Restaurant Pushed Out

Longtime Houston restaurant forced to shutter: Construction of hip River Oaks District kills its business

Highland Village-area restaurant Crapitto's is in its last days. The Italian restaurant will close after its dinner service this Saturday.

"Our building (like the others around it) is scheduled to be torn down, so it is with great sadness that, after 19 years, Crapitto's Cucina Italiana will serve its last supper on Saturday, May 24th," owner Frank Crapitto writes on Facebook.

Back in November, Crapitto denied that the sale of his block would have any immediate effect on the restaurant's future. "Crapitto's will remain," he told b4-u-eat. "We have a four year lease and will stay right here unless we choose to move to the new building if and only when a new restaurant location will be built to our specifications.

Conway tells CultureMap construction "took all of our parking," which forced the decision to shutter.

"Until that time Crapitto's is open and doing well and will stay that way."

General manager Shannon Conway tells CultureMap that the demolition currently going on "took all of our parking," which forced the decision to shutter. Frank Crappito plans to retire, according to Conway, but the general manager may work with other employees at the restaurant to find a new space.

The area around Crapitto's is undergoing extensive changes, thanks to the imminent arrival of the River Oaks District, a high-end mixed use development.

Although principally a source of well-executed, red sauce, Italian American fare, over the years Crapitto's had become known for the abundant crop of fresh, locally raised tomatoes that Frank Crapitto developed and had specially grown for the restaurant.

CultureMap contributor Marene Gustin praised the tomatoes in a 2012 column as part of a look at Crappito's sale of Frank's Chop House to Mike and Chris Shine.

Are you eager to see Crapitto's return in a new form, or had the restaurant outlived its usefulness? Sound off in the comments.

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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