adieu, o.k.r.a.

Houston's original downtown charity saloon shutters — but new bar is coming

The Original O.K.R.A. Charity Saloon has closed.

Photo by Julie Soefer/Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Downtown’s Original O.K.R.A. Charity Saloon has closed, but the space won’t stay vacant for long. Operators the Organized Kollaboration on Restaurant Affairs have sold the bar to its long time general manager Mary Ellen Angel for $10, the organization announced.

Angel tells CultureMap that she will open a new bar in the space at 924 Congress Ave. that will still have a charitable component. She’s tentatively looking at a May opening, assuming she can obtain the necessary permit approvals by then.

“I’m so excited. I’ve always been the type of person that wants to help people,” Angel says. “I think this is my way to do it.”

In addition to a new name, Angel plans to work with chef Dax McAnear to develop a small food menu. The charity saloon’s baked-to-order chocolate chip cookies may stick around, though.

Opened in December 2012, the Original O.K.R.A. Charity Saloon had an innovative concept; it donated its profits to a different charity organization every month. In total, the bar gave away $1.3 million during its run.

The bar also kicked off a wave of new concepts on the 300 block of Main Street. Within a few months of the charity saloon’s opening, its various members had opened establishments such as Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar and Spirit Lodge, Little Dipper, the Pastry War, and Goro & Gun (later Moving Sidewalk).

Officially closing the bar now — its been functionally shut down for a year — allows its board members, including Anvil owner Bobby Heugel, Paulie’s owner Paul Petronella, and Little Dipper owner Miriam Carrillo, to concentrate on their own concepts. That includes reopening the Pastry War and taking advantage of the More Space: Main Street program that will close the street to vehicular traffic so that bars and restaurants may expand their patio seating.

“Building O.K.R.A. with my peers in the industry remains my proudest accomplishment in my career, but I feel confident in this transition, knowing that Mary Ellen will continue to maintain the bar as a cornerstone of Houston’s downtown experience,” Heugel said in a statement.

closings

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's