The Elk Dog cometh

With new building approved, Moon Tower Inn is set to reopen — and this time it'sfor real

After more than a year of renovation work, Moon Tower plans to return in thecoming weeks.
Facebook: "Wood salvaged from Civil War era slave's quarters and metal salvagedfrom Stephen F. Austin University's 60 year old dairy barns. History bitches!Get into it."
Facebook: "Hand made tap handles? Why the hell not."
Facebook: ""HOUSTON'S FIRST SHIPPING CONTAINER KITCHEN COMING DAMN SOON."
From Facebook: "BREAKING BAD."
Facebook: "Just a place to rest your elbows while ordering cold beer."

Moon Tower Inn announced on Facebook that its new shipping-container building officially passed muster with the City of Houston — leaving owners Evan Shannon and Brandon Young just a health inspection away from reopening their beer-and-hot-dog joint after more than a year of renovations.

"If all goes well with the health department, we'll should be open next week," Young told CultureMap on Thursday over the phone from New Orleans, where he was (still?) celebrating the New Year.

"This renovation has been a complete pain in the ass, but, seriously, it'll be worth it," said co-owner Brandon Young.

"This renovation has been a complete pain in the ass, but, seriously, it'll be worth it. Right now the city just needs to approve our kitchen and clear us for occupancy."

To say the least, Moon Tower has been quite the tease since it suddenly closed its doors in October 2011.

This past year, owners and employees have mentioned everything from solar panels and water harvesting systems to a separate lounge named the Gift Horse and a new pizza-and-suds venture. Throughout the winter, spring and summer, the team manned a temporary food truck dubbed the Meat Wagon, announcing in their wake a string of potential (and eventually false) reopening dates.

Regardless of how high-tech they'll take the eco-friendliness, Moon Tower owners have posted Facebook pictures highlighting an array of salvaged wood and hardware. A new dedicated bicycle lot also will be provided.

Drinkwise, Young promised no less than 66 beers on tap, including a handful of brews crafted on-site thanks to a special TABC license. Expect homemade sodas as well.

Foodwise, favorites like the elk-dog and the Cheech Burger will return in all their glory. But come early spring, the restaurant plans to take its offerings to the next level.

"In a few months, we'll be getting some new kitchen equipment that will allow us to do a full menu — with damn appetizers and everything."

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Hey, Joe

International coffee shop chain picks Houston for first Texas store

Joe & The Juice/Facebook

Joe & The Juice is coming to Uptown Park.

A coffee shop known for its healthy eats is coming to Houston. Joe & The Juice will open its first Texas location later this year in Uptown Park, real estate developer EDENS announced.

Known for its high-energy atmosphere, the Copenhagen-based concept is more than a juice bar. It also serves sandwiches, coffee, and snacks like blueberry muffins and brownies. Overall, the company has more than 450 locations worldwide, including stores in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Joe & The Juice had a viral moment a few years back with its celebrated Tunacado sandwich, a flavorful combination of tuna mousse, avocado, vegan pesto, and sliced tomatoes. Unlike some other prominent coffee chains, its food is well executed enough that people review it (for better or worse) on social media.

@touchdalight this actually really surprised me 😂
♬ original sound - carmie sellitto

What’s unclear at this time is where Joe & The Juice will be located within Uptown Park. A press release didn’t specify, and the development’s representative declined CultureMap’s request for comment, although he did add that it will be revealed at a later date.

In addition to Joe & The Juice, Uptown Park will soon welcome Uptown Sporting Club. As CultureMap reported last week, the premium sports bar and cocktail lounge is the latest creation for restaurateurs Daniel Chang and Roveen Abante. Its menu will include dishes such as Korean Buffalo chicken tenders, brisket nachos, flatbreads, and more.

On the retail side, Uptown Park has two new stores:

Design Within Reach, an approximately 6,100-square-foot location that sells modern furniture and lifestyle products, including lighting, accessories, and design support.
Lazzoni, a modern furniture brand known for customizable upholstery that occupies approximately 3,800 square feet.

openings news-you-can-eat coffee uptown park anderson