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    Tacos Times Two

    Sister of iconic breakfast taco joint owner plans move to East End and adds barbecue to the menu

    Eric Sandler
    Jan 4, 2016 | 1:30 pm

    A Facebook post about the future of Villa Arcos has fans of the iconic Secord Ward taco joint buzzing. In it, Dena Gutierres, sister to Villa Arcos owner Yolanda Black Navarro, writes that she's relocating the restaurant to the Telephone Road building currently occupied by Oak Leaf Smokehouse and changing the name to Texas Tacos and Barbecue.

    Attention Customers: "Villa Arcos Tacos" is Moving we are not "Villa Arcos" and we will be expanding, we will be known...

    Posted by Villa Arcos Tacos on Sunday, January 3, 2016

    Gutierres tells CultureMap that she's been leasing the restaurant from Black Navarro for the past five years and operating in the space with an official business name of "Villa Arcos Tacos." Even before Black Navarro's death in November, Gutierres says she told her sister that she would not be renewing her lease due to the condition of the building.

    "The inspectors came from the city, and they had a list of things that would have cost $250,000 to fix. It would have been better to knock it down and rebuild it," Gutierres says. Later she adds, "I loved the other place. We were there for 40 years, but you can’t be there with no air conditioning, no heat. It was time. Things happen for a reason."

    She found a new home in East End barbecue joint Oak Leaf Smokehouse. "(Owners) Brian Lewis and Lisa Kuhfeldt wanted out and I wanted a restaurant," Guiterres says.

    If all goes according to plan, Gutierres will open Texas Tacos and Barbecue on February 1 where she serve both the signature Villa Arcos tacos and Oak Leaf's menu of Texas barbecue. The cooks who have been working for her at Villa Arcos are joining her at the new location, and some of the Oak Leaf staff will remain to operate the smoker.

    As for the name change, Gutierres says an attorney advised her it was the best step to avoid a potential lawsuit from her sister's heirs who want to retain the famous name. Black Navarro's son Christian Navarro has posted to Facebook that he and his aunt Gina Duran will continue to operate as Villa Arcos in the location on Navigation. Navarro has yet to reply to CultureMap's request for comment.

    UPDATE: Christian Navarro contacted CultureMap with this statement: "When Yolanda Black Navarro passed away on November 9, 2015, I expected that I would have time to mourn my mother's passing, rather I have spent the past 45 days attempting to resolve a business matter that has now become a social media matter."

    "Here's the skinny Houston," he continued:

    1. Dena's 5-year lease term ends January 31, 2016.
    2. The City of Houston and I are working together to determine what corrections are required for Villa Arcos's Certificate of Occupancy.
    3. Villa Arcos will remain open at 3009 Navigation Blvd just like it has for the past 38 years.
    4. The legacy of Villa Arcos that has won praise from the Houston Press, the Houston Chronicle, Texas Monthly, and CNN's Headline News will continue during Gina Duran's management.

    Whatever family drama exists, Gutierres says she's moving forward. "I want our customers to know where we’re at. If they want the same food they’ve had for the last five years, that’s where we are."

    The new space will finally give patrons an air conditioned dining room.

    Villa Arcos tacos
      
    Villa Arcos Tacos/Facebook
    The new space will finally give patrons an air conditioned dining room.
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    a very fine house

    East Coast-inspired tavern shakes up Rice Village with 'World's Coldest Martini'

    Eric Sandler
    May 19, 2025 | 9:09 am
    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
    Photo by Becca Wright
    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

    The “World’s Coldest Martini” is coming to Rice Village. Hudson House will open its second Houston-area location this Wednesday, May 21.

    Located between CB2 and Banana Republic at 2414 University Blvd., Hudson House is part of the Dallas-based Vandelay Hospitality Group that also includes Drake’s Hollywood, a retro-styled steakhouse that opened in Montrose last summer. For Rice Village, Hudson House’s new, 6,000-square-foot restaurant follows the model of the River Oaks location that opened in 2023. That means navy leather booths, brass accents, and a polished wood bar that serves as a focal point.

    The menu takes its inspiration from East Coast taverns. That includes items such as a cheeseburger, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, steak frites, entree salads, and chicken parm. Raw bar offerings include East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, and sushi rolls. The brunch menu features pancakes, eggs Benedict, and a bagel with lox and cream cheese.

    Hudson House pairs its dishes with a selection of classic cocktails that is highlighted by the “World’s Coldest Martini.” To achieve the proper effect, the drink is poured from a frozen bottle and served in a frozen glass. Other martini options include the Bleu & Gold (made with olive juice and blue cheese-stuffed olives) and a Lemon Drop that’s topped with limoncello foam. Hudson House also offers wines by-the-glass, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

    Hudson House opens at 11 am for lunch and dinner during the weekend and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Happy hour, served Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm, includes half-off all martinis, bellinis, and wines by-the-glass as well as $10 cheeseburgers and $3 East Coast oysters.

    “We’re looking forward to bringing a second Hudson House to Houston,” Vandelay founder and CEO Hunter Pond said in a statement. “Our River Oaks location has seen strong support since opening just over a year ago, and we’re confident Rice Village will follow suit. With its already vibrant community and bustling shopping scene, Rice Village offers an ideal background for our beloved coastal-inspired American cuisine.”

    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
      

    Photo by Becca Wright

    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

    news-you-can-eatopeningsburgerscocktailshudson house
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