Drink well, do good

Original OKRA Charity Saloon gets national attention — before it even opens

The space's interior has only seen minimal changes since its former life as theRed Cat Jazz Café.
Photo by Sarah Rufca
The OKRA Charity Saloon is expected to open by the end of the year.
Photo by Sarah Rufca

With a high-profile list of administrators — helmed by Bobby Heugel, with a council that includes representatives of Houston's most talked-about eating and drinking establishments — and an unconventional business approach, it's no surprise that the Original OKRA Charity Saloon has gained a lot of local buzz in anticipation of its opening.

But national attention before it has even had a final health inspection? That's big news.

Condé Nast Daily Traveler gave a nod to Houston's charity bar in a listicle of "Pubs That Give Their Proceeds to Charity," pointing to OKRA's recent Peerbackers fundraising push and the group's credentialed crew.

Condé Nast Daily Traveler gave a nod to Houston's charity bar in a listicle of "Pubs That Give Their Proceeds to Charity."

Other establishments with a do-good clause include Cause: The PhilanthroPub in Washington, D.C., which plans to split more than $100,000 in profits each year between local nonprofits; Robin des Bois in Montreal, a volunteer-run eatery that contributes to community-based foundations; vegan restaurant Darbster in West Palm Beach, Fla., a supporter of an animal welfare foundation that pays for spaying, neutering and pet care for low-income families; and the Oregon Public House in Portland — when it opens in January, customers will be able to pick the local charity that benefits from their bill.

OKRA Charity Saloon's model will differ slightly, instead inviting imbibers to vote with a token on one of four Houston-based charities each month. At the end of the month, the votes will be tallied and the winner chosen, and 100 percent of the bar's profits will go directly to that beneficiary.

Though an official open date has not been announced, the group held a holiday party last weekend in the space off of Market Square Park (which has undergone only minimal changes since its former life as the Red Cat Jazz Café) and anticipates an open date prior to the end of the year.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's