Biggio Bellies Up to the Bar

Rumor No More: Downtown hotel partners with Astros legend for massive sports bar

Marriott Marquis Craig Biggio sports bar

A rendering previews Biggio's, the two-story sports bar coming to the Marriott Marquis.

Courtesy image

A Houston sports legend is getting into the bar business. Houston Astros icon Craig Biggio has partnered with the Marriott Marquis on Biggio's, a two story sports bar that will be located inside the upcoming downtown hotel.

Set to open in November, Biggio's will feature memorabilia from the Hall of Famer, as well as the expected number of gigantic flat screen TVs to give fans a view of as many games as possible. Details on the food and beverage program are a little skimpy at this point, but patrons can expect "a large craft beer selection including many local brews from Houston’s best breweries, and a selection of crowd-pleasing menu items," according to a press release.

Houston sports fans scarcely need an introduction to Biggio, who spent his entire, almost 20-year long career with the Astros. He retired with 3,060 hits, which, combined with numerous All Star appearances and a raft of charitable work (most prominently with the Sunshine Kids) led to his being the first Astro inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

“For nearly 30 years, Houston has been my home town, and I am honored to partner with the Marriott Marquis to bring Biggio’s to the city,” said Biggio in a statement. “It is really a dream to open a first-rate sports bar just steps away from my second home, Minute Maid Park, with an esteemed partner like Marriott.”

The Marquis has yet to reveal who will operate the two specialty restaurants that will join Biggio's, although one is rumored to be a new project from a James Beard Award nominee. Look for details on that and much more as the hotel gets closer to opening.

hotels sports openings

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.