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    Oxheart closes in March

    Justin Yu explains why he's closing Houston's best restaurant and what's next

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 2, 2016 | 1:14 pm
    Oxheart Restaurant interior diners kitchen
    Oxheart will close March 17.
    Photo by © Julie Soefer/Greater Houston Visitors and Convention Bureau

    One of Houston's best restaurants announced on Friday that it will close in March. Not because it isn't popular, vibrant, or dynamic — the time had come for a change.

    James Beard Award winner Justin Yu revealed in a blog post that he will close Oxheart on March 17, which is the restaurant's fifth anniversary. "Oddly enough, the decision wasn’t too hard to make," the chef writes.

    "I want to be ahead of our own curve. I know regardless of what previous successes we’ve had, we can’t sit here and expect success with the same formula," he writes. Later, he adds, "Oxheart has changed; and, importantly, I have new goals and challenges I’d like to take on. So, as lucky as we’ve been to have survived more than the first 6 months of opening, I want to make a change."

    Currently, Oxheart serves two different six-course tasting menus using rigorously-sourced local ingredients: one all vegetarian and one that includes a couple of meat dishes. In its place, Yu will open a new, still unnamed restaurant next May. Longtime sous chef Jason White will serve as chef de cuisine, which, as Yu notes, means he needs to "finally get over myself and trust someone else to run the kitchen."

    The new restaurant will have a new name, new decor, and a new menu style. Yes, that's correct, the new restaurant won't serve a tasting menu.

    In the blog post, Yu compares the work he and his business partner Karen Man put into opening Oxheart to decorating a college dorm room. Renovations to the space will make the new restaurant more efficient for its staff and more comfortable for its diners.

    "This time I know what kind of stupid stuff I'm getting into," Yu writes in a text message. "Well, I think I know what I'm getting myself into." He describes the new restaurant's food as "more approachable without being any less ambitious" than what he's served at Oxheart.

    Switching things up also will allow Yu to divide his time between the new project he's opening on Yale St. with Anvil owner Bobby Heugel, Public Services, the wine and whisky bar he co-owns with Oxheart sommelier Justin Vann, and Oxheart's replacement. Currently, he expects to spend his mornings in The Heights and his evenings downtown.

    Since opening in 2012, Oxheart has emerged as one of Houston's highest profile restaurants. Yu has earned both a coveted Food & Wine Best New Chef award and the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest for his work there. The restaurant has held the top spot on Chronicle critic Alison Cook's list of Houston's top 100 restaurants four out of the last five years. National writers including then New York Times critic Frank Bruni, Eater critic Bill Addison, and Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema have all praised it.

    Whatever Oxheart becomes, one thing's for sure. Beginning March 18, the title of Houston's best restaurant will be up for grabs. Seeing who steps up to claim the title will be worth watching.

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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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