Brewing in Briargrove

Hip coffee shop brews up massive new flagship in Briargrove H-E-B

The Roastery is ready to step up. The cafe, a collaboration between four New York-based chefs, has launched its flagship location at H-E-B's massive Briargrove location (5895 San Felipe St.).

Unlike the grab-and-go locations in Bellaire and The Heights, this flagship location of The Roastery is a full service restaurant with a more complete food menu, wine, beer, cocktails, and, of course coffee. Not only can people watch baristas pull espresso shots, they can see coffee expert Jennifer Stone and her team utilize the location's Giesen coffee roaster to roast the beans that power the cafe's brews.

An on-site roasting operation is only one of the changes made to the space, which previously housed Table 57, the store's restaurant that closed in early 2018. The massive, 7,600-square-foot restaurant also includes a range of seating options, a dog-friendly patio, and a kids play area.

On the menu, chef Jason Giagrande — one of the "Four Js" along with Jonathan Waxman, Jimmy Bradley, and Joey Campanaro — developed an expanded menu with a range of options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Developed with culinary director Matt Johnson and executive chef Kent Domas (Alice Blue, Down House), options include large plates like fish and chips, small plates like pork belly donut sliders, salads, pizza, and pasta. Giangrade tells CultureMap that the menu will rotate seasonally, so expect a spring pasta like gnocchi with peas, asparagus, and fava beans to change over time.

An upgraded beverage program also sets the flagship store apart from its siblings. In addition to eight craft beer taps, look for wines by-the-glass or bottle (most under $40 per bottle) as well as a selection of classic and coffee-infused cocktails ($9-$12).

While the cafe's big name owners from New York give The Roastery celebrity cred, Domas isn't the only talented local that's working at the restaurant. Pastry chef Sarah Schnitzer had well-regarded stints at Pax Americana and Oxbow 7, while assistant manager Jonathan Elkins is an industry vet whose worked at cafes such as Retrospect Coffee and Tea & Victory.

Three locations since October has The Roastery off to a fast start, and that pace won't slow down any time soon. Giagrade confirms he expects the same size cafe that exists in the Heights and Bellaire to be included in the new H-E-B locations slated for Washington Avenue and Upper Kirby. Smaller, kiosk locations could be retrofitted into existing H-E-B outposts (Montrose is a possibility) and will be included in the upcoming Meyerland store.

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The Roastery is open Monday through Friday 7 am - 9 pm, Saturday 8 am - 10 pm, and Sunday 8 am - 9 pm.

A look at the bar.

Photo by Adrian Verde

A look at the bar.

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Exclusive: New pub flies into familiar Montrose space with NY-style pizza

A Galleria-area Irish pub has claimed a prime Montrose space for its second location. Ducky’s Pizza and Tavern is now operating in a quiet, soft opening phase in the former Riel space at 1927 Fairview Street.

It’s the latest project from veteran Houston restaurateur Michael Collins, who owns the original Ducky McSweeney’s Irish Pub near the Galleria, as well as Sushi on Post Oak and Midtown sushi staple The Fish.

“We’ve been after that building for a couple of years and knew Ducky’s would be a good fit for the neighborhood,” Collins tells CultureMap.

From his perspective, Ducky’s blend of a casual, sports bar atmosphere with well made pizza should appeal to area residents looking for a place to gather to watch a game or blow off some steam after work. By serving food until 1:30 am, he also hopes to draw in workers from Montrose’s numerous restaurants and bars.

“Those guys at Riel did a great job. They had a fantastic run,” Collins says. “It was time for a change in the neighborhood. I think all of Houston is just looking for somewhere casual to hang out.”

Completing their work in just 35 days after Riel’s closure in August, Collins and his team have made the space their own with some simple cosmetic changes, starting with new exterior signage. Inside, patrons will notice the new TVs on the walls to follow all of the night’s games. One of the other additions is Ducky’s use of classic Houston blue-and-white subway tiles that spell out “I (heart symbol) Montrose.” At the far end of the restaurant, diners will find a couple of dart boards for a little friendly competition. Collins also added some additional air conditioning units to help keep the interior temps down.

Photo by Eric Sandler

Ducky's Pizza Tavern is now open in Montrose.

At the heart of the menu are Ducky’s New York-style pizzas, which are baked in a deck-style pizza oven that’s been installed at the bar. Customers have a range of options, starting with traditional pies like pepperoni, the Montrose (prosciutto and arugula with a balsamic glaze), meat lovers, a simple vodka sauce with basil, and a classic Hawaiian. On the more adventurous side, consider the H-Town, made with brisket, blackened shrimp, jalapenos, and Alfredo sauce, or the Al Pastor, topped with pork, pineapple, onion, cilantro, and salsa verde ranch. All of Ducky’s pizzas are available in a shareable, 14-inch size or a personal nano. Gluten free dough is also available.

Patrons may supplement their pizzas with shareable bites such as meatballs, chicken wings, crab rangoon cheesy toast, spinach bacon dip, or nachos. Sandwiches, including a cheeseburger, salads, and house made carrot cake round out the menu.

On the cocktail side, look for riffs on classics such as the apple-flavored Ciderita or the Basic Witch, an espresso martini topped with egg white foam. Collins says he’s stocking a more premium selection of wine and liquor than the original location near the Galleria, since that what Montrose residents expect from their bars.

“It’s an affluent neighborhood,” he says. “We want to give people what they expect.”

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