NYC VIBE IN RICE

Australian-inspired, NYC-based coffee shop brews up third Houston locale in Rice Village

Australian-inspired, New York City-based coffee shop and cafe Bluestone Lane has opened its third Houston-area location in Rice Village. Located just around the corner from Navy Blue at 2412 University Blvd., the new cafe joins outposts in the Heights and the Galleria area.

Among the largest of Bluestone Lane’s nearly 60 locations, Rice Village features both indoor and outdoor seating. The exterior features a mural by local artist Houston artist Shelbi Nicole, and the interior has a coastal vibe.

Bluestone Lane Rice Village mural Artist Shelbi Nicole painted the location's mural.Courtesy of Bluestone Lane

Bluestone Lane takes its inspiration from coffee shops and cafes in founder and CEO Nicholas Stone’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Among other innovations, it takes credit for being one of the first coffee shops in America to introduce two Australian staples: smashed avocado toast and the flat white. It also roasts coffee and offers an array of lifestyle products.

“The booming city of Houston is a natural fit for Bluestone Lane given the community is so passionate about delicious coffee, food and hospitality,” Stone said in a statement. “Our cafes have quickly become a beloved part of our locals’ daily rituals, thanks to the airy, inviting aesthetic, smooth, well-balanced coffee, and nourishing menu items.”

More than a coffee shop, Bluestone Lane operates as a full service restaurant with a substantial coffee program. In addition to several toast options, diners will find a range of dishes including bowls, salads, and sandwiches. While coffee takes the lead, the cafe also serves tea, juices, and smoothies.

“Rice Village is excited to welcome Bluestone Lane as our newest tenant,” Rice Management Company executive Morgan Lera added. “Our mission at Rice Village is to continue to attract high-quality tenants that better serve the needs of the Houston community. We are thrilled that Bluestone Lane has decided to call Rice Village home.”

Bluestone Lane opens daily at 7:30 am.

Bluestone Lane Rice Village avocado toast

Courtesy of Bluestone Lane

Smashed avocado toast is one of Bluestone Lane's signature dishes.

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Let's a-go-go tacos

Houston taqueria opens 2 new locations with cocktails by Anvil owner

Tacos A Go Go Sharon Haynes Bobby Heugel Maribel Gomez

Photo by Dylan McEwan

Co-owners Sharon Haynes and chef Maribel Gomez with Anvil owner Bobby Heugel.

Residents of the Heights and Briargrove have a new options for tacos and margaritas. Tacos A Go Go has opened new locations in both neighborhoods.

Located in the former Lola Neighborhood Diner (1102 Yale St.) and Killen’s STQ (2231 S. Voss Rd.), the two new restaurants are the first Tacos A Go Go locations to feature a full bar. Owners Sharon Haynes and Maribel Gomez turned to Anvil owner Bobby Heugel to create the cocktail program.

“Launching a full bar felt like the natural evolution of Tacos A Go Go,” Haynes said in a statement. “We’re known for fresh, authentic flavors, and our bold, fun new cocktails and designated bar area are totally in line with that thinking. Working with Bobby Heugel meant we could bring that same care and thought to the bar, offering excellent cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices and perfectly matched spirits.”

Heugel, along with bartenders Máté Hartai and Tyler Wang, put a Mexican spin on familiar cocktails, including the Mole Espresso Martini (vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and mole spices), the Frozen Mangonada (Mexican rum, mango, lime, chamoy, and chile spices), and a fresh spin on the margarita that can be enhanced with a housemade pico de gallo syrup and finished with a pico de gallo garnish.

At 2,646 square feet, the Heights location offers more space and better parking than Tacos A Go Go’s former home on White Oak. Both new locations feature interior design by Brittany Vaughn of Garnish Designs (Milton’s, Tiny Champions) and hand-painted graphics and collages by Matt Tabor of Letterset Houston.

The restaurants will serve Tacos A Go Go’s familiar menu. Led by chef Gomez, it includes street-style tacos with fillings such as carne guisada, pastor, picadillo, and barbacoa. In addition, the restaurant offers breakfast tacos all day and more elevated options such as grilled shrimp and smoked brisket. Non-taco options include burritos, quesadillas, and salads.

The Heights location is open from 7 am-10 pm Sunday through Wednesday and 7 am-12 am Thursday through Saturday, while Briargrove is open daily from 7 am-10 pm. Both restaurants offer happy hour daily from 2-5 pm, including $5 margaritas.

Photo by Dylan McEwan

Co-owners Sharon Haynes and chef Maribel Gomez with Anvil owner Bobby Heugel.

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