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    smoked texana rides again

    Food hall favorite barbecue joint bringing brisket and fajitas to new Cypress location

    Eric Sandler
    Oct 19, 2021 | 9:06 am

    A familiar team is bringing smoked Texana to Cypress. Burro & Bull, the barbecue concept that earned acclaim at the Conservatory food hall, is taking over a former Corky’s BBQ on Hwy 290 (25618 Northwest Fwy).

    John Avila, who owns both Burro & Bull and Old Sixth Ward general store Henderson & Kane with his wife Veronica, tells CultureMap that the new location is an extension of the partnership he formed with restaurateurs Bruce Gingrich and Andria Cain when he worked with them to open Acadian Coast, the Cajun-Creole restaurant in the Second Ward.

    With El Burro & the Bull’s plans to open a restaurant in the East End stalled by the pandemic, the Avilas saw an opportunity to expand their brand in a space that will only need minor renovations. If all goes according to plan, El Burro could open as soon as mid-November.

    “We’ve had a good response even from the coming soon sign. We’ve seen activity on El Burro’s social media pages skyrocket,” Avila says. “There’s a sense of anticipation for bringing a craft barbecue place out there that will have a full bar but still be able to serve families well with a drive-thru and a large patio.”

    In terms of renovations, the space will keep the indoor/outdoor bar with roll-up doors that are a signature feature of all of Gingrich’s projects. The biggest change will be shifting from full service to counter service; Veronica Avila will use her skills as a trained architect to oversee design changes that will allow customers to watch meat cutters prepare their orders.

    Those orders will be grounded in what Avila called smoked Texana, which is his term for a restaurant that unites many of the diverse influences in modern Texas cooking. Expect dishes that draw from Texas’s different regions, including Veronica Avila’s hometown of El Paso.

    “We believe we’ve been one of the pioneers of Texas cuisine,” John Avila says. “We believe Texas is regional just like if you went to Italy or France. We believe that smoked Texana offers everything from casual to high end.”

    In keeping with that philosophy, Avila and chef de cuisine Jesse Gallegos (Veronica’s brother) will expand the menu from what El Burro served at the Conservatory. Signature items such as brisket tacos and smoked pork tacos will still be available, but they’ll be joined by dishes such as a chile Colorado pork steak and a tomahawk ribeye with winter squash. In addition, the restaurant will serve Henderson & Kane’s full range of housemade sausages.

    Even better, El Burro’s parrilladas platters will allow diners to build their own combinations that draw equally from the different traditions. Instead of a two meat plate of brisket and sausage with pickles and onions and slice of white bread that’s typical at traditional barbecue restaurants, diners at El Burro will be able to get fajitas and smoked pork ribs with avocados and flour tortillas (to cite one possible example).

    “It’s from my wife moreso, because it’s something they have in El Paso,” Avila says. “We’ve looked around Houston and searched for those kind of things. There was really only a few places.”

    In keeping with the Texas-centric approach, El Burro’s bar will serve spirits made in the Lone Star State. Avila notes that Texans make everything from gin and vodka to bourbon and agave spirits, which means the restaurant’s bar should be well stocked.

    As for the Harrisburg property that was scheduled to be El Burro’s new home, Avila acknowledges its on the backburner. In addition to opening this concept in Cypress, he hints that Henderson & Kane also has some opportunities to grow with additional locations. Expect more details on those plans in the weeks to come.

    Burro & Bull's parrillada platters allow for combinations like brisket and tortillas with salsa.

    Burro & Bull parrillada platter
      
    Courtesy of Burro & Bull
    Burro & Bull's parrillada platters allow for combinations like brisket and tortillas with salsa.
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    Drop it like it's hot

    Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

    Brianna Griff
    Jun 18, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
    Photo by Abante Photography
    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
      

    Photo by Abante Photography

    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

    “We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

    Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

    Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

    Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

    “Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

    Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

    “We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

    Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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