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    10 things to know

    10 things to know in Houston food right now: Openings, closings, and steakhouse love

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 23, 2019 | 4:07 pm

    Editor’s note: Houston’s restaurant scene moves pretty fast. In order to prevent CultureMap readers from missing anything, let’s stop to look around at all the latest news to know.

    Openings, closings, and coming attractions

    One of Houston's most well-regarded French restaurants has served its last foie gras torchon. Energy Corridor favorite Le Mistral closed on Saturday December 21, Houston Food Finder reports. “After 18 years, we had a good run,” chef-owner David Denis tells the website.

    Houston’s newest Texadelphia has opened in Katy at 1321 N. Westgreen Blvd. This location features a second floor “sky bar” as well as a sports bar component that includes plenty of TVs for taking in all the games. Franchisee Summit Interests I, LP will also open another restaurant next year in the Memorial area as part of Moody National Development’s new project on the site of a former Toys R Us.

    Moku Bar has opened its location in The Heights at 2914 White Oak Dr. Formerly a vendor in the Conservatory food hall, the restaurant serves poke, tempura, udon, and musubi. Having its own space allows Moku Bar to offer sake as well.

    The Woodlands has a new option for fajitas and margaritas. El Tiempo Cocina, a franchised version of El Tiempo Cantina, is now open in the Indian Springs Center at 10777 Kuykendahl Rd.

    Owned by father and son Roland and Dominic Laurenzo, son and grandson of legendary Houston restaurant Ninfa Laurenzo, the restaurant serves an extensive menu of upscale Tex-Mex dishes. Judging by the raves in the Woodlands Area Foodies Facebook group for Sunday night’s soft opening, the restaurant is upholding the standards of its nine Houston-area siblings.

    Hubcap Grill will be coming to Pearland. Owner Ricky Craig has leased the former Big Humphrey Pizza space at 5627 Broadway for his sixth Houston-area location. Known for its creative combinations like the Muffaletta Burger and the Philly Cheesesteak Burger, the new Hubcap will open in early spring 2020, according to Craig’s Facebook post.

    A popular Dallas-based restaurant has selected Katy for its next Houston-area location. Gloria's Latin Cuisine will join the Katy Grand development in fall 2020, real estate developer NewQuest Properties announced. Known for its lively atmosphere with DJs on the weekend, Gloria's operates 20 locations across Texas.

    Upcoming events

    The sixth annual Truffle Masters event will feature over two dozen chefs serving decadent dishes. This year, the event will be held at downtown C. Baldwin hotel. Participants include Aaron Bludorn (formerly of Cafe Boulud), Austin Simmons (Tris), Drake Leonards (Eunice), Kiran Verma (Kiran’s), Luis Roger (BCN/MAD), and more. Tickets are discounted through January 2 — general admission, $155 (regularly $195); VIP, $255 (regularly $295); and patron VIP, $355 (regularly $395). A portion of the proceeds will benefit local non-profit Second Servings of Houston.

    Chef Fest returns for its fourth year on March 29, 2020. The event, which is devoted to spotlighting local ingredients, will feature 10 chefs, including Christine Ha (The Blind Goat), Brandon Silva (The Kirby Group), Erin Smith (Feges BBQ), and Sasha Grumman (Rosalie Italian Soul). Billed by organizers as “a full day of eating, drinking, dancing, farm tours, and hands-on experiences,” future attendees can take 25-perfect off tickets ($100) by using code CHEFFESTHOLIDAY through December 31.

    Off the map

    Houston remains one of the country’s top destinations for steak, according to two national publications. The Daily Meal ranks Pappas Bros. fourth on its list of America’s top 50 steakhouse, and Killen’s Steakhouse comes in eighth. The Robb Reportincludes both of those restaurants, as well as Georgia James, B&B Butchers, and the Denver location of Guard & Grace (its new Houston outpost just opened last month) on its list of the country’s top 25 steakhouses.

    Chef David Denis has closed Le Mistral.

    Houston, Truffle Chef Charity Challenge, January 2016, Le Mistral chef David Denis
      
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Chef David Denis has closed Le Mistral.
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    Tequila and Tacos

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo 2025 at these Houston bars and restaurants

    Brianna Griff
    May 2, 2025 | 4:42 pm
    Picos Cinco de Mayo Margarita
    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.


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    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.

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