end of erotica
Galleria-area erotic shop closes to make way for popular taco restaurant
For years, the store and its garish marquee sat as a sort of awkward beacon of all things naughty. But now, like many Houston landmarks of sorts, it’s a thing of the past. Zone d’Erotica, which has long been in operation next to Dillard’s along the 610 Loop near Westheimer Road, has shuttered, according to ABC13.
Billing itself as “a luxury lingerie and adult novelty boutique,” the store was often met with quizzical and even embarrassed glances from locals and visitors, who could never quite explain its proximity to the tony Galleria. KHOU notes that “the building has been emptied, and vandals have clearly had their way with the place,” adding that the structure was sold in May.
While many in the Galleria area are breathing a collective sigh of relief, talk has now turned to what will replace the lurid locale. A representative of Velvet Taco, which already boasts locations in Montrose and on Washington Avenue, tells CultureMap that a Velvet Taco location in the old Zone d’Erotica space is “in the works.”
Farewell, then, Zone d’Erotica. We’ll strangely miss having to explain your odd presence to visiting family members.
The front door of 3201 Noble Lakes Ln. Photo by Steve Chenn for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty