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.

breakfast coffee openings rice village news-you-can-eat

hello himari

Growing Houston hospitality group rolls into Briargrove with new sushi spot

Photo by Studio Rivera

Himari offers sushi, skewers, and more.

Duckstache Hospitality has taken another step in its quest to bring sushi to every neighborhood in Houston. The group announced plans to open a second location of Himari, its neighborhood sushi concept, in Briargrove.

Slated to open in later 2026 or early 2027, Himari has claimed a former bank building at 6414 San Felipe St as an addition to its current location in the Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks. It’s the latest project for the group, which includes Kokoro, Aiko, Doko, Bar Doko, and an ever-growing number of its hand roll concept Handies Douzo.

Designed as a family-friendly Japanese restaurant, Himari serves a broad selection of sushi — including sashimi, nigiiri, and maki — crudo, donburi bowls, and robata. Part of the dining room will have drapes capable of making it a private event space.

Duckstache is working with Houston’s Gin Design Group and and architect SDstudio to transform the 4,500-square-foot space. Overall, the design will be inspired by Japanese Rural Modernism, according to press materials, with details that include wood ceilings, indigo accents, dark terrazzo floors, and an open sushi kitchen.

The restaurant is expect to seat about 110 people, including a 15-seat sushi bar and a 9-seat cocktail bar. That will make it Duckstache’s largest restaurant to date.

“We wanted this second Himari to feel like a natural evolution of the original — still casual, approachable and welcoming, but with more room for people to gather and make it their own,” chef and co-owner Daniel Lee said in a statement. “And the fact that we’re taking over a former bank makes it even more fun, we’re finding creative ways to preserve some of the character of the original space while giving it a whole new life as Himari.”

Photo by Studio Rivera

Himari offers sushi, skewers, and more.

himari sushi news-you-can-eat openings

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hello himari

Growing Houston hospitality group rolls into Briargrove with new sushi spot