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Kanye West spotted sipping cocktails at high-energy Midtown restaurant

Thirteen general manager Rosea Grady and Kanye West.

Courtesy of Thirteen

Diners who lingered over their drinks at Thirteen restaurant in Midtown got to witness one of the world's biggest stars enter the dining room. Hip-hop legend Kanye West stopped by for a drink last week.

West, accompanied by Houston hip-hop royalty Jas Prince, walked into the restaurant like any other diner and ordered a drink at the bar, a representative tells CultureMap. Too late for food, West and Prince sipped the restaurant's signature Thirteen cocktail, a margarita riff made with pineapple-basil cordial, lime juice, Dry Curacao, and choice of tequila.

Of course, celebrities aren't an unusual sight at the restaurant, which is owned by former Rockets star James Harden. NBA players such as P.J. Tucker and former NFL star Chad Johnson have both dined at Thirteen.

General manager Rosea Grady explains that the restaurant's approach is to treat every customer at the high energy, see-and-be-seen spot like a VIP.

"True hospitality is characterized by an open response to the dignity of each and every person,” Grady said in a statement. “Whether its Kanye West, or the couple that lives around the block, it comes down to one single principle that if you treat people well, the very same way you would like to be treated, they will do the same. The hospitality business is all about giving the best to clients, from a place of love."

Opened in March 2021, Thirteen serves an eclectic menu that mixes comfort food and steakhouse elements. Led by professional football player-turned-chef Tobias Dorzon, the menu includes shrimp and lobster mac and cheese egg rolls with crawfish cream sauce; four layer, deep-fried lasagna; mac and cheese topped with a deep fried lobster tail; and a 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye with Hawaiian marinade and shallot-pineapple compound butter.

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Michelin-recognized Texas barbecue chain fires up Houston opening date

Courtesy of Terry Black's Barbecue

Terry Black's will open its Houston location on August 18.

The restaurant Texas Monthly calls “most impressive barbecue chain in Texas” is almost ready to make its debut. Terry Black’s Barbecue will open on Tuesday, August 18.

Located in the Heights at 1329 N. Shepherd, Terry Black’s replaced a former car dealership with a massive barbecue joint that will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Founded in 2014 by siblings Christina, Mike, and Mark Black, Terry Black’s has grown from its original Austin location to nine stores. It earned a honorable mention on Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s 50 best barbecue joints and a Recommended designation from the Michelin Guide.

"Opening our first Houston restaurant is an exciting milestone for Terry Black's, but what excites us even more is becoming part of this community," Mark Black said in a statement. "Our goal is to create more than a place to enjoy great barbecue. We want to become a neighborhood gathering place where people celebrate life's big moments, enjoy everyday meals with family and friends, and feel at home every time they walk through our doors. We look forward to being part of the fabric of this community for many years to come."

Powered by six, 1,000-gallon smokers, Terry Black’s prides itself on cooking enough food every day that sell-outs are rare. Multiple cutting blocks keep the line moving and minimize waiting times.

Terry Black’s menu begins with smoked meats, including beef ribs, brisket, pork ribs, turkey, house made sausages, and chopped beef. Sides are made fresh daily. They include macaroni and cheese, green beans, creamed corn, pinto beans, potato salad, coleslaw, Mexican rice, and cornbread muffins. Finish with desserts such as mini pecan pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding. Beverage options include Texas craft beer, wine, a “frozen black margarita,” and non-alcoholic options such as soda and iced tea.

Once they get through the line, diners will find a range of indoor and outdoor seating options. Unique to the Houston location is a semi-private, elevated loft that’s available for private events. The restaurant also offers off-site catering for celebrations, business lunches, and other events.

Black Family Hospitality, the company that owns Terry Black’s, also has plans to operate a boutique hotel on the property. A representative tells CultureMap that more details about the hotel will be revealed at a later date.

Houston is in the midst of a mini boom of new barbecue restaurants. In addition to Terry Black’s, Eastbound Barbecue opened in the East End in June. Willow’s Smokehouse & Tavern, another new restaurant in the East End, is also expected to open in August. The Station at Smokey Oaks is currently holding weekend pop-ups ahead of opening full time at its location in Garden Oaks.

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