Another Montrose fixture bites the dust

With Chances gone, where will the lesbians go?

The last sign of Chances gave thanks
The lesbian-friendly bar was often crowded. Where will patrons to next?
Chances was known for its humorous signs
Photo by Craig Hlavaty

Last Saturday, Chances closed its doors for good after 16 years, with a sign that said "Thanks for the Mammaries." An upscale restaurant spearheaded by a yet-to-be-identified “superstar chef” (Chef Boyardee? Alfredo Linguini from Ratatouille?) will reportedly occupy the building once famous as a lesbian-friendly dance club.

Is lower Westheimer becoming a hotspot for fine dining? There’s already Hugo’s, Mark’s, Da Marco, and Feast on the busy street, along with Indika, Dolce Vita, Michelangelo's, Josephine's Bistro and a revamped Ruggle's Grill. The new Tex-Mex eatery from Bryan Caswell and Robb Walsh is destined for the old Hollywood Video space and a trendy restaurant from hot Austin chef Tyson Cole is planned for the old Felix location.

Another trendy eatery won’t hurt the ‘Trose, but Chances will be dearly missed. The bar offered a unique set-up with themed dance rooms including Chances Proper, also known as the front bar; The Barn, which played authentic country music for two-stepping lovers; and The G-Spot known for glow-sticks, go-go dancers, and a dj spinning hiphop.

Chances fan Jessica Toy remembers, "The G-Spot room was completely insane. The only rule was you couldn't climb up on the bar. I saw some hotties learn that the hard way."

Chances was the only club inside the loop catering directly to the lesbian community. So now where will its patrons go?

Possibilities:

The Hazard bridge over 59
The SoMo (South Montrose) crew has already claimed the Graustark bridge, colloquially dubbed "Club Bridge." However, the Hazard bridge is still up for grabs.
Pros: Roomy, trendy concrete floors.
Cons: Open to the elements, is a bridge.

Soon-to-open coffee shop "Black Hole"
If the lezzies come in large numbers they could easily claim it their own.
Pros: Clean slate, no crowd of “regulars” who have called dibs on it.
Cons: Close to Club Bridge (Graustark Overpass) which could lead to rival gang fights, closes at midnight, unlikely to be dance-y.

Katz’s
Katz's sounds like "cat" and lesbians like cats... I think. Actually, maybe not. Still, this 24-hour deli is only a few blocks from Chances.
Pros: Never closes, excellent stairwell for “doing stairs” (a workout popular among sporty lezzies).
Cons: Limited vegetarian options, already frequented by bro-types that lesbians deem far from ideal company.

unspecified

destination-worthy bookstore

Century-old Japanese bookstore authors a new chapter in Rice Village

Courtesy of NewQuest

The Rice Village location will build on the success of Kinokuniya's Katy outpost.

A Japanese bookstore known for its extensive selection of anime and manga is coming to one of the inner loop’s most popular shopping districts. Kinokuniya will open its second Houston-area location in Rice Village this fall.

The store has claimed the former Village Fitness space at 2369 Rice Blvd. for its Rice Village outpost. At almost 5,600 square feet, the store will offer shoppers plenty of room to browse Kinokuniya’s books, stationary, paper goods, and more.

“We’d been looking in the Rice Village area for a long time,” NewQuest managing director and executive vice president Heather Nguyen said in a statement. “We got this one before it could hit the market.”

Kinokuniya opened its first Houston location in the Katy Grand shopping in 2019. The Japan-based chain, which will turn 100 next year, also operates stores across Asia, in the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the U.S., including Austin and two Dallas-area outposts in Plano and Carrollton.

In addition to books, the store hosts a variety of events, from book signings to horror storytelling sessions to anime meet-ups. The store's "Makerspace" hosts workshops, presentations, and other interactive experiences.

“Kinokuniya will be a tremendous addition to the Village, given its proximity to Rice University and the neighborhood’s reputation as one of Houston’s most walkable and community-oriented destinations,” Nguyen added. “The bookstore aligns perfectly with the area’s culture of learning, discovery, and appreciation for literature.”

Rice Village has been in an almost-decade long process of upgrading its retail offerings with more national and international brands. Last year, Rice University announced the Gateway Project, a $120 million endeavor to create a seamless, pedestrian-friendly corridor linking the campus to the heart of the Village.

shopping openings bookstores kinokuniya rice village