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    2021's saddest shutters

    Houston’s 8 saddest bar and restaurant closures of 2021

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 27, 2021 | 5:10 pm
    The Pastry War entrance with people inside
    Fans of agave spirits miss The Pastry War.
    Photo by Julie Soefer

    Relative to all the trauma of 2020, restaurants had it somewhat easier in 2021. While they didn’t have to face any shutdowns — at least in Texas — this year still had plenty of challenges.

    Rising prices for ingredients and other essentials, a devastating winter storm, an extremely tight labor market, and, most recently, the omicron surge all presented challenges to operators and employees alike. Many places found a way to persevere, but some reached the end of the road.

    With that in mind, let’s look back at some of the shuttered bars and restaurants we’ll miss the most.

    UB Preserv
    Originally intended to be a spiritual successor to Chris Shepherd’s groundbreaking restaurant Underbelly, UB Preserv evolved into a welcoming space with a creative menu that pulled freely from Houston’s immigrant traditions. Under the leadership of executive chef Nick Wong, the restaurant mixed staples like its crispy rice salad and Vietnamese fajitas with a rotating cast of dishes that were both playful and flavorful.

    Wong and sous chef Leila Frink are heading to Georgia James Tavern, which gives that restaurant the potential to become one of the shining stars in Underbelly Hospitality’s growing empire. As for the space at 1609 Westheimer, it will reopen next month as Everlong Bar & Hideaway.

    The Pastry War
    In the face of an imminent lease renewal and uncertainty about when downtown’s nightlife scene would return to pre-pandemic levels, owner Bobby Heugel made the decision to shutter the popular agave bar at the end of October. First opened in 2013, Houstonians will remember it for multiple reasons: focusing on family-owned producers instead of big brands, an extensive back bar of hard-to-find spirits, and its signature house margarita made with a blend of Persian and key lime juice.

    As for the future of 310 Main, Carson Hager, owner of 80s-themed nightclub Cherry and Japanese-inspired Zenaku, posted on Instagram that he’s leased the space for a new concept that will open next year. Details are TBA.

    Down House
    For ten years, this restaurant in The Heights satisfied diners by putting its own spin on trends such as farm to table, craft cocktails, and specialty coffee. Its opening occurred around the same time as The Heights began to emerge as one of the city’s best dining neighborhoods, and people filled its patio for brunch, burgers, and more.

    The space won’t stay vacant for long. Goode Co announced that it has leased the property for a still-unnamed restaurant that will open in 2022.

    Tony Mandola’s Gulf Coast Kitchen
    The Houston institution — it traces its roots to the original Blue Oyster Bar that Tony Mandola and his wife Phyllis Mandola opened in 1982 — ended its 10-year run on Waugh Dr. in July. Known for its combination of Gulf Coast fare like gumbo and fried seafood paired with Italian-American specialities such as spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna, Tony Mandola’s provided Houstonians with a lively forum for any number of happy occasions.

    Thankfully, it may not be gone for good. Eater Houston reported Tony Mandola's plans to reopen on Houston Ave., although the restaurant hasn’t provided any updates on when that might occur.

    Golden Bagels & Coffee
    Originally opened by Katz Coffee owner Avi Katz and local attorney Gregg Goldstein in January 2018, Golden Bagels & Coffee closed its doors in September. Known for its freshly made bagels and diverse selection of schmears, the cafe set itself apart from other bagel shops by curing and smoking its own salmon.

    The space didn’t stay empty for long. It has already been converted into Kinokawa, a new omakase restaurant from chefs Billy Kin and Brandon Silva.

    Avondale Food & Wine
    Originally opened as L’Olivier in 2012 by chef Olivier Ciesielski and his business partner Mary Clarkson, the restaurant, which relaunched as Avondale in 2018, closed in July. Ciesielski’s seasonal, market-driven menu and an in-house wine shop that specialized in small producers helped it build a following with Houston oenophiles. The duo plan to reopen but haven’t revealed their new location yet.

    Burt’s Meat Market
    After 75 years in business, the Fifth Ward institution shuttered in March. Known for its signature sausages and affordable, steam table lunches, Burt’s provided shoppers with a taste of East Texas and Louisiana-influenced meats and sides. Although it’s gone, fans can take comfort in knowing that sausage maker Aaron Lazo, a 35-year Burt’s veteran, now practices his craft at Henderson & Kane in the Old Sixth Ward.

    Ritual
    The Southern-inspired steakhouse in The Heights closed in April after a five-year run. Known for its in-house butcher shop and a creative menu built around comfort food and a first-rate burger, the restaurant earned widespread praise, including a spot on Texas Monthly’s list of the best new restaurants for 2017. At the time, owner Ken Bridge planned to convert the space into Mapojeong Galbijib, an all-new Korean BBQ concept, but an opening timeline hasn’t been set.

    closings
    news/restaurants-bars

    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.

    nightlifeopeningspickleballdrop shots htxthe-heights
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