Berryhill Expands
Iconic Tex-Mex joint snaps up shuttered steakhouse for a move across the street
One of Houston's most popular destinations for tamales, fish tacos and other Tex-Mex treats is relocating its River Oaks location, but fans won't have to travel far to get their fix. Berryhill Baja Grill announced on Monday that it will relocate from 2639 Revere to 2300 Westheimer, which was previously home to steakhouses 60 Degrees Mastercrafted and the Harwood Grill.
At roughly 4,500-square feet, the new space will both double the restaurant's seating capacity and give it far more parking. Plans are already underway to transform the space into a Berryhill, and owner Jeff Anon hopes to open the new location in four months.
"This is truly both exciting and a little nostalgic for us,” Anon said in a statement. “We have tried everything we could think of to expand the space on Revere to meet the demand, but it’s at its maximum for us. When the Harwood Grill location came available, it was everything we could ask for. Still, Revere is the first Berryhill I visited, and the one that told me I wanted to own this place. That was back in 1996, so I have some emotions tied to this place."
Although neither 60 Degrees nor Harwood lasted very long, they also don't have Berryhill's history in the neighborhood, which dates back to 1993. Also, the street construction that's plagued that section of Westheimer has almost drawn to a close.
In addition to relocating its River Oaks restaurant, Berryhill also announced that it will open its first location in College Station as part of the 60-acre Century Square mixed-use development. Aggies shouldn't start lining up quite yet, however; that restaurant won't open until late 2016 or early 2017.
Berryhill may date back to the '90s, but its roots are far older. The restaurant traces its history to Walter Berryhill. who sold tamales from a cart from the late '20s to the mid-'60s. After he died, his recipes were lost for 20 years before being discovered and incorporated into a restaurant. Houstonians have been enjoying Berryhill tamales, fish tacos, and other dishes ever since.
