introducing The Warwick

Upscale new restaurant paying homage to Houston graces the Galleria area

The Warwick will open later this spring.

Courtesy of NHI Design

A new upscale restaurant is coming to the Galleria area this spring. The Warwick will occupy the former Houston's restaurant at 5888 Westheimer Rd.

Named for the historic Houston hotel in the Museum District (now Hotel ZaZa), The Warwick aims to provide an upscale experience. The project unites a group of veteran operators, including Steve Rogers (Bar 5015), Rob Wright (Prospect Park), Mazen Baltagi (Slowpokes), and local attorney Kurt Agomuo. Collectively, the group has operated everything from coffee shops to steakhouses and brings more than 20 years of experience to their new endeavor.

“This project has been in the works for over a year now, and we’re excited to finally give Houston a taste of The Warwick," Baltagi said in a statement. "What better ode to the great city of Houston’s diverse population than with a tribute to it with a sundry of culinary menu options that exemplify our city.”

Those menu options have been created by chef Antoine Ware. The New Orleans native has worked at some of Houston's best restaurants, including Brennan's of Houston and Harold's in the Heights as well as alongside Chris Shepherd at Catalan and Underbelly. Although working as a consultant for The Warwick (rather than its executive chef), a representative tells CultureMap the chef will be in the kitchen for the opening and beyond.

Ware's Southern-inspired menu will include dishes such as raw and chargrilled oysters, lamb chops, butter-poached lobster tails, a vegan pasta, and more. The Warwick will also pay homage to Houston's with dishes such as a take on spinach and artichoke dip, Thai noodle salad, and a Hawaiian ribeye.

“Our menu is appealing to both business diners and those looking for a night of celebration,” Ware said. “Excellent food paired with the atmosphere.”

Interior designer Nicki Dooms of NHI Design has transformed the space with light-colored woods, copper and gold tones, and custom marble flooring. As shown in the renderings above, the restaurant will offer a private dining room and two outdoor patios.

In terms of atmosphere, diners can expect an experience that puts the focus squarely on the food. The Warwick will cater to a business crowd at lunch with an elevated experience at dinner. Those looking for DJs and bottle service will have to opt for one of its owners' other concepts.

The Warwick will open later this spring.

Courtesy of NHI Design

The Warwick will open later this spring.

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switcheroo

2-acre Houston patio bar rebrands with new name and family-friendly menu

Photo by Sean Rainer

The bar's patio includes 10,000-square-feet of turf.

A bar in Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood is switching things up with a new name and revised menu. Effectively immediately, Woodland Social is now known as White Oak Social.

Simply put, the new name is designed to end confusion about the bar’s location, which many people assumed was in The Woodlands. In fact, it’s located next to popular concert venue White Oak Music Hall, which is reflected in the new name.

“We wanted a name that truly represented where we are and the community we serve,” the bar’s owners said in a statement. “Many guests thought we were located in The Woodlands, so renaming the business to White Oak Social makes our location clear and aligns our brand with the neighborhood we love.”

Along with the new name comes a few improvements. They include an outdoor playground that’s designed to appeal to area families, many of whom are already regulars.

In addition, the restaurant has broadened its menu. While pizzas still remain, White Oak Social now offers burgers, chicken tenders, more entrees, and a kids menu. An all-new brunch menu includes updated cocktails and more options for kids.

Piper’s Hospitality Group (Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery) opened Woodland Social in 2024. Originally named for the Woodland Heights neighborhood, the two-acre property has an 8,000-square-foot main bar area, a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio that includes 10,000-square-feet of turf, and more than 100 parking spaces.

“We’re excited for this next chapter,” the group said. “The new name, the expanded menu, and the playground show our commitment to being a neighborhood gathering place for all ages.”

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