CultureMap video

Searching for Houston's best burger: Experts reveal their secrets of sizzlingsuccess

CultureMap's Backyard Burger Grill-Off is so near that we can almost hear the sizzle and taste that greasy goodness.

Those cravings won't be curbed when you watch the above video, where resident foodie Sarah Rufca talks burgers with Ricky Craig of Hubcap Grill, David Grossmann, executive chef at Branch Water Tavern, and Jenni Gomez at The Counter.

The Counter will be flipping burgers at Saturday's grill-off, serving sliders to contend with Vic & Anthony's, Houston Texans Grille, Straits, BRIO, Tasting Room Uptown Park, The Grove, Roots Bistro and J. Black's.

A ticket allows admittance to Discovery Green from 5 to 8 p.m. and as many sliders as you can stomach, plus sides from Whole Foods Market and brews from Southern Star, Saint Arnold, Karbach and Leprechaun Cider. For more information, click here.

another surprise shutter

Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Graffiti Raw

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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