mandolas move on

Cherished trio of Montrose Italian family restaurants will soon shutter to make way for new dining district

Nino's and Vincent's will close on Friday.

Nino's, Vincent's, & Grappino di Nino/Facebook

Three staple Montrose Italian restaurants will soon shutter to make way for a new dining district. Nino’s, Vincent’s, and Grappino di Nino will close on Friday, August 5.

The Vincent Mandola family, owner of the approximately two-and-a-half acre tract, has sold it to an affiliate of real estate development firms Oxberry Group and TKG Capital Partners.

Together, the firms plan to redevelop the property, including the nearby Printing Museum and The HAY Center building (known to some as the old American Legion building). Dubbed the Harlow District, plans call for the development to include six food and beverage concepts, the first of which is slated to open in late 2022. The restaurants will share more than 250 parking spots, according to a site plan provided by the developers. TKG operates a number of successful bars and restaurants, including Heights Bier Garten, Holman Draft Hall, and the upcoming Bayou Heights Bier Garten on Washington Avenue.

Vincent Mandola and his wife Mary opened Nino's in 1977 to serve Sicilian-inspired specialities such as fried artichokes and the signature veal chop. Over time, the family opened Vincent's to serve homestyle Italian fare and Grappino di Nino, a casual wine bar that serves small plates. Daughters Vinceanne Mandola and Dana Mandola Corbett joined the family business in the early '90s.

"We would like to thank our amazing family, friends, guests, and staff for the past 45 years," Mary Mandola said in a statement. "We are so proud of what we have accomplished over the years. We are excited to see the new venues created within the establishments that hold so many of our cherished memories."

A member of one of Houston's most prominent restaurant families, Vincent Mandola died in 2020 due to a heart attack. His family members established some of Houston's most well-known restaurants, including Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen (now closed), Damian's, Carrabba's, and Ragin Cajun.

closings

Sports + Snacks

All the game-day snacks + drinks awaiting you at The Tailgate 2024

Facebook

Chow down on adobo beef tacos from 1891 American Eatery & Bar.

Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's signature sporty event, presented by Verizon, is happening Monday, November 11, at 8th Wonder Brewery, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

All Tailgate tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour-early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with two popular Houston Texans alumni (courtesy of Verizon), and more perks for an elevated experience.

You also get to make your voice heard before the event, as readers are now voting for their favorite local wings restaurant in our Ultimate Wing Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament and the winner will be revealed at the party. Click here to vote for your favorites.

Hungry yet? Popular Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite.

Here's even more of what's on the menu at The Tailgate:

Adobo beef tacos from 1891 American Eatery & Bar
Wings and loaded french fries from Big City Wings
Comfort Foodies' signature empanadas in four flavors: oxtail, beef and cheese, chicken and cheese, and spinach and cheese
Shrimp ceviche shooters and brisket on a croissant from The Halal Guys
St. Louis ribs with Comeback Sauce from Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
Spicy and regular Layne's chicken fingers with dipping sauce
Smoked salmon handroll from Kokoro
Loro's smoked brisket tostadas with shishito salsa
Ramen Frito pie from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Lobster rolls, corn and crab bisque, lobster bisque, and whoopie pies from Mainely Sandwiches
Smoked pulled pork bahn mi pizza from Pizarro's Pizza
Al pastor sausage and challah lobster roll from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Sweet jerk chili wings from Southern Jerks
Spicy ranch wings from Taste Kitchen + Bar
Laab chicken sandwiches with tortilla chips from Thai Tail
The Waffle Bus' Hot Mess Fries: seasoned waffle fries topped with spicy buttermilk fried chicken bites, white cheddar mac and cheese, and Thunder Sauce
72-hour sous vide wagyu short rib from Uchi
Wagyu meatballs and edamame fritters from Uchiko Houston
A kolache-eating contest sponsored by Shipley Do-Nuts, where the winner will receive free doughnuts for a year.

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Weber Ranch Vodka (including an espresso martini made with Shipley Do-Nuts cold brew), along with THC seltzers from Howdy and 8th Wonder beers.

The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the Texans, which will raffle off a CJ Stroud-signed White Panel football. The Astros will show off their Shooting Stars dancers as well as the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies, and their Shuttle Crew team will bring prizes. Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash will raffle team-signed jerseys.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code Tailgate10 at checkout.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on November 11.

---

The Tailgate is sponsored by Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen + Main, Shipley Do-nuts, East River 9, and more to be announced.

video sports celebrities wings tailgate