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.jpg "Jen Byod at Christian's. Photo by Jordan Graber.")
Jen Byod at Christian's. Photo by Jordan Graber.OK, we’re all tired of talk about how hot this summer has been. But there’s a neighborhood that’s even hotter than the temps. It’s the Heights, where more than a dozen restaurants and clubs have opened since the heat wave began in June.
Among the newbies are three of Houston’s favorite burger builders (Christian’s, Hubcap and Beck’s Prime) and a few familiar names (Corkscrew, BB’s, the Ibiza boys).
Mike Knapp, chief operating officer of Beck’s Prime, says it is the right time for a Heights location. Even with this sizzling summer, the chain that is known as much for its collection of pretty patios as its mesquite-grilled burgers has been doing very well.
“We think the Heights (store) is going to be a great addition,” Knapp said, pointing out that it gives Beck’s an even dozen restaurants in Houston. The chain currently is looking to find a spot for its first non-Houston store in Dallas.
“I just hope there’s room for everybody,” Knapp says, noting it’s a small restaurant. (Though certainly not as small as the original Beck’s Prime, which opened on Kirby 26 years ago.) To maximize the dining room, prep work takes place upstairs and grilling downstairs.
Here are recently opened or soon-to-open restaurants and bars that should be on your radar. (And before you get your panties in a knot, this roundup includes spots that are not in the Heights proper. Call it Super Heights, which includes the Washington corridor and its fringes, where owners are self-identifying as a “Heights-area” business.)
A Gran opening
Friday is opening day for El Gran Malo. It’s a tequila and taco bar from the folks behind Dirt Bar.
Co-owner Lea McKinney is almost giddy just days before the opening.
“(The Heights) is the perfect community for doing something like this,” McKinney says of El Gran Malo, which translates to the Big Bad.
McKinney and partners Dimitre Dimitrov, and Steve and Shaun Sharma have been developing and tasting cocktails made with tequilas infused with Texas pecans, black pepper and cayenne, as well as a variety of fruits and herbs. The cocktails will be “different,” just like the Heights, McKinney says.
Ashley and Peyton Cuevas enjoy a burger and beer at Hubcap Grill.: Photo by Paul Warren
NOW OPEN
Hubcap Grill, 1133 19th, 713-862-0555
All those folks who hate venturing downtown — and you know who you are — now have the opportunity to try what critic Alison Cook considers a three-star burger. Even with Houston’s record heat, the beer garden has been a hit with customers who feast on Ricky Craig’s over-the-top Philly Cheesesteak Burgers and feta-topped Greek Burgers. Take it from us, you’re gonna need a bigger napkin. Open at 11 a.m. Monday-Saturday. Debit cards and cash only. (Opened July 25) hubcapgrill.com
Revival Market, 550 Heights, 713-880-8463
Seating is limited at this market that stocks locally grown produce, artisan breads and house-cured meats. That doesn’t deter folks from lining up at the deli for corned beef sandwiches with homemade kraut and sausage banh mi on Slow Dough bread. Open daily. revivalmarket.com
Revival Market. Photo by Michael Paulsen
The Corkscrew, 1308 W. 20th, 713-230-8352
Fans of the original on Washington are finally making their way back to this less-chic but just as friendly incarnation of the wine bar. Consider a visit on Tuesdays for Steak Night. And for those who care, there are cocktails available. Open at 4 p.m. daily. (Opened June 30) houstoncorkscrew.com
Hughes Hangar, 2811 Washington; 281-501-2028
This sprawling bar kicked off the Heights growth spurt when it opened Memorial Day weekend. Its name is a tribute to one of nearby Glenwood Cemetery’s most famous — ahem — residents, Hughes Hangar includes an elegant indoor bar with a speakeasy theme and a huge lounge under the stars. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays. Happy hour (4-7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays) features $5 appetizers. hugheshangar.com
Christian’s Tailgate, 2820 White Oak, 713-863-1207
There’s much to love about the third location in this local burger-and-beer chain: the covered outdoor bar, the comfortable indoor dining room, it’s dog friendly, and there’s more to the wine list than “house.” It’s going to be one of our go-to spots for watching the Texans. (Opened June 17) christianstailgate.com
BB’s Cafe, 2701 White Oak, 713-868-8000
The oyster bar and a large covered patio make this our favorite outpost for Brooks Bassler’s Cajun/Tex-Mex fare. It sits on a lively corner of the Heights across from Fitzgerald’s. Plans are under way to add brunch to the Sunday lineup. Open at 11 a.m. daily. (Opened June 26) bbscafe.com
.JPG "Coppa's Fritto Misto: Courtesy photo")
Coppa's Fritto Misto: Courtesy photo
Coppa, 5555 Washington, 713-426-4260
When chef Chris Shepherd left popular Catalan to open his own restaurant, Ibiza/Brasserie 19 owners Charles Clark and Grant Cooper decided to reinvent the space. Gone are the white table clothes, the formal lighting and the Spanish theme. Hello, Italian fare, chef Brandi Key and a handsome (and large) bar. Key’s menu puts the kitchen’s new brick oven to good use with a selection of intriguing pizzas such as potato with leeks and salsa verde, lamb sausage with feta and mint, and summer squash with ricotta and green-onion pesto. Open at 11 a.m. weekdays and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. copparistorante.com
Grove Park Lounge, 140 S. Heights, 832-582-0611
From the folks who run Chatter’s Cafe & Bistro comes this comfortable lounge with a lovely patio bar. The emphasis is on classic cocktails and tapas.
Menchie’s, 512 W. 19th, 713-861-9600
This California-based frozen yogurt franchise celebrated its grand opening earlier this month. Customers are invited to build their own desserts, which are priced by the ounce. It is the third Houston-area store for Andrew Martin and Andy Brantner. Open 11 a.m.-midnight daily. menchies.com
H Town Bar & Grill, 5111 Washington, 713-868-1005
Don’t let the industrial touches worry you. This bar is warm in spirit and a hot time when it comes to happy hour with its $5 Reubens and shrimp kabobs. Open at 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. (Opened June 10.) htowngrill.com
Bambolino’s, 1504 Airline, 713-802-2221
The Laurenzo family opened this casual pizzeria in late July in a spot occupied by the short-lived Chipas del Tiempo. It opens at 4 p.m. daily and offers delivery. bambolinos.net
Ruggles, 11th Street Cafe 748 E. 11th, 713-862-0089
This longtime cafe has gotten a makeover and a more lively, more appealing menu (pizzas, goat cheese-topped salad and white chocolate bread pudding) thanks to Ruggles’ Bruce Molzan. (Opened June 18)
The Blue Fish, 5820 Washington, 713-862-3474
We’re addicted to the Shrimp Popcorn Tempura, just one of the plates available for $5 on the happy hour menu. (It’s also on the regular menu.) This is the second Houston location for this upscale Dallas-based sushi chain. (The other Houston location is downtown in Bayou Place.) The music is as vibrant as the décor. Open for lunch weekdays and for dinner at 5 p.m. daily. (Opened Aug. 7.) thebluefishsushi.com
SHH, IT’S OPEN
Beck’s Prime, 115 19th
Houston’s hometown hamburger chain has quietly opened its 12th Houston-area location in a vintage-looking building that previously housed a bank. We suggest you admire the deck, which is built with ipe wood, one of the world’s most durable hardwoods. We guess they plan a long run in the Heights. becksprime.com
Chicken Braciolentini at D'Amico's in the Heights.: Photo by Patrick T. Fallon
COMING SOON
El Gran Malo 2307 Ella, 832-767-3405
The folks behind Dirt Bar have bigger, badder plans for the Heights. The focal point of this tequila bar is a huge Latin-inspired mural by Kevin Hernandez. Behind the bar, more than 50 tequilas, a dozen house-infused tequilas and more than 25 craft beers. The infusions will change seasonally, but expect concoctions such as cucumber-mint margaritas. Former Voice chef Greg Lowry has created the menu, which includes empanadas filled with crab, cotija cheese and poblano and specialty tacos served by the bucket. (Yes, I said bucket.) elgranmalo.com
Convivio 700 S. Durham, 832-250-6980
Decco Cafe owner Oscar Aguilar’s new tapas restaurant and lounge is scheduled to open Sept. 2. Expect late-night hours, paella-fueled weekend brunches and sexy sleek décor. The last thanks to designer Jay Clues, who did the stunning dining room at 51Fifteen. conviviohouston.com
D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe 2802 White Oak
When this family-owned-and-operated cafe opens (approximately the second week of September), it will boast a menu similar to its sister operation in Rice Village. The popular steam-table lunch will be available weekdays, as will a large menu of pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. We love that its beer and wine list will include two tap wines from Heights-based Vintner’s Own. damico-cafe.com
Sammy’s Wild Game Grill 3715 Washington, 713-868-1345
The name tells you exactly what to expect at this little spot expected to open in mid-September. Hotdogs, sliders and hamburgers will feature farm-raised antelope, elk, buffalo and ostrich, among other things. Sausages will include rabbit and duck and come with kicked-up condiments such as habanero ketchup and cilantro aioli. Expect a full bar, patio seating and service into the wee hours on the weekends. sammyswildgamegrill.com
Let Knapp from Beck's know he should forget Dallas and go straight to the big time - the San Antonio River Walk. It would be a great spot to have a Beck's Prime. Lots of people from Houston go there and would love to see a Beck's on the River. If that doesn't suit him then take a look at Lincoln Heights or Stone Oak. Lots of good burger places in SA but I really think Beck's would be a hit.
and how many will still be in business in 2 years...not many
"The race is on for a share of the your dining dollar."
When the editors don't care enough about a piece to proof the material - particularly a headline tag - it is difficult for the reader to take a piece seriously. Yet another indication of the state of the decline of the printed "newspaper".
The same can be said about the readers that comment......
What, no Happy Fatz love? http://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-fatz-houston
Don't forget Gatlin's BBQ on 19th St. Amazing ribs there.
This town is turning into one giant frat house.
How come the Nundini restaurant isn't getting any press? They've always done Panini's, but now they've expanded the retail portion of the store adding a full service restaurant serving brick oven pizza and other italian fare. It's worth checking out.
Nundini is a true taste of the old world. Their new restaurant addition is a remarkable collection of true to form old world favorites. This is not your typical Americanized Italian cuisine that is overloaded with pasta and severely lacking in true taste, this is Italian at is finest!
I love going to Beck's Prime and overpaying for a burger.
Not to mention Happy Fatz, and soon to come Liberty Kitchen and Tacos A Go Go.
What about Raias on Washington? Great Italian food- pasta, pizza, osso bucco.
Why isn't DownHouse on the list? It's in the heart of the Heights and surely deserves to be listed as one of the hot new spots in the neighborhood.
For the vegetarians amongst us, don't forget about Jenni's Noodle House and also Radical Eats, their fried avocado tacos are the bomb.
is anybody else tired of houston not being anything else but a city full of restaurants and bars???
seriously.......can we get other business that can keep us away from sitting on our ass??
You're reading the dining section. Where dining news is reported. Maybe that's why your perspective on Houston's commercial sector is a little bit skewed. Just a thought...
Build a Beck's either in Rockwall (east of Dallas) or in University Park!
I
Why does this rag tag restaurants as "in the Heights" when they clearly are NOT in the Heights? Washington Ave. is NOT in the Heights, Ella Blvd. is NOT in the Heights. Get your geography straight people!
You didn't read the article prior to the list of new restaurants, did you? It clearly says, "....And before you get your panties in a knot, this roundup includes spots that are not in the Heights proper. Call it Super Heights, which includes the Washington corridor and its fringes, where owners are self-identifying as a “Heights-area” business."
I missed that disclaimer as well......
but c'mon, just because: "owners are self-identifying as a “Heights-area” business"...doesn't alter geographic reality.
WASHINGTON AVE AIN"T THE HEIGHTS...It isn't Houston Heights, it isn't Woodland Heights....it's no Heights at all.
It's Washington Ave......and owners "self-identifying?" Yeah,buddy....
and if the newspaper article on new businesses was themed along the lines of "Washington Ave. Corridor businesses" would those new spots on Heights Blvd, 19th St, 20th St, etc (i.e. -those actually IN the Heights) then be magically transmogrified into "Washington Ave. Corridor Businesses?"
And actually El Gran Malo, Hubcap and these other restaurants west of Shepherd/Durham are not in the Heights either. They are in Shady Acres. I live in Shady Acres and I don't say I live in the Heights. People just don't respect words, names and their respective definitions anymore. Nowadays words mean what people say they mean. The local media is not helping.
We live in shady acres too and at least the places in shady acres--also corkscrew (yay!)--have a legitimate argument for being in the "heights area". these places on washington are not even on the same side of the freeway! Its Rice Military and has been for a while...
1st world problems...
Anyone know the status on Liberty Kitchen? The big "EAT" sign is up and they have their license, but haven't seen much activity of late.
After devouring their way through all of these epicurean delights, Houstonians
will be heading for the strip joints and the massage parlours: Food and Sex,
the two mainstays of Houston "culture".
After gorging themselves through all of these epicurean delights, Houstonians will then head for the bars to cruise, to the massage parlours, to the strip joints for their after-dinner treats: the two mainstays of the city's "culture" being Food and Sex. Oh, there is room for traditional venues such as theatre and music as long as they remain comfortable for the crowd.
Rantings like this are why I'm finding it essentially pointless to read the comments section anymore. This article is about new restaurants opening near my neighborhood, and in reply we are all treated to the ruminations of some bizarro self-appointed cultural czar who can't resist running down this article, and indeed our entire city. Congratulations on outing yourself as a judgmental creepshow to Houston, sir. Next time I'm out for a drink at one of these cool new restaurants with my wife (doubtless just before we head to a massage parlor) I'll be sure to silently toast you...seriously though nutjob, pretty please, can't we stay on point for once? The article was about new foodie spots. In my hood. Can't wait to try em!
I got fatter just reading this dang article.
I just got fatter reading this dang article.
I see alcohol everywhere and the Heights is 'dry'. How are they getting around that?
Can we get something other than burgers and Mexican food in the Heights...please?!? I'd love an Indian restaurant! =)
As for alcohol in the Heights. These people are making it a private club which is just a slick way to sell booze in a dry area. Washington Ave has always been called West End since I was a kid.I'm 64 now. One thing I can't stand is places opening in the Heights area and think they have to jack up the prices.
Don't forget Papa Geno's at 18th and Ella/TC Jester. Awesome cheesesteaks.
The Heights is an awesome place to get mugged and to have your vehicle broken into at night. I advise going to these places in the daylight hours only