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    Burgers and oysters, oh my!

    Upscale Dallas house of burgers and oysters cozies up to River Oaks

    Eric Sandler
    May 26, 2021 | 10:42 am

    A popular Dallas destination for burgers and oysters is coming to Houston. Hudson House will open in the River Oaks Shopping Center in late 2021, the restaurant announced in a release.

    Originally opened in Dallas in 2017, Hudson House takes its inspiration from neighborhood restaurants in New York's West Village. The concept is built around a classic, double patty cheeseburger, an extensive selection of raw oysters, and the self-described "World's Coldest" martinis. It has grown to four locations across the Dallas area, with River Oaks being its first outpost beyond the Metroplex.

    "I've always loved the vibe of the West Village and New York city neighborhood restaurants," founder Hunter Pond told CultureMap Dallas in 2017. "So this is an American neighborhood restaurant — a weekly dining destination for the neighborhood, and for people who are craving an intimate and cozy environment."

    To bring the concept to Houston, Hudson House owner Vandelay Hospitality Group has selected a space next to Brasserie 19 at 1964 West Gray Street. The 4,500 square-foot restaurant will feature leather booths, a large wraparound bar, and the concept's largest raw bar, where diners will be able to watch shuckers prepare platters of oysters and decadent seafood towers.

    In addition to burgers and oysters, other popular dishes include:

    • Avocado Dip with whipped avocado, green onion, and ranch chips
    • Chicken Parm, with creamy tomato pasta and reggiano
    • American Tuna Tower, with ahi tuna, mashed avocado, English cucumber, mixed greens, radishes in wasabi vinaigrette

    Hudson House also serves brunch on the weekends. Expect Benedicts, berry pancakes, and frozen peach bellinis. The restaurant's spin on chicken and waffles uses a red velvet waffle and extra crispy double fried chicken.

    "I'm hoping it's a place that's approachable, where high school kids can enjoy a Friday night cheeseburger, while at the table next to them is the couple that wants to get a shellfish tower and bottle of champagne," Pond added.

    Vandelay also operates East Hampton Sandwich Co., which opened locations in River Oaks District and Montrose in 2018. Although both of them have closed, a location in downtown's Understory food court remains open, according to the East Hampton website.

    A Vandelay representative tells CultureMap that the company has shifted East Hampton from a dine-in experience to a locations with smaller footprints that are focused on to-go. The company thinks Hudson House's lively atmosphere gives it broad appeal.

    "We feel that Hudson House is a concept that is as translatable as say, a Hillstone concept," she writes. "It works in various markets, though we are a little more casual and a lot more fun, but with similar service and culinary execution."

    -----

    Teresa Gubbins contributed to this article.

    Hudson House's cheeseburger has earned acclaim.

    Hudson House burger
    Photo by Kathy Tran
    Hudson House's cheeseburger has earned acclaim.
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    riel returns

    Shuttered Houston restaurant revived for 1 night only at Canada Day pop-up

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 19, 2026 | 3:30 pm
    Riel truffle caviar pierogi
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    One of the saddest restaurant closures of 2025 will get a one-night-only revival. Favorite dishes from Riel will return at Chardon on Sunday, June 28 for an event being called “Booze Can Sunday.”

    While a French fine dining restaurant might seem like an unlikely host for a Riel revival, Chardon executive chef E.J. Miller once served as Riel’s opening sous chef. Miller invited his former boss, Riel chef-owner Ryan Lachaine, to join him for a pop-up that honors Canada Day.

    Together, the duo will serve some of Riel’s most popular dishes, including:

    • Truffle and Caviar Pierogies
    • Steak Au Poivre Poutine with Cheese Curds
    • Deli Dog
    • Montreal Smoked Meat Sliders
    • Torche Kolaches
    • Mushroom Empanadas
    • Gator Karaage
    • Maple Whiskey Soft Serve with Foie Caram

    The day will also feature drink specials such as Canadian Jell-O Shots, Molson X, Canadian Club, Old Grand-Dad, and more. Robin Wong, a co-owner of Blood Bros. BBQ and a successful DJ, will spin throughout the event.

    Riel truffle caviar pierogi

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    "Riel was a special place for a lot of people, and Booze Can Sunday was always one of the most anticipated events of the week," said Miller. "Ryan and I wanted to bring back that energy for one day, celebrate the restaurant that meant so much to us, and give guests a chance to revisit some of the dishes and memories they loved."

    Riel Restaurant Ryan Lachaine E.J. Miller A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by Eric Sandler

    Riel opened in January 2017 and closed in August 2025. In between, it earned wide acclaim for the way Lachaine blended his Canadian upbringing and Ukrainian heritage with the modern Gulf Coast cuisine he learned while working at restaurants such as Reef and Underbelly.

    Currently, Lachaine works as the executive chef at River Oaks restaurant State of Grace. He added two Riel signatures to State of Grace’s menu — the caviar tater tots and signature butter burgers.

    Chardon, which earned a Best New Restaurant nomination in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards for its blend of classic French fare with Texas ingredients, opened in February 2025. In addition to Riel, Miller’s resume includes SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, International Smoke, and Muse.

    Booze Can Sunday takes place from 3-9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.

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