and served with huckleberry, a caramelized onion tart, and a Berkshire pork chop served with chiote, citrus agro dulce, and gigante beans. Formerly the home to Underbelly Hospitality's now-shuttered Italian restaurant Pastore, the space has been transformed into a plant-filled oasis with a palette of greens and creams merged with reclaimed woods and antiques. The second-floor patio is just as lush, with a vintage greenhouse that serves as a private dining room and a full-service bar shaded by pergolas and plants. The experience doesn't stop there. Succulent also offers a unique to-go program, which includes curated picnic baskets, charcuterie, and wine pairings for those who want to dine al fresco. Shoreline Shrimp
18006 Park Row Boulevard, Suite 100, West Houston
Shrimp lovers, eat your heart out. This West Houston restaurant specializes in crustaceans, serving them in Hawaiian-style rice bowls, salads, and tacos. Enjoy them doused in sauces like garlic butter, Korean barbecue, sweet chili, Polynesian, coconut, and teriyaki. The owners take special care in sourcing their shrimp from farms around the world that are phosphate-free and harvested seasonally, according to a Houston Chronicle report. On the sweet side, diners can cool down with one of its paletas, available in spicy pineapple, blueberry currant, mango, and black cherry. Pie Tap Pizza
3748 Westheimer Road, Suite 100, River Oaks
From the owners of Dallas restaurants Evelyn and the Mexican comes a River Oaks outpost of the mini-chain, Pie Tap. Located on the ground floor of Novel Residences, this new pizzeria emphasizes its dough, using a sourdough that goes through a 96-hour fermentation process, and toppings that go far beyond Meat Lovers or Supreme. The Prosciutto is loaded with medjool dates, date sauce, pistachio, arugula, house ricotta, Parmesan, and a balsamic drizzle, while the Salami layers on calabrese salami, house fennel sausage, Biellese pepperoni, bacon, and Calabrian chili oil. Diners can also find other dishes, including rotisserie chicken, calamari fritti, garlic rosemary bread puffs, salads, and pastas. Drink options include 30 beers and wines on tap, cocktails, and wines by the glass, in addition to non-alcoholic options. Cecil's Pub
2405 Genesee Street, Montrose
A beloved Montrose pub gets a second life. After closing in November 2024, Cecil's Pub reopened at the end of May in the former space that housed pizza and crudo restaurant ElRo in Montrose. Chron.com reported that the new bar no longer has enough room for its signature pool tables or numerous beers on tap (it will only have four, a stark contrast from the 16 it offered in its old digs). But Cecil now has a larger patio space and a parking lot that it will share with cocktail bar Jethro's, which is located just across the street. The menu will center around pizza. Latuli
8900 Gaylord Drive, Memorial
Chef Bryan Caswell, formerly of Gulf Coast-focused seafood restaurant Reef, teams up with Alison Knight to make his great return with his second coming, this time in Memorial. The restaurant similarly focuses on Gulf Coast cuisine, infusing Cajun, Italian, and Asian influences into dishes like the Double Dip (smoked redfish dip with pimento cheese), field pea posole with fried baby artichokes, roasted snapper slathered in tomato brown butter, wagyu barbacoa, steaks, and pastas such as spaghetti with tomato gravy and meatballs. Diners can pair the dishes with cocktails or a pick from Latuli's 100-bottle wine list. Suya Outpost
9502 North Sam Houston Parkway East, #114, Humble
This new fast-casual Nigerian spot in Humble is worth the commute. Located in a strip mall in the North Houston suburb, Suya features a menu of burritos, bowls, sandwiches, salads, and empanadas. Named after suya, a nutty spice blend also known as yaji and a term for a popular Nigerian street food that consists of grilled skewered meats, the restaurant models itself after Chipotle's format. Diners can build burritos, bowls, sandwiches, and salads using popular West African ingredients and dishes, like jollof rice, plantains, couscous, stewed black beans, and braised meats. Exodus
80 Braeswood Square, Meyerland
Houston's formerly kosher steakhouse, Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar, which closed in April, has been resurrected as Exodus Bar and Grill. In its second act, owner Jason Goldstein says the restaurant is not entirely kosher, but still features kosher-certified steaks and chickens, along with dishes like cheeseburgers, gumbo, sushi, and beef short rib. Soluna
100 West Cavalcade Street, in the Heights Hotel, the Heights
Chris Cusack, the man behind the intergalactic, ironclad-style Houston pizzeria Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, returns with a new all-day restaurant in the Heights House Hotel. With a name that combines the Spanish words for 'sun' and 'moon,' the 10,000-square-foot bar and hotel restaurant features a full menu of dishes inspired by the dining scenes in Cuba, Miami, Florida, Mexico, California, and Texas. Dishes include shareable plates like papas rusticas served with jalapeño ranch, wings al pastor, and chicharrones served with white queso blended with cotija and queso fresco, plus tacos and sandwiches, including a burger, a chicken Milanesa torta, and a Cubano. Breakfast is served daily with steak asada, egg tacos, and burritos stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, black beans, and Oaxaca cheese. Those with a sweet tooth won't be left out — there's bread pudding, conchas filled with horchata custard, coffees, cocktails, and margaritas served frozen or on the rocks. Best of all, it's all available poolside. Ichijiku Sushi Houston
9393 Bellaire Boulevard, Asiatown
The owners of Montrose cocktail lounge Jethro's opened this California-based sushi restaurant in Houston's Asiatown at the end of April. Diners can expect a similar menu to its West Coast counterpart, including classic nigiri and sushi rolls, sushi boxes, daily specials, Japanese omelets, spicy tuna crispy rice, and handrolls stuffed with spicy scallop, lobster miso, and salmon skin. The drinks menu includes a selection of sake, Japanese beers, and natural wines. Catch its $7 before 7 p.m. happy hour menu during the week, which features hand rolls, chicken karaage, truffle edamame, sake, wines by the glass, and more for $7 each. Pinballz Pizzeria
2240 Navigation Boulevard, Suite 800, East End
From chef John Avila and the owners of barbecue joint Henderson & Kane General Store, this pizzeria aims to celebrate Second Ward with a side of fun. A nostalgic nod to East End Big Humphrey's pizza joint from the 70s, Pinballz slings homemade pizzas topped with locally sourced ingredients in a retro-styled atmosphere. Some of the most compelling specials include the Trompo Pizza, topped with slow-cooked pork and pineapple; the Chorizo Fuego, which features chorizo, salsa verde, and a cheese-stuffed crust; and a H&K Brisket pizza topped with Henderson & Kane brisket, blue cheese, balsamic, and caramelized onion. Diners can test their skills on the John Wick -themed pinball machine between cheesy slices, subs, wings, and tiramisu tres leches. Day & Night Cafe
5101 Almeda Road, Museum District
This new 24-hour restaurant is one of Houston's hottest new spots for brunch. Day & Night Cafe, which opened on Sunday, May 11, launched with its $50 all-you-can-eat brunch, featuring Fruity Pebbles waffles, French toast breakfast sandwiches, frozen daiquiris, and bottomless mimosas, available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday. Lunch is served anytime, and the restaurant also features a full bar. Day & Night has already achieved significant success since its opening. Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth and former NFL player Chad Ocho Cinco have already given their endorsements, and it proved so popular on opening weekend that it temporarily shut down on Monday to restock. The restaurant is open from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Thursday and all day Friday through Sunday. Botonica
2031 Westcreek Lane, N1, River Oaks
Alexis Mijares, the talented mixologist behind local pop-up bars like Cursed Caldron and Jingle Bell Bar and the novel cocktails at West African restaurant Chopnblok, has opened her first bar on Friday, May 30. Following a revamp of the former Aero Cocktail Co., Botonica explores the Latin American diaspora through 50 classic Latin-focused cocktails and signature sips, in addition to wine, tequila, mezcal, pisco, and lesser-known spirits like charanda (a Mexican rum) and cachaça (a spirit made from fermented sugarcane). Local chefs Andre Garza and Jarred Poor crafted the food menu, which features pan-Latin bar bites, including empanadas, campechana, and caviar served with chicharrons. Solarium
820 Holman Street, Midtown
Rex Hospitality, the restaurant group founded by Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his team, has teamed up with the Kirby Group (Emma Jane, Heights Bier Garten, Pitch 25) to open what might be the city's newest and poshest pickleball hangout. Formerly Holman Draft Hall, Solarium features 9,000 square feet of entertainment, including an indoor/outdoor bar area with diverse seating options and an outdoor area with four pickleball courts, two padel courts, and five air-conditioned bays built from repurposed shipping containers. The on-site restaurant offers an all-day menu featuring burgers, wings, truffle grilled cheeses, skewers, and empanadas. For brunch, order favorites like pancakes, Belgian waffles, shrimp and grits, and shakshuka. Adults can imbibe with cocktails like carajillos, Old Fashioneds, daiquiris, spritzes, and margaritas, or indulge their inner child with build-your-own sundaes. De Fortune
3515 West Dallas Street in Regent Square, River Oaks
A glamorous new cocktail lounge with a global spin opened in Houston's Regent Square in late April. De Fortune aims to represent countries around the world in its cocktails with a display of flavors, including lychee for Japan, saffron for India, mastiha for Greece, rhubarb for England, and praline for the Americas. Aside from its six classic cocktails and 12 signature creations, De Fortune offers beers, wines, and charcuterie boards. Hudson House
 2414 University Boulevard, Suite 100, Rice Village
Sister to Drake's Hollywood, which opened earlier this year from the somewhat controversial Vandalay Hospitality, this Dallas-born restaurant already has a location in River Oaks. Now, it has expanded to Rice Village with a second outpost. Expect a menu that mirrors New England-style cuisine with oysters flown in daily, butter lobster rolls, fish tacos, sushi, and cheeseburgers that are a diner favorite. The drinks menu features Vandalay Hospitality classics, including its World's Coldest Martini, frozen bellinis, spicy Mexican margaritas, and more, while the dessert menu promises chocolate silk and key lime pies. Slide in for special deals during its weekday happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Handshake Speakeasy
2418 Sunset Boulevard, Rice Village
Simone on Sunset was already a favorite Rice Village hangout known for its wine offerings, lush patio lit by string lights, and steak night. Now, it's upped the ante. Tucked inside the restaurant behind the guise of a bookshelf is Houston's hottest new cocktail lounge. Handshake Speakeasy offers a mix of elegant cocktails, wines, and a menu of bites. It's open Thursday through Saturday, and reservations are required. Trill Burger
 6810 Louetta Road, Spring
Co-owned by Houston's legendary rapper Bun B, this smash burger joint finally opened its second location in Spring, Texas, on Friday, April 25. Located roughly 25 miles north of Houston, in a space formerly occupied by a Dairy Queen, Trill Burgers' suburban outpost serves its seasoned fries and signature smash burgers, made with all-beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill Sauce, and American cheese on a potato roll. New to this location is Trill Lemonade, which first debuted its freshly squeezed lemonade at the Houston Rodeo this year. Additional drinks include classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, and an Arnold Palmer. Trill's 3,023-square-foot burger joint in Spring features the same black-and-yellow color palette as its Houston flagship, with vibrant street-art-style murals and a neon sign that reads 'Keep It Trill' to invite diners in. The space accommodates nearly 80 people indoors and 32 on the patio. The Butcher's Grille
5740 San Felipe Street, #100, Tanglewood
Michigan-based Mediterranean restaurant the Butcher's Grille opened an outpost in Houston's Tanglewood, serving a fusion of Lebanese American and Texan cuisine. Diner favorites include a Hot N' Spicy fried chicken sandwich topped with Butcher's Flaming Sauce, chicken or beef shawarma egg rolls, loaded fries, salads, burgers, and pita sandwiches. More traditional dishes include Lebanese mezze, including hummus, falafel, and vegetarian grape leaves, as well as platters of skewered meats and salmon, served with rice and grilled or steamed vegetables. There are milkshakes, frozen lemonades, cake, peanut butter mousse, and a lemon ricotta torte for something sweet. Provaré
5102 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007
This Chicago-born restaurant brings its Creole spin on Italian cuisine to the Heights area, with Italian beef pizzas, salmon egg rolls, lemon-pepper chicken Alfredo, vegan bolognese, and smash burgers. Most intriguing is the ability to 'add on' certain ingredients to its handmade pastas, including crawfish, chicken, crab meat, lamb chops, and salmon. Dessert is simple: a butter cake served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Sneaks
3030 Travis Street, Midtown
Coffee and sneaker culture collide at this new Midtown speakeasy. Formerly home to the country music bar Bandits, Sneaks pays homage to streetwear and 90s hip-hop and R&B, with walls lined with displays of unique sneakers and a clock crafted from Air Jordans. By day, Sneaks serves Native Coffee with homemade syrups, bagel sandwiches, baked goods, and affogatos using vanilla ice cream or the rotating flavor of the month from Underground Creamery. At night, Sneaks transforms into a cocktail lounge, with a full bar and live DJs.
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