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    Sneak Peek at King's BierHaus

    Sneak peek: German beer garden gets a modern Houston update with ultimate outdoor space

    Eric Sandler
    May 3, 2017 | 1:20 pm

    “The problem with typical German restaurants is they’re dying with their clients, seriously. They’re an older generation. The younger crowd. They don’t know what typical German food is.”

    Hans Sitter understands the problem of owning a German restaurant too well. As the owner of King’s Biergarten in Pearland, Sitter has transformed a one-time carwash into a destination of German food, beer, and kitsch that’s one of the Houston-area’s most underrated dining experiences. Despite that success, as he notes, the concept’s appeal is limited.

    So Sitter and his son Philipp are changing things up for the new restaurant, King’s BierHaus. Located near the Heights on the border of Shady Acres and Lazybrook/Timbergrove, the new King’s updates the formula and aims to broaden the concept’s appeal. The new restaurant will host a few nights of invite-only previews this week before throwing open the doors to the public on May 8.

    “This (restaurant) is really his baby,” Hans Sitter says. “I’m the old fashioned guy and the funny guy, but the operator, the manager, and my partner is really my son. He said, ‘we have to bring more stuff in there. We have to take care of a much wider spectrum of people.’”

    As Philipp explains, that means offering customers a family-friendly environment with different sections that provide different experiences. The highlight is a fully-landscaped, lush beer garden with trees, hammocks, picnic tables, and a water feature. It’s a decidedly more lush, bucolic environment than places like Axelrad or the recently opened Heights Bier Garten.

    “What we’re trying to do is a modern approach to a German beer garden,” Philipp Sitter says. “What’s the difference between a German beer garden and an American beer garden? We still add the trees, the water, and the atmosphere. If you go to a beer garden in San Francisco, it could be a container with gravel. We’re more the European beer garden style: communal tables, a lot of trees, water, good for families, kids, friends, everything.”

    On nice days, Sitter envisions the garden full of customers, eating dishes that range from traditional German fare like sausages and schnitzel to more contemporary fare like an apple pear salad or an on trend fried chicken sandwich topped with Swiss cheese and mushroom sauce. King’s even offers a kale salad. The classic dishes, including most of the sausages, are based on Sitter family recipes that Hans identifies as 150 years old. Recipes for the menu's three vegan sausages are considerably newer, but that's just one way King's wants to appeal to as many people as possible.

    “Our staple is sausages and beer, but we go well beyond that,” Philipp sitter says. “Maybe you and I come in, we say, let’s try the goulash next time. Let’s drink a bottle of wine. It’s multi-dimensional like our seating is.”

    Those who want to sit inside will find different options, too. A section of smaller tables with individual chairs feels more like a restaurant, while the bar area offers communal tables and lots of TVs.

    Another Oktoberfest touch at King’s BierHaus will be the serving style. Similar to places like Hopdoddy, diners will order at a counter when they walk in, then a server will deliver the food, offer refills, and facilitate the rest of the meal. Full service is available at the bar.

    “We have the Germanic theme, let’s have the Oktoberfest style of serving,” Sitter explains. “We feel like it marries to our brand well, because it’s themed German.”

    The Germanic feel extends to the beverages as well. Of the 31 beer taps, all but five are from Germany. They’re available in regular pints, but Sitter encourages people to go for a half liter or full liter. Groups of two or more can opt for a 2.5L boot — roughly equivalent to an entire 6-pack by ounces; best of all, the $55 price includes taking the boot home.

    Diners can learn more about the different beers by ordering a flight of four, four-ounce samples. The selection includes beers brewed at monasteries as well as Weihenstephan Vitus, a noble hefeweizen that’s been rated as the best beer in the world by the World Beer Council.

    “Think about a Pauliner or Fraziskaner, but with the flavors amplified by three,” bar manager Keith Taylor explains about the Vitus. “It’s very intense but very delicious . . . I’ve never had anybody try that beer and say they don’t like it.”

    Taylor and the Sitters have also sourced almost all of the restaurant’s wines, schnapps, and brandy from Germany and Austria. He’s encouraging customers to try a pear brandy that features a pear grown inside the bottle.

    King’s also offers a 50 bottle whiskey list that covers both American and international styles, which draws upon the expertise Taylor displayed during his stint at Hunky Dory. “We plan on eventually bringing it three or four bottles of something awesome (ie, a small batch or highly allocated whiskey),” Taylor says. “Put that on the board. Basically, as soon as it’s gone, we’ll bring something else in.”

    As he looks around the empty room, Sitter lays out his vision for what the future might hold. Imagine a full dining room on a Saturday night with live music filling the air and giant boots full of beer hitting the tables.

    “If it gets really crowded, we may start introducing people to each other. Give it that real Oktoberfest feel,” Sitter says. “I think Houston is ready for something like that . . . Come, meet your neighbors, have a good time together.”

    ----------

    King's BierHaus, 2044 East T. C Jester Boulevard; 281-990-3042

    Sitter hopes to fill the communal tables with neighbors sitting next to each other.

    King's Biergarten interior
      
    Photo by Jeremy Niederheiser
    Sitter hopes to fill the communal tables with neighbors sitting next to each other.
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    Where to Eat on July 4th

    These Houston restaurants are serving food and drink specials on July 4th

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 30, 2025 | 12:45 pm
    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
    Photo by Jenn Duncan
    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

    Restaurants across the Houston area are celebrating Independence Day with a variety of food and drink specials. From hot dogs and margaritas to a special menu prepared by one of Houston's best sushi chefs, we've rounded up more than a dozen options. Celebrate Independence Day with the freedom to eat from Houston’s incredible melting pot of flavors. Restaurants and bars across the city have an array of options for the holiday.

    Aya Sushi
    The sushi standout will serve a special $74 Independence Day omakase menu from 5-10 pm. The a la carte menu is available as well.

    Brennan’s of Houston
    The Midtown classic will offers its signature Jazz Brunch from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7, with popular dishes such as Texas shrimp and grits, turtle soup, and Bananas Foster. Diners can also select from an array of French 75 cocktails. Brunch is available on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended.

    Chardon
    The French restaurant at the Thompson Hotel opens at 3 pm serving an all-day happy hour menu in the bar, lounge, and patio, which includes all canned beer for $4, plus a new Watermelon-Tarragon & Tequila cocktail for $8. Pair it with the new Merquez sandwich of roasted eggplant, harissa yogurt, and watercress on a French baguette and served with duck fat fries for $8.

    Chez Nous
    The cosy Humble French favorite has a take-and-bake package for those wishing to celebrate at home. Get braised Wagyu short ribs, house slaw with Champagne vinaigrette, and garlic-and-herb-roasted fingerling potatoes for two for $95 or for four for $190. Orders must be placed by July 2 and can be picked up on July 3 from noon to 2 pm. Order online.

    Duck N Bao
    Celebrate the Fourth with A Dance of Fire and Ice for just $5 at the Memorial and Rice Village locations. This half-red, half-blue cocktail is layers of vodka, Blue Curacao, Cointreau, grenadine, and soda water, providing a patriotic accompaniment to a dim sum feast.

    Fielding’s River Oaks
    Enjoy the restaurant’s signature weekend brunch on Friday, July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm. Guests can also opt for patriotic specials and festive drinks throughout the holiday weekend. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.

    Good God Nadine’s
    This new Heights neighborhood bar and restaurant has comfort food with a patriotic twist. Enjoy house-made sausages served in Bread Man Baking Co buns with all the fixings for $7. Toast the USA with happy hour pricing on food and drinks all day long, with selections like the smash burger for $7. The restaurant opens at 4 pm on July 4, and the kitchen is open until 11 pm.

    Haywire
    A Hill Country-inspired brunch is available on July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm at this Texas-inspired Memorial restaurant, with selections like Wagyu pastrami hash, cinnamon-orange pancakes, and barbacoa chilaquiles. Make reservations online.

    The Heights Grocer
    Brasserie 19 chef Michael Hoffman will be popping up at the Heights-area wine and gifts shop from 12-3 pm. He'll be grilling wagyu hotdogs from Regalis Foods wrapped in buns from Houston favorite Magnol French Baking. Chef will have all the usual toppings, including his homemade chili. Hot dogs are free with purchase at the store and available while supplies last.

    La Calle Tacos
    The downtown and Bagby Park locations of this popular taqueria have Fourth of July specials that will have diners raising a glass. Get domestic beer for $4.99, tequila shots for $5.99, frozen margaritas for $5.99, Caguamas for $6.99, and a bucket of 5 Beers for $15.99.

    Mexican Sugar
    The Montrose eatery makes July 4 a fiesta with an extended weekend brunch. Diners can festive cocktails and some brand new dishes, making this the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

    Molina's Cantina
    Get a festive fajita combo dinner of skirt steak and chicken breast for two for $35.95 all day on July 4 (dine-in only). Those looking for to-go options can grab discounted Molina’s margaritas by the gallon for $90 or a half gallon for $45. Premium margaritas are $70 by the gallon and $35 for a half gallon. Get to-go fajitas packs with chicken for $22.95 per person, beef for $29.95 or combo for $25.95. All locations will close at 5 pm on July 4.

    Peachez HTX
    The Third Ward Southern food restaurant will host a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 2 am. Specials include $1 Bud Light, $25 Margarita Towers, and $15 BBQ plates. Those wanting bottle service can get $100 Crown Royal and Tito’s Vodka, and $150 Don Julio Reposado and Hennessy to add to their festivities.

    Pier 6
    San Leon's waterfront seafood destination hosts family-friendly party on July 4 with live music⁠, carnival games and stilt walkers⁠, a fire dancing show⁠, face painting for the kiddos, and drink specials all night⁠. The evening is capped with a stunning fireworks show. The fun kicks off at 5 pm.

    The Sunrise House
    From July 1 to 5, the Midtown spot has USA-shaped waffles and red, white, and blue festive cocktails. Selections include the Fifty Stars made with vodka, elderflower, citrus and prosecco; the Berry Independence, a combination of tequila, cranberry, Chambord, and citrus; Red, White & Boozy a blend of bourbon, peach, tea, and fresh mint; and the Stars & Stripes made with cognac, espresso, Baileys, and vanilla.

    Taste Kitchen + Bar
    The downtown hotspot opens at 8 am on July 4, to help diners kick off the day with breakfast. There’s also a selection of frozen red, white, and blue specialty cocktails and a bourbon flight.

    Thompson Hotel
    Be part of the hotel’s adults-only “Stars, Stripes and Sips” firework viewing party on Friday, July 4 from 8 pm-11 pm. Hotel guests will enjoy the 7th floor VIP experience from 7 pm-10 pm as part of their stay, including an open bar, bites, lounge seating, and great views. Tickets for non-hotel guests are $250, and include an open bar, bites, a DJ, dance floor, and lounge seating on the hotel’s 5th floor indoor/outdoor space.

    For an even more exclusive experience, book the $25,000 ultra-luxury The Ultimate 4th of July Celebration Package, available exclusively over Friday, July 4. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay in the hotel’s lavish penthouse suite and a private dinner for two on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, the perfect spot to get 360-degree views of the Fourth of July fireworks and Houston’s skyline.

    Tony’s
    There are plenty of to-go options available to help craft DIY celebrations. Among them is the Ultimate 6 Pack, which includes six all-beef hotdogs, six buns, a quart of Tony’s chili, and a quart of cheddar cheese for $30. A version with a dozen dogs and buns and two quarters of chili is $60. Tony’s fried chicken includes 10 pieces of chicken, six buttermilk biscuits, honey, and jam for $62. See the full menu and order online by Tuesday, July 1 at 11 am for pick up on Thursday, July 3 between 11 am and 2 pm.

    Traveler’s Cart
    From Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, sample the special, dine-in, 4th of July themed menu with selections like a Texas Chili Dog made with a all-beef frank, Texas-style chili, shredded cheddar, red onions, and mustard on a toasted bun, and a choice of side for $13; the Philly Cheesesteak of sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, seared bell peppers, and cheddar cheese sauce on a hoagie bun with a choice of side for $19; and draft Michelob Ultra, Karbach Love Street, Pacifico, or Spindletap Hop Gusher IPA for $4 per glass or $12 per pitcher.

    Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
    Get a Bomb Pop Rita, made with a swirl of lime and strawberry margarita flavors plus a blue curaçao floater, and topped with a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop popsicle for $3from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, June 6.

    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
      

    Photo by Jenn Duncan

    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

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