Beloved Diner Shutters

Once-beloved 24-hour diner with lots of good memories shutters

The list of Houston restaurants open 24 hours a day got a little shorter on Monday. All three remaining locations of 59 Diner appear to have closed permanently, the Houston Press reports.

A sign posted at the door of the Farnham location states that the restaurant is "closed for remodeling." A woman who identified herself as a server stopped by the Farnham location this morning. She said none of the employees knew that the restaurant was about to close.

While the typical outpouring of grief for the once-beloved restaurant has spread over social media, the 59 Diner of so many post-prom hangouts, late night study sessions, and other teenage rights of passage in the ‘90s barely resembles the restaurant as it existed until Monday.

An expansion to Shenandoah north of The Woodlands that opened last summer only lasted about six months, with consistent reports of subpar food and indifferent service. Yelp reviews for the three locations that just closed tell similar tales.

Meanwhile, Houstonians can get their greasy spoon fix at any number of better options, including House of Pies, Dot Coffee Shop, Harry’s Restaurant & Cafe, and the Tel-Wink Restaurant & Grill.

Just before 11 am on Tuesday morning, the 59 Diner parking lot was empty. Next door, a small line had begun to form at the recently opened Halal Guys. Whether the NYC-based hot spot will achieve 59 Diner's longevity remains to be seen, but, in 2016, it appears to fit more closely with the food Houstonians want to eat.

A poorly-spelled note informs passers-by that the restaurant has closed.

Photo by Eric Sandler

A poorly-spelled note informs passers-by that the restaurant has closed.

closings news-you-can-eat

Tequila and Tacos

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2025 at these Houston bars and restaurants

By Becca Wright

Picos has margaritas for $10 all day on Cinco de Mayo.

It’s Cinco de Mayo weekend in Houston, and this city knows how to celebrate Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla. From sizzling street tacos and refreshing margaritas to live mariachi music and cultural festivities, there’s no shortage of ways to join the fiesta. We’ve compiled a few of the festivities happening around the city. So, pour yourself a shot of tequila, grab a taco, and enjoy a reason to celebrate with friends.

Axelrad
This beloved Midtown beer garden is keeping it chill with all-day margarita specials on Monday, May 5. From 2 pm to midnight, enjoy house margaritas for $5 (add a flavor for $1). Then, settle into a comfy hammock in Axelrad’s spacious backyard to relax.

Candente
Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant will span three days, from May 3–5. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy all-day festivities including tequila tastings, a DJ, and a photo booth. On Monday, a traveling mariachi band will set the mood while diners feast on Tex-Mex favorites, paired with margaritas, micheladas, and other cocktails from multiple satellite bars. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Cyclone Anaya
All six Houston-area Cyclone Anaya’s locations are marking Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials and live music. Stop by for $5 margaritas, two tacos for $5, and mariachi band performances throughout the day. Whether you’re in the mood to sip, snack, or dance, this classic Houston Tex-Mex joint is ready to party.

Late August
For Cinco de Mayo, executive chef Sergio Hidalgo presents a special three-course Taco Omakase menu, offering a refined take on tacos through an Afro-Mexican lens. Each course can be paired with wines selected by Level 3 Sommelier Danny Davis. This exclusive dining experience is available for dinner only on May 5. Reservations are highly recommended.

Maximo
This West U. Mexican restaurant from the team behind Local Foods and Milton's is going all out on Monday. From 5-8 pm, the restaurant's Cinco de Mayo Pachanga will feature a one-night-only collaboration menu from chef Adrian Torres and guest Joseph Boudreaux of Boo's Burgers, live painting by Houston artists Donkeeboy and Donkeemom, a market with local vendors, tequila tastings, and music by DJ Mexican Blackbird.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maximo in Houston (@vivamaximohouston)

Molina’s Cantina
Premium margs are just $8 at Molina’s all weekend. On Monday, mariachis will serenade guests at every outpost from 6-8 pm, while happy hour is on all day, including Molina’s margaritas for $9.50 and Mexican beers for $4.50.

The Original Ninfa’s
At Ninfa’s Uptown, the Tex-Mex favorite is partnering with Don Julio tequila for a twist on the Uptown Mezcal cocktail or the Ninfarita, Uptown, or Navigation margaritas. Don’t miss the Aguasol Tequila Jello shots for $3. Enjoy mariachi music Saturday from 5–6 pm, with a photo booth and giveaways from 5–7 pm.

At Ninfa’s on Navigation, celebrate with Patron-based cocktails and the same festive Jello shots. Sunday’s mariachi is from 2–3 pm, with a photo booth and giveaways from 2–4 pm.

Picos
Get your groove on at this restaurant in Upper Kirby with a live DJ mixing up music on Sunday from 12-3 pm outside, and a mariachi band performing inside from 12-4 pm. Feast on the Cinco de Mayo brunch buffet from 10 am-4 pm. On Monday, order $10 house margs from 11 am-3 pm, while an all-you-can-eat pastor cart will be available for $21 a person.

State Fare Kitchen and Bar
On Cinco de Mayo, all three locations (Memorial, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands) will serve up festive specials, including $5 State Fare margaritas (frozen or on the rocks) and oversized eats like the Big Tex Taco with a 12-inch puffy flour tortilla. Bring friends and dig into the Big Cinco Platter ($45), which includes the Big Tex Taco, quesabirria, guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips.

Toca Madera
This stylish steakhouse is known for its lively vibes, and Cinco is no exception. The restaurant will be alive with music all weekend, with a DJ, guitarists, and baile folklorico performances. You won’t want to miss the fire dancers. On Cinco de Mayo, happy hour is extended from 2-6 pm, with a live mariachi band. Reservations are recommended.

Verde Garden
The Harlow District is pulling out all the stops with three days of Cinco de Mayo festivities. On Saturday, May 3, enjoy a lively lineup featuring a mariachi band at 2 pm, Folklorico dancers at 7 pm, and a DJ set starting at 10 pm. A paloma bar and photo booth add to the fun. On Sunday, May 4, customers can sip from a michelada bar and unwind at the unique cumbia and coffee bar. Then on Monday, May 5, enjoy food and drink specials all day long.