Lucky number 13

Rockets superstar James Harden bringing upscale restaurant and nightclub to Houston

Icons of Style MFAH Houston James Harden

If nothing else, Thirteen should be stylish.

Photo courtesy of the MFAH

Houston Rockets star James Harden is getting into the restaurant business. The NBA's MVP posted a hiring announcement to Instagram for a new establishment called Thirteen by James Harden, ABC13 reports.

A countdown clock on the restaurant's website suggests a January 1 opening, but details on Thirteen are otherwise pretty light. The website doesn't offer any hints about its chef or menu, but the concept appears to have upscale aspirations.

An about section states: "At Thirteen Houston, we aspire to create the finest experience for our guests by combining the highest quality food and entertainment, with exceptional service in a cosmopolitan and entertaining atmosphere."

Similarly, the hiring announcement doesn't include the restaurant's location, Eater Houston reports that it could occupy the former Mr. Peeples space in Midtown. City of Houston permit records indicate that "Thirteen Hospitality LLC" has applied for permits to remodel the property at 1911 Bagby St. Mr. Peeples, a glitzy, two-story steakhouse from Hearsay Gastro Lounge owner Landmark Hospitality, closed in 2016.

If nothing else, Harden is known for his eclectic fashion sense, so here's hoping Thirteen has an appropriately stylish design.

The announcement comes at an uncertain moment in Harden's career. The star has been the subject of trade rumors after the departure of fellow superstar, Russell Westbrook, as well as head coach Mike D'Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey. Regardless of whether he finds a way out of Toyota Center, it seems he'll maintain ties to the Bayou City.

Other Houston athletes have taken the plunge into the restaurant business. Former Rocket Yao Ming owns a Chinese restaurant in west Houston, and Astros legend Craig Biggio lent his name to a sports bar in downtown's Marriott Marquis hotel. Former Dynamo star Brian Ching co-owns two bars, Pitch 25 and East End Backyard.

openings sports celebrities nightlife

steakhouse switcheroo

River Oaks restaurant fields a new menu devoted to prime and wagyu steaks

Courtesy of Fielding's Steak

The new menu includes steak and sides such as onion rings.

A River Oaks restaurant is switching things up. After a year of operations, Fielding’s River Oaks has rebranded as Fielding’s Steak with an all-new menu that will launch on Tuesday, January 27.

While the restaurant has always served steaks from Texas ranch 44 Farms, Fielding’s Steak leans more heavily into beef with more cuts and more kinds of beefs, including both American and Japanese wagyu. Similarly, diners can pair their steaks with steakhouse sides such as lobster mac and cheese, creamed spinach, and onion rings.

The new menu starts with four prime steaks — filet, ribeye, NY strip, and bavette — along with a dry-aged cuts including a 35-ounce cowboy ribeye, a porterhouse, a 12-ounce bone-in ribeye, and a 22-ounce bone-in ribeye. Those seeking the most luxurious experience may opt for a wagyu tasting that features four ounces each of Japanese, Australian, and American striploin.

Appetizers and salads include a number of familiar dishes, such as lobster bisque, wedge salad, fried calamari, shrimp cocktail, and an imperial crabcake. Non-steak entrees include maple-brined salmon, lobster risotto, lamb chops, and a grilled Kurobata pork chop with apple mostarda.

Fielding’s River Oaks opened in December 2024. Part of Fielding’s Culinary Group, The Woodlands-based hospitality company behind Fielding’s Local Kitchen & Bar and Fielding’s Wood Grill, the restaurant served a European-inspired menu that included pizzas, pastas, steaks, and seafood.

“Fielding’s Steak represents the natural evolution of who we are and where we’re going,” said CEO Cary Attar said in a statement. “We wanted to create a true steakhouse experience — one that’s chef-driven, ingredient-focused, and worthy of the River Oaks dining scene — while still feeling warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Fielding’s. This new menu allows us to showcase exceptional proteins, refined flavors, and a level of execution that reflects our passion for hospitality and culinary excellence.”

Fielding’s Steak will be open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch from 11:30 am-3 pm and dinner beginning at 5 pm. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

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