Ramen Tatsu-Ya Soft Opening

Sneak peek: Acclaimed ramen shop offers half off on food during soft opening

The acclaimed, Austin-based ramen shop will hold a soft opening from 11 am until 10 pm Thursday through Saturday.

Photo by Eric Sandler

Want to be among the first people to dine at one of the city's hottest restaurants? Want to get a good deal in exchange for helping put a new restaurant through its paces? Does the suddenly cooler weather have you craving a hot, steaming bowl of noodles?

Good news, noodle obsessives. Ramen Tatsu-Ya has the perfect solution. The acclaimed, Austin-based ramen shop will hold a soft opening at its new Houston location at 1722 California Street from 11 am until 10 pm Thursday through Saturday (February 16-18). During these three days, all food will be 50 percent off the normal price. (Update 2/17: Twitter user Chic Chick Eats reports that Friday's soft opening has been temporarily suspended due to a plumbing issue.)

That would be a good deal by any measure, but Ramen Tatsu-ya is known for making exceptional noodles. The restaurant's tonkotsu broth takes up to 60 hours to prepare, which earned it a coveted place on Bon Appetit's list of America's best new restaurants in 2013. Since then, the restaurant has added a second location in Austin.

The Montrose restaurant will be the first outside of the Austin-area.

No reservations are required; however, given the city's recent ramen fervor generated by new arrivals like Ramen Bar Ichi and Agu Ramen, expect a line. A Reddit thread to discuss the soft opening generated over 50 comments as of Tuesday night.

The restaurant has not announced an official opening date, although it is expected to be revealed soon.

(Update 2/16: Ramen Tatsu-ya announced Thursday morning that it will officially open on February 20. In addition, the restaurant would still like to hire additional "back of the house staff.")

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

Ramen Tatsu-Ya Soft Opening

Sneak peek: Acclaimed ramen shop offers half off on food during soft opening

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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