Meet Irish Cowboy

Sneak peek: Midtown's newest hotspot saddles up for St. Paddy's Day

Celtic Gardens may be gone, but Irish Cowboy is ready to ride.

More than a mere rebranding, the new bar is a bigger, badder, better version of its former self. By claiming an adjacent alley and expanding its fences, Irish Cowboy is more than 5,000-square feet larger than its predecessor. That extra space gets used in a variety of ways including an outdoor amphitheater and stage, a large outdoor bar with 48 taps, and an onsite smoker that will allow the bar to serve Texas barbecue to patrons.

Everyone who remembers big events like St. Paddy’s, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween, New Year’s, they know how big Celtic Gardens can get," Salt N Pepper marketing and product director Daut Elshani tells CultureMap. "Now, that’s going to be there full-time."

The new stage will allow Irish Cowboy to host both local and regional Texas country acts. Although Elshani says the schedule is being determined, the bar plans to host both spring and fall festivals that will draw crowds.

In addition to physical changes, the bar's menu has been overhauled. Next week, a trailered smoker will replace a small outdoor bar that's now superfluous thanks to the redesign. Look for brisket, ribs, sausage and more to come from the smokehouse, all accompanied by a "signature barbecue sauce."

Even as they're preparing Irish Cowboy for its debut, the Salt N Pepper Group has more on its plate. Recently opened Boots 'n Shoots is emerging as a popular destination downtown, and soon the Midtown location of the company's popular Beer Market concept should receive final permit approval from the City of Houston.

On Monday afternoon, crews were busy finishing the landscaping and installing TVs in anticipation of the bar's opening on St. Patrick's Day. Between Irish Cowboy and sister concepts 3rd Floor and Pub Fiction, the property will likely see more than 25,000 revelers over the four-day weekend.

"People get to see Irish Cowboy for the first time, partner Fidan Baca says about the festivities that will begin on Thursday. "They’ll get to see their new favorite spot in Midtown. It’s going to be lots of fun."

The interior has been expanded, too.

Photo by Eric Sandler

The interior has been expanded, too.

cocktails barbecue openings craft-beer 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.