It’s Thanksgiving week, so things are a bit slow with restaurant openings. This week we have the wrap-up of November’s openings, plus a couple of places that you may want to hit before they close for good.
It’s not your McDonald’s playground, that’s for sure. Credit: Recess
Recess, 1500 Waugh, is coming to River Oaks in early 2026. Its name suggests a playground, and that is exactly what it is, but for both kids and adults. It’s a two-story retreat with custom playscapes for little ones, plus workspaces and a full bar and bistro for parents.
The grown-up playground upstairs offers fun of a different kind. Credit: Recess
The supervised play area was created by Rootlab, a Houston-based fabricator known for designing family-friendly projects with environments made for children and their parents, including installations at Houston Museum of Natural Science. Adults can work or unwind, with trained caregivers monitoring the playscapes as kids explore and play. The upstairs dining space gives parents a direct sightline to their children, plus there are smart wristbands to track each child at all times.
The second story space offers comfortable seating for adults to socialize or do a little computer work, while enjoying a coffee or cocktail. There will be a dining menu, as well as a dedicated kids menu.
Baytown has a second location of Golden Chick. Credit: Golden Chick
Golden Chick, 2300 Main, has opened in Baytown, making number two for the area. It’s the first location for franchisee Sheazab Kapadia. The brand’s success has resulted in a strong market in its home state of Texas as well as its expansion into states throughout the south. It will be adding Nevada, Arkansas, Missouri and Arizona to its national portfolio in the coming year.
Currently, Houston locations of Golden Chick are donating 10 percent of sales of the Mini Funnel Cakes to local schools for classroom supplies, field trips and campus projects. The donation will continue through January 4, 2026.
Before it’s too late:
Over the past couple of months, several restaurants have announced their upcoming closures. Here is a list of places that you will want to make a farewell visit to, soon.
Ninja Ramen is here for just another month. Credit: Zachary Churbock
Ninja Ramen, 4219 Washington, will close December 30, according to CultureMap Houston.
Owner Christopher Huang opened the whiskey-centric ramen bar in 2014 and many people consider it the OG of Houston ramen restaurants. However, as more and more restaurants open in Houston, some longtime establishments are seeing their business affected as diners flock to new concepts, eager for something different.
In January 2024, Huang posted on Facebook of the difficulties the restaurant was going through and laid out his plans to bring clientele back in with bar specials and even adding an espresso martini to its bar menu. But it was the Japanese whiskey program, along with the tasty ramen, that brought in guests originally. With more and more Americans choosing to drink less alcohol, coupled with the trend toward tiny, expensive craft cocktails, whiskey bars are seeing less consumers.
Huang also told CultureMap that he was working 100 hours a week and that it wasn’t worth it to keep Ninja Ramen going. The restaurant will finish out December by still hosting its annual snow party December 19 through December 21.
However, the closure of his whiskey and ramen joint means Huang will get to focus more on Narwhal Jousting Club, his unique burger restaurant with chef David Ramos. He even hinted at possibly expanding the concept.
Pico’s will have its tamales available for the holidays. Credit: Nick de la Torre
Pico’s, 3601 Kirby, has been saying farewell since August of this year, but its actual closure is getting down to the wire. “Sometime in January 2026” is the latest prediction. Currently, it is doing Farewell Dinners including a recent taco omakase. Its yearly tamale stand is up and running right now, just in time for the holidays. It will last through January 6 of next year. It offers tamales Oaxaquenos (banana leaf) and tamales Nortenos (corn husk) by the half and full dozen. For Black Friday, Pico’s is offering buy 5 dozen, get one dozen free.
Paulie’s and Camerata, 1834 Westheimer, will close December 31, so there’s still more than a month left for loyal fans to enjoy the home-cooked pastas and delicious paninis at Paulie’s or drop in for a glass of wine or two at Camerata.
Restaurants Reported Open November 2025:
Cupbop, 5116 Fairmont Parkway, opened November 14
Doc’s Jazz Club, 1201 Westheimer, opened November 15
Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs, 4630 Kingwood, opened November 6
The Henry, 700 Town and Country Boulevard, opened November 12
Lazy Lane, 923 Wakefield, opened November 25
Liberty Kitchen, 5212 Morningside, opened November 5
Live Mas Cafe, 19400 Interstate 45, opened November 20
On the Kirb, 6777 Woodlands Parkway, opened November 15
Oru, 746 W. 24th, opened November 18
Paris Baguette, 18203 Egret Bay Boulevard, opened November 3
Pizza Twist, 10760 Barker Cypress, opened November 7
Seven Sushi, 9889 Bellaire Boulevard, opened November 20
The Taco Stand, 1503 Westheimer, opened October 30
Tripping Tacos, 5600 Richmond, opened November 8
Restaurants Reported Closed November 2025:
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, 20920 Katy Freeway, closed temporarily November 1. Reopens March 2026
Kitsune, 13251 Jones, closed October 30
Outback Steakhouse, 9753 FM 1960, closed early November
Maison Chinoise, 1958 W. Gray, opens October 31 in River Oaks. It’s the second Texas location of the modern Chinese restaurant from Lombardi Family Concepts and the group has brought in some stellar talent to launch the new business. Leading the kitchen is executive chef Jordan He, a native of Shanxi, China, whose extensive experience includes a decade-long stint at Wynn Las Vegas. He served as chef de cuisine at Wing Lei, which was the first North American Chinese restaurant to earn a Michelin Star. He also worked with Hakkasan Group in Miami and Los Angeles earlier in his career.
The interior was designed by Houston design firm NDD Design, with Dany Daniel. Credit: Becca Wright
The menu at Maison Chinoise blends contemporary and authentic Chinese culinary traditions, focusing on dim sum and dumplings like xiao long bao (pork dumplings) and pan-fried chicken buns. There are starters like coconut milk bread, crispy rock shrimp and Sichuan salt & pepper lamb lollipops, fragrant with ginger, cumin and five-spice. Specialties include wagyu beef and truffled fried rice, pan-seared Chilean sea bass and Imperial Peking Duck, a showstopper for two to four guests, complete with Mandarin crepes, pickled papayas, sweet bean sauce and more.
For dessert there’s an ube Nutella bao and Texas pecan dumplings, a sweet version of xiao long bao with caramel pecan and apple compote.
The outdoor conservatory patio faces the glitz of River Oaks. Credit: Becca Wright
The cocktail menu draws on Asian ingredients to complement the dining menu with drinks like Lychee Luck, made with vodka, pomegranate, yuzu, sugar and lychee. Other cocktails include the Pandan Express Martini and Aloe Can You Go, a concoction of mezcal, passionfruit, lime and aloe liqueur.
The launch begins with dinner service, followed by lunch November 3 and brunch service soon after.
We want our husband to open a restaurant named after us that serves this kind of menu. Credit: Michael Ma
Murray’s Pizza & Wine, 9655 Katy Freeway, opens October 24 in Memorial, right next to a newly-opened location of Leaf & Grain, its sister restaurant. Both concepts come from founder Deets Hoffman, who named his newest venture after his wife, Murray.
The idea came about when Hoffman took over the former Texadelphia space to open a new location of his concept Leaf & Grain. The space was twice the size needed so he decided to split it in two and open a pizza concept, showcasing the sourdough expertise that the team has acquired over the years at Leaf & Grain.
Murray’s Pizza has a welcoming vibe, along with pizza and wine. Credit: Michael Ma
The restaurant will serve artisan pizzas made with long-fermented dough, using Barton Springs Mill flour which is milled in Texas. Using a number of locally-sourced ingredients, the pizza menu includes Sausage alla Vodka, with whipped ricotta, and Not-Hawaiian, a spicy pie topped with salami piccante, pickled shallot and pineapple-infused hot honey.
In addition to the specialty pizzas, there are small plates like hamachi-salmon crudo, focaccia Genovese with burrata, white bean hummus and a meatball made with Black Angus beef and Duroc pork. The dessert menu offers horchata tiramisu and Italian bread pudding with locally-made gelato.
The hamachi-salmon crudo is elevated cuisine for a pizza place. Credit: Michael Ma
The wine list has been thoughtfully curated with natural wines from boutique producers, as well as locally-sourced choices from Padre’s Wine. There are also local craft beers and signature cocktails such as Frozen Blood Orange Negroni and Murray’s Spritz. Local hospitality veteran Derek P. Brown, formerly of Riel, consulted on the bar program, including its Aperitiki selection that combines Italian aperitivos with tiki elements.
Colorful ingredients make for healthy eating at Leaf & Grain. Credit: Kirsten Gilliam
Leaf & Grain, 9655 Katy Freeway, opened in Memorial October 18, just ahead of the adjacent Murray’s Pizza. It’s the sixth location of the family-friendly restaurant that offers chef-curated salads, sandwiches and bowls that are full of nutrition and flavor. The menu puts an emphasis on carefully-sourced proteins and fresh produce.
The Memorial location is as colorful as the food. Credit: Michael Ma
The tightly-curated menu features items like The Alamo grain bowl with avocado, house Texas cheese blend, cherry tomatoes, black beans, roasted cage-free chicken and totopos (nixtamalized corn tortilla chips) from Victoria Elizondo at Cochinita & Co. There are salads like the Thai-ger King, with romaine, roasted chicken, mango and almond lemongrass sauce, plus the Pesto Sandwich.
Guests also have the option of customizing their bowls and salads with different types of greens and grains, plus a variety of standard toppings like corn and tomatoes, as well as premium choices including warm chickpeas, roasted vegetables and avocado. There are 11 different dressings such as tzatziki, Caesar and avocado vinaigrette.
Owner Deets Hoffman and head of operations Edward Thompson pose at the new Memorial location. Credit: Michael Ma
Owner Deets Hoffman said that the restaurant has been trying to expand into the Memorial area for the past decade. “I grew up ten minutes from here, so this neighborhood holds a lot of sentimental value…We love the Memorial community and are excited to bring Leaf & Grain to the neighborhood as a go-to spot for fresh, chef-driven, healthy meals.”
A classic martini deserves a classy ambiance. Credit: Eberhard Social House
Eberhard Social House, 1216 W. Clay, opened October 21 in the Harlow District. It’s the newest concept from The Kirby Group, known for its Houston hotspots like Heights Bier Garten and Wooster’s Garden. Eberhard is a bit more refined, with a sophisticated and elegant two-story lounge that offers a main bar on the ground floor and an intimate seating area upstairs.
The second story has a bird’s eye view of the bar and lounge. Credit: Joel Ramirez
With ambient lighting and plush upholstery, guests can linger over cocktails like Playa Padre, a spicy tropical tequila drink, or the slightly suggestive Linen Sheets, made with vodka, lychee, probiotic liquid yogurt (for stamina), lychee liqueur, cherry blossom cordial and lime. There’s also a fruity mocktail, Rose Prickly Pear Spritz, which gets its bubbles from Topo Chico and a kick from a rim of smoked salt.
Though its wine list and cocktail menu are on the luxury side of pricing, befitting its posh atmosphere, there is a happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with drink specials, light bites and charcuterie boards.
Dress to impress.
Kolache Shoppe can satisfy both sweet and savory cravings. Credit: Becca Wright
Kolache Shoppe, 10321 Katy Freeway, opened last week in Memorial, joining the bustling community that seems to be constantly booming with new businesses and eateries. It’s the fourth for the Greater Houston area and it’s a joint partnership between owners Randy and Lucy Hines and director of operations Michael Horne.
Franchisee Michael Horne and Kolache Shoppe owner Randy Hines are all smiles at the new location. Credit: Becca Wright
Randy and Lucy Hines took over the bakery from founder Erwin Ahrens in 2014. The kolache shop had been in operation since 1970 and Randy Hines learned the original recipe for the fluffy pastry from Ahrens. Over the years, the bakery has added collaborations and new versions of the kolaches(sweet) and klobasnikys (savory), but have kept the legacy of the original dough recipe.
The display of kolaches and koblasnek is a thing of beauty. Credit: Becca Wright
Customers will find sweet options like fruit and cheese-filled kolache, plus savory items like smoked brisket, egg and cheddar or kielbasa, cheese and jalapeno. The Memorial location serves Boomtown Coffee with drip, espresso and specialty brews. It will also offer monthly specials like its sister locations.
In November, the bakery will have a number of grand opening events like Loyalty Member Appreciation Day November 3, Early Bird Gift Cards November 4, and BOGO pastries on Customer Appreciation Day November 6.
The Rustic is relocating. Credit: The Rustic
The Rustic, 1836 Polk, will close its current location at the end of 2025 to prepare for relocation, as the George R. Brown Convention Center begins its expansion process. When completed, The Rustic will be located at 1718 Jackson, next to the expanded GRB wing, putting it closer to the Toyota Center as well. The new location is expected to open in winter 2026.
Once the venue opens, it will have expanded on-site parking (hallelujah!) and a dedicated rideshare pick-up and drop-off area.
Until its planned shuttering, The Rustic will continue with serving up daily live music, frosty cocktails and tasty Texas cuisine.
The Garden Avocado bagel is full of deliciousness. Credit: Einstein Bros. Bagel
Einstein Bros. Bagels, 14090 FM 2920, had its grand opening October 21 in Tomball. Part of Panera Brands, the bagel and breakfast sandwich shop has seen quite an expansion in the Greater Houston area. It opened locations in Katy and Conroe this past summer and there is a soon-to-open store at 5706 San Felipe.
The menu includes 15 different bagel flavors including blueberry, everything, spinach Florentine, and pretzel. It also has a variety of cream cheese schmears like country pepper, jalapeno salsa and strawberry. But don’t worry. Purists can still get a plain bagel with plain cream cheese.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Credit: Einstein Bros. Bagels
Its bagel breakfast sandwiches can be straight forward like the bacon, egg and cheese, or for folks who aren’t watching their calories, there’s the Maplehouse, a maple French toast bagel smeared with almond honey cream cheese and loaded with pork sausage, bacon, egg, and cheddar. The kitchen throws in some syrup for an extra messy experience.
There are lunch bagel sandwiches, too, including Nova Lox and Avocado Veg-Out.
Chef Jane Wild is baking up more than just pies. Credit: Giselle Morales Photography
Jane & The Lion Bakehouse, 4721 N. Main, will softly launch its dinner service Halloween weekend. The first service will open October 31. Following its launch weekend, it will serve dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday with two seatings, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. There are 30 openings per seating, by reservation only.
Chef Jane Wild opened the bakery this past April and has been blooming in phases. The line up of fresh-baked, pastries, pies and breads has been joined by breakfast sandwiches, biscuits and fritters. With the new seasonal suppers, guests will get to enjoy three courses from a chalkboard-style menu that offers guests two to four options per course.
Wild said in a press release, “My team and I are building a restaurant that feels like opening the doors to our own homestead. From sourdough and vinegars to pastries and seasonal savory plates, there are no shortcuts, no fillers, no seed oils, no so no CRAP.” She added, “Very little goes to waste and our farmers are our pantry. Oh, and we’ve got a pantry for you!”
Sparrow Italia, 2000 Post Oak Boulevard, will be one of the new tenants at Central Park Post Oak, a 17-acre mixed use development from Midway that broke ground this past April. The project is expected to be completed by Fall 2026, with the restaurant’s debut following soon after. Another high-vis restaurant, The Henry from Fox Restaurants, will also join the development.
Wagyu is here, there and everywhere. Credit: Anthony Nader
The Italian steakhouse is part of the Noble 33 hospitality group and was first launched in London’s Mayfair district in 2022. It expanded with a second restaurant in Miami in 2024. In addition to its upcoming Houston location, there are plans to open Sparrow Italia in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
The Italian-inspired menu features dishes like grilled branzino with Sicilian pistachios and Mikey’s Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka. Its signature The B.I.G. Meatball is a half pound of A5 wagyu in arrabiata sauce. Sparrow’s steak selection offers premium cuts including a six-ounce prime rib cap and a massive 34-ounce prime Fiorentina.
Guests get a snack with the C.R.E.A.M. cocktail. Credit: Anthony Nader
Leading the cocktail program is Juan Carlos Santana, beverage director for Noble 33. His accolades include being a Michelin Guide “Exceptional Cocktails” award-winner and he is also a certified sommelier. Patrons can expect Italian inspiration in beverages like C.R.E.A.M., a clarified milk punch with basil and tomato juice or The O.D.B., a vodka martini infused with Calabrian chilis, housemade spicy pickle brine, Cocchi Americano and chili oil.
When the Houston location opens, it will join another Noble 33 concept, Toca Modera, which opened its Houston spot in 2024. The restaurant group also plans to open a location of Meduza Mediterrania off Allen Parkway in 2026.
Crawfish Cafe and Pho Prime will share an outrageously unique space in Bellaire. Credit: Arterior Studios
Mamba Hospitality Group launched this month under the ownership and operation of Kiet Duong and Julie Nguyen. The married couple founded their Viet-Cajun concept Crawfish Cafe in Bellaire in 2013 and have since added four more locations across the Houston Metro area.
Earlier this year, they debuted Pho Prime, a Vietnamese Restaurant with three locations. However, the duo closed the Galleria spot this past August along with their original Bellaire location of Crawfish Cafe in June, in order to renovate the Bellaire space and create a dual concept location for both. The Bellaire space is shooting to open in late December or early January. The couple also operate Ocean Palace, a large dim sum restaurant in Bellaire.
Kiet Duong and Julie Nguyen have big plans on the horizon. Credit: Christine Nguyen
The new dual concept space is just the beginning of the Mamba Hospitality expansion. For 2026, there are plans to grow the corporate team and to build an infrastructure that can support its very busy crawfish season. Going forward, Duong and Nguyen, along with team members Xenia Martiniez, Vanessa Huynh and Luis Martiniez, plan to implement a rewards loyalty program as well as initiatives for a Viet-Cajun catering service and a franchise expansion in 2026.
Maison Chinoise is expanding to Houston. Credit: Lombardi Family Concepts
Maison Chinoise, 1958 W. Gray, is slated to open this winter in River Oaks. The contemporary Chinese restaurant comes from Lombardi Family Concepts, a Dallas-founded company that operates local establishments like Lombardi Cucina Italiana and Toulouse, as well as Texas restaurants like The Baci Room in Austin and Lounge 31 and Taverna in Dallas. It also opened its first location of Maison Chinoise in Dallas.
Leading the kitchen will be executive chef Jordan He. Raised in China, the chef has spent more than a decade working in world-class fine dining restaurants such as Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas and taking on leadership roles with renowned hospitality companies like Hakkasan Group. The menu will offer dishes like Imperial Peking Duck and xiao long bao.
The space has been designed by NDD Design, a Houston firm, that has created a contemporary interior inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics. The 3,700 square-foot restaurant will also feature a 900-square-foot-patio.
Coco Crepes has more than just crepes. Credit: Becca Wright
Coco Crepes & Coffee, 24818 Morton Ranch, is now open in Katy and will celebrate its grand opening October 16. Located at The Market at Katy Park, the 2,500 square-foot cafe anchors the strip center corner and features floor-to-ceiling windows, a warm interior and an open patio.
For the grand opening, the first 100 guests through the door October 16 will receive free small drip coffee for 100 days. The shop will also be giving out free t-shirts and hats while supplies last. Guests will also receive a choice of a free Duffin, Nutella Crepe or Berry Berry Smoothie from 7 a.m,. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Get there early to grab a comfy spot. Credit: Becca Wright
The menu at Coco offers sweet crepes like Cinnamon Roll and S’mores, plus savory versions such as Merguez Moroccan Sausage and Chicken + Spinach. There are also waffles, soups, salads and paninis.
It’s the 10th location for the locally-owned concept founded by chef and restaurateur Youssef Nafaa in 2005. Nafaa owns and operates Bella Restaurant Groups known for Mia Bella, ZOA and Mi Luna.
There are still six open locations to get your Cyclone Anaya’s fix. Credit: Jenn Duncan
Cyclone Anaya’s, 5761 Woodway, has closed its doors after more than 20 years of operation in the Tanglewood area. The shuttering does not affect the other six locations.
We have reached out for more information regarding the sudden closure.
Brisket is available as a sandwich and much more. Credit: Quit Nguyen
Truboy BBQ, 8035 Highway 6, opens October 9 in Missouri City. It’s the first brick and mortar for the hala barbecue company that has previously been focused on shipping its smoked brisket and ribs nationwide.
Jereis Khawaja is opening his first brick and mortar. Credit: Quit Nguyen
Founded by Houston native Jereis Khawaja, the project originally began when the young entrepreneur and aficionado of smoked meats began packaging ready-to-eat barbecue for Denver Broncos tailgates while living in Colorado. It soon blossomed into a larger business model with wholesale shipping across the U.S. and Canada. Truboy now provides supplies to more than 70 restaurants including Abu Omar, Mad Dogs and Dripped Birria.
The new storefront will have both dine-in and take-out options including a grab and go market with frozen meals. For guests, there are build-your-own options in which diners can customize meals with a choice of BBQ sliced brisket, chopped brisket or pulled chicken. There are sandwiches, melts, burritos, paratha wraps and bowls.
Trufans can load up on Truboy merch along with halal barbecue. Credit: Quit Nguyen
For take and bake, there are brisket eggrolls, beef ribs, jumbo brisket tamales and more. There are also spices, treats and plenty of Truboy merch.
The grand opening begins at 1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting, followed by a public opening at 3 p.m. For grand opening day, all menu items are 25 percent off.
There’s a slider for everyone at Slip Sliders. Credit: Juliana Workman
Slip Sliders, 1801 Binz, has opened in the Museum District. The quick-service restaurant puts a twist of its own on the slider sandwich from burgers to chicken tenders. The Backyard Burger is a classic while The Signature Slip adds a smear of its house sauce. Another beef slider, Hickory Dickory, is topped with bacon and onion rings.
On the chicken side is the Southern Comfort, a crispy fried chicken slider with lettuce and pickles, along with the Buffalo & Blue. There are also seafood sliders like the Shrimp Shack, a crispy shrimp cake topped with mayo and avocado, and the Captain Jack salmon slider. For vegetarians, there’s the Happy Cow, featuring a house-made veggie patty made with lentils, mushrooms and beets.
Each slider gets its own dressing. Credit: Juliana Workman
The veggie patty is a recipe from owner Rasheed Refaey’s family and he says that the team at Slip Sliders is passionate about doing things the right way. “From freshly ground beef loins to house-made sauces prepared daily, our goal is to create sliders that satisfy everyone who craves a good burger.”
Besides a variety of sliders, the restaurant offers Cajun cheese fries, truffle parmesan fries, fried cheesy pickles and fresh salads. Beverages include soft drinks, agua frescas and hand-spun milkshakes. There are hot beignet bites with dipping sauce for dessert.
Steven Chiang (Kirkwood) and David Cordua (The Lymbar) are collaborating on a special dinner. Credit: Quit Nguyen
Kirkwood, 11720 Katy Freeway, is expected to open in March 2026, so we’ve been told, but in the meantime its executive chef and culinary director Stephen Chiang is all over town collaborating and popping up at festivals, most recently last weekend’s Chefs for Farmer’s event.
One of his first showcases will be at The Lymbar, 4201 Main, with chef and owner David Cordua October 15. The talented duo have created a multi-course wine dinner in partnership with DAOU Vineyard that will take place at The Lymbar as a one-night-only experience.
Some of the dishes include a starter of brandade de bacalao, paired with DAOU Chardonnay 2023, followed by duck confit nachos and DAOU’s Reserve Merlot 2024. Guests will also indulge in lobster ballotine with a pairing of DAOU Reserve Cabernet 2021. There will also be braised short rib and a trio of sweet and savory bites.
The October 15 dinner begins with arrivals at 6 p.m. and is $110 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
Restaurants Reported Open September 2025:
Black Rock Coffee Bar, 9437 FM 1960 Bypass W., opened September 5
Black Rock Coffee Bar, 1811 Grand Pkwy, opened September 25
Blue Claw seafood, 13232 Northwest freeways, opened September 21
El Tiempo Cantina, 2360 S. Loop W., opened September 8
Flipp’N Chcikens, 211 W. Crosstimbers, reopened late August
Freebirds World Burrito, 20330 Fort Bend Parkway Toll Rd., opened September 18
Hacienda Los Arcos, 4625 Kingwood, opened late August
Local Spot, 6450 Cross Creek Bend, grand opening September 1
Piada Italian Street Food, 2630 Pearland Pkwy, opened August 28
Raising Cane’s, 1529 Highway 6, opened September 6
Saltgrass Steak House, 300 Gulf Gate Mall, opened September 16
