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    Mr. Botello Comes to Washington

    Acclaimed Brenham barbecue joint picks prime Houston location

    Eric Sandler
    Jul 28, 2017 | 9:00 am

    Truth Barbeque, the Brenham restaurant ranked 10th in the state by Texas Monthly, has picked where it will open its eagerly anticipated Houston location. Only a month after announcing plans to open in the Bayou City, pitmaster-owner Leonard Botello IV tells CultureMap that the rumors are true; he and business partner Johnny Carrabba have signed a lease to open Truth Houston in the former J. Black’s space on Washington Avenue.

    “We’ve actually been sitting on it for about six months or so now,” Botello says. “From a business standpoint, with the development going up across the street, I just think it would be a great place to make a footprint in Houston.”

    Botello refers to the Buffalo Heights development, a mixed-used complex from CityCentre developer Midway that will include a new H-E-B. Although it will be located along one of Houston's busiest streets, Botello says he plans to preserve as much of the original’s atmosphere as possible.

    “We’re going to try to hit it home doing the same thing we did there,” Botello says. “I want people to have the same experience, same music, same vibe. I love the area. I think we’ll be able to knock it out of the park with that place.”

    In addition to the building's brief history as a barbecue joint called Phil's BBQ in 2010 and 2011, the space’s size also helped make it the right place to be Truth’s second location. Botello says he’s looking forward to working in a full-size kitchen that will allow him to make the restaurant’s signature sides more efficiently, and he’s working with kitchen architects to create a flow that will help the line move as quickly as possible.

    Prioritizing speed will help ensure the restaurant’s lunch business is strong, but Botello says quality comes first. In order to serve meats that match the standard set by the original location, Truth Houston will utilize the same style of offset smokers that Brenham does.

    “The last pit I brought here as a prototype for Houston,” Botello says. “I designed that. I tweaked some stuff. I wanted to see what I needed to fix on there so that they’d be fine-tuned machines before we got to Houston.”

    Botello wouldn’t say when he thinks the restaurant might open, but he did acknowledge the space shouldn’t require major renovations. Hopefully that speeds the process along. As good as barbecue in Houston has become, the city still has room for a place as committed to quality as Truth.

    But a faster line won't mean decreased quality.

    Truth BBQ brisket on paper
      
    Photo by Robert Jacob Lerma
    But a faster line won't mean decreased quality.
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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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