Restaurants + Bars

A taste of Texas

The Tastemaker Awards toasts the best in Texas dining for 2022 The Tastemaker Awards toasts the best in Texas dining for 2022 By Arden Ward

6.8.22  |  11:56 am

CultureMap trekked across Texas this spring to toast the Tastemakers during our annual culinary awards program — and this year was ...

taste the sensation

Global fave peri-peri chicken chain opens first Texas spot in Uptown Global fave peri-peri chicken chain opens first Texas spot in Uptown By Eric Sandler

6.8.22  |  9:34 am

A South Africa-based restaurant that's well-loved for its spicy, flame-grilled chicken is coming to Houston. Nando's Peri-Peri will ...

mega 2022 restaurant preview

Houston's ultimate guide to 40+ new restaurants + bars coming in 2022 Houston's ultimate guide to 40+ new restaurants + bars coming in 2022 By Eric Sandler

6.7.22  |  2:27 pm

When it comes to restaurants, Houstonians are truly spoiled for compelling choices. Still, it’s hard to resist the temptation ...

in a pkl

New pickleball paradise with massive patio swings into WashAve New pickleball paradise with massive patio swings into WashAve By Eric Sandler

6.6.22  |  4:02 pm

Pickleball-playing Houstonians will soon have a new bar pitched to their pastime. PKL Social will open this fall with four ...

dialed in to Katy

Houston's buzziest wine bar and restaurant uncorks new Katy location Houston's buzziest wine bar and restaurant uncorks new Katy location By Eric Sandler

6.6.22  |  11:54 am

One of Houston’s most popular wine drinking destinations has opened its new location. Postino WineCafe, the Arizona-based wine bar ...

one hot night

James Beard event stars top Houston chefs in one of only 5 U.S ... James Beard event stars top Houston chefs in one of only 5 U.S. stops By Eric Sandler

6.3.22  |  11:48 am

The organization behind America's most prestigious culinary awards will host an event featuring some of Houston's top chefs ...

big easy booze is coming

New Orleans bar bringing Big Easy chill to Houston with 2 new spots New Orleans bar bringing Big Easy chill to Houston with 2 new spots By Eric Sandler

6.2.22  |  2:54 pm

A New Orleans-based bar devoted to frozen cocktails is expanding its presence in the Houston area. Fat Tuesday recently opened ...

What's Eric Eating Episode 243

Meet the gem behind downtown's bustling bakery, plus hot food news Meet the gem behind downtown's bustling bakery, plus hot food news By CultureMap Staff

6.2.22  |  1:30 pm

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," baker Nicole Morris joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to ...

this picnic totally rocks

Rockin' new girl-powered food and music fest stars Houston's top chefs Rockin' new girl-powered food and music fest stars Houston's top chefs By Eric Sandler

6.1.22  |  3:22 pm

A Houston-based nonprofit will hold a fundraiser featuring some of the state's top culinary and musical talent. I'll ...

zealots unite

Dallas-based pizzeria slinging late-night pies on Washington Avenue Dallas-based pizzeria slinging late-night pies on Washington Avenue By Eric Sandler

6.1.22  |  1:33 pm

A popular Dallas-based pizzeria will open its fourth Houston-area location in one of the city's bustling nightlife districts. Zalat ...

adieu, brisket bar-bq

Longtime Bellaire BBQ joint announces end to its 40-year run Longtime Bellaire BBQ joint announces end to its 40-year run By Eric Sandler

5.31.22  |  11:44 am

A Bellaire restaurant will end its almost 40-year run this weekend. Brisket Bar-BQ will close after service on Sunday, June ...

fin, feathered friend

Star Houston pitmaster reveals new fried chicken + seafood restaurant Star Houston pitmaster reveals new fried chicken + seafood restaurant By Eric Sandler

5.31.22  |  10:50 am

The pitmaster-owner of one of Houston's best barbecue joints will soon unveil a new concept devoted to comfort food ...

Kwame's coming

Award-winning celebrity chef and author to host 2 hot Houston events Award-winning celebrity chef and author to host 2 hot Houston events By Eric Sandler

5.27.22  |  12:40 pm

One of America's most prominent chefs will be in Houston next week for two special events. Top Chef star ...

stay local

North downtown brewpub's new owners craft new menu and fun events North downtown brewpub's new owners craft new menu and fun events By Eric Sandler

5.26.22  |  1:20 pm

A Houston brewpub has new ownership. Local Group Brewing has been acquired by Distincture Hospitality, a new group created by ...

What's Eric Eating Episode 242

Meet the mastermind behind 3 Heights hotspots, plus latest food news Meet the mastermind behind 3 Heights hotspots, plus latest food news By CultureMap Staff

5.26.22  |  10:15 am

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," restaurateur Brian Doke joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to ...

Tastemaker Winners Revealed

Houston's best restaurant, chef, more star in 2022 Tastemaker Awards Houston's best restaurant, chef, more star in 2022 Tastemaker Awards By Eric Sandler

5.25.22  |  9:47 pm

Presenting the winners of the 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. This collection of restaurant industry professionals represents the best of Houston ...

the end of an era

Houston's oldest family-owned grocery store announces imminent end Houston's oldest family-owned grocery store announces imminent end By Eric Sandler

5.25.22  |  2:22 pm

Houston's oldest family-owned grocery store will soon close its doors. Rice Epicurean Market announced it will close its remaining ...

chef of the year

Houston's 11 best chefs showcase city's world-class + diverse dining Houston's 11 best chefs showcase city's world-class + diverse dining By Eric Sandler

5.24.22  |  3:35 pm

The 11 finalists for the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year are a distinguished group. The James Beard Foundation ...

In the nick(el) of time

Nationally renowned Austin bar spills news on big Houston expansion Nationally renowned Austin bar spills news on big Houston expansion By Hannah J. Phillips

5.23.22  |  4:25 pm

It’s possible that back in 2020, no one told Nickel City owner Travis Tober about the pandemic: At least ...

HRW 2022

Houston Restaurant Weeks serves up 2022 dates and new prices Houston Restaurant Weeks serves up 2022 dates and new prices By Eric Sandler

5.23.22  |  4:06 pm

Houston's most popular charity dining event has revealed its dates for 2022. Houston Restaurant Weeks will follow its usual ...