Rice Village's new favorite watering hole has picked its opening date. Hungry's, the Mediterranean-inspired comfort food restaurant, announced it will debut its second-story Upstairs bar and lounge on New Year's Eve. Opening the bar completes the more than two year-long process that it's taken to construct the new Hungry's and replace its original location.
“Our grand opening is a cause for celebration and we are thrilled to introduce our new space to Houston on New Year’s Eve,” said owner Ashkan Nowamooz in a statement. “We created Upstairs as a place to unwind and celebrate special occasions and there's no better occasion than New Year’s Eve to begin creating memories at our new bar and lounge.”
Upstairs features an expansive patio situated amid Rice Village's oak trees that allows patrons to watch the bustling street scene below. The patio offers all-weather utility thanks to a shade structure that can be opened or closed to combat the heat and built-in heaters to mitigate Houston's occasional cold days.
Inside, the Palmer Schooley-designed space features a zinc-topped bar and exposed brick reclaimed from the building that previously occupied the site. A mix of high-top and lounge seating gives diners flexibility to be either apart of or away from the expected crowds.
“We’re excited to complete our Hungry’s Rice Village expansion with the opening of Upstairs,” said Nowamooz. "The relaxed ambiance, combined with our full bar, expansive patio with stunning views, and the great food we are known for, provides a lounge experience like no other in the area.”
Speaking of food, Upstairs will feature a selection of bar bites including kebabs, pizzas and new items created by chef Sue Nowamooz such as Sriracha chicken wings, tacos (beef or shrimp), and more. Weekend brunch — featuring items like chicken and waffles, migas, and Bloody Mary flights — will only be open to those 21 and older (children will still be welcomed downstairs at Hungry's, of course).
To celebrate the opening and ring in 2017, Hungry's and Upstairs are teaming up for a New Year's Eve party that features a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight, as well as music by DJ DelSur. Packages that include dinner at the restaurant, reserved tables in the bar with bottle service, or just enjoying the party range from $55 to $100 per person.
The bar features a menu of craft cocktails.
