Tastemakers Returns

Favorite Houston food and drink event returns to toast the Tastemakers

Join us at the 2020 Tastemaker Awards on April 2.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

UPDATE: The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, originally scheduled for April 2, will now be held on August 6. The story has been updated with the new date.

---

For Houston gourmands, spring has become synonymous with our tastiest event of the year: the annual CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, honoring the top restaurant and bar talent in the city.

The can't-miss celebration of food and drink returns to Silver Street Studios on Thursday, August 6, with a full menu of bites, sips, and culinary stars.

The evening begins with our signature tasting event. You'll dine on savory and sweet selections from participating nominees and sample signature cocktails, beer, bubbly, and more. The night culminates in our coveted awards ceremony, once again emceed by H-Town rap legend and foodie Bun B.

Our Tastemaker Awards program honors the people making a difference in the Houston restaurant and bar scene right now. We've collaborated with a panel of experts, including previous Tastemaker winners, to determine nominees in 11 categories. Our judges then select a winner in each category, except Best New Restaurant, which will be determined by readers in our lively tournament in March.

This year's categories are: Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Bar of the Year, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Wine Program of the Year, Brewery of the Year, Best Pizza, and Best New Restaurant.

We'll spotlight all of the nominees in a special editorial series, but you'll have to wait until the big event to find out who wins.

So join us on August 6 for the culinary celebration of the season. A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now for just $50 (general admission) and $99 (VIP). Those who splurge on VIP will get exclusive early admission to the event, plus complimentary valet, a dedicated bar, and an elevated food pairing experience.

Prices will increase soon, so snag yours now. Then follow along as we reveal more delicious details.

---

The event is brought to you by Dripping Springs Vodka, Cigar City Brewing, Topo Chico, Visit Houston, and Grandes Vinos. A portion of proceeds will benefit Second Servings of Houston.

tastemakers

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.”

news-you-can-eat pizza burgers kids