Ka-boom

Booming Texas sports bar bounds into Katy with a covered patio and 48 TVs

A Dallas-based sports bar has expanded its presence in the Houston area. BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar is now open in Katy.

Located in the Katy Grand Shopping Center (1110 Grand West Boulevard), the new BoomerJack’s occupies more than 12,000 square feet, divided into an approximately 7,500-square-foot interior and a 4,500-square foot patio. It joins the concept’s first Houston location that opened in Webster last year. A third outpost will open next year in Tomball (The Grand at 249 and Grand Parkway).

“We’re thrilled to continue growing in the Houston area with this new BoomerJack’s location,” said Brent Tipps, CEO and Founder of On Deck Concepts. “The response from the community has been incredible, and we’re excited to bring even more great food, drinks, and game-day energy to local residents and visitors. Every time you step into a BoomerJack’s, our goal is to help you unwind, relax, and enjoy yourself.”

Just in time for football season and the baseball playoffs, the new BoomerJack’s has 48, 85-inch TVs and a massive, 32-foot by 9-foot video wall. The patio is climate controlled with heaters, misters, fans, and shades that can be pulled down to keep diners comfortable.

BoomerJack’s also takes pride in its food. Dishes are prepared fresh daily, including a wide array of sauces and dressings. Highlights include fried pickles, skillet queso, and a double-double smash burger topped with bacon, American cheese, bacon jam, and black pepper mayo.

Locations feature an extensive selection of draft and packaged beers alongside a full bar. Daily drink specials, lunch specials, and other offers have earned BoomerJack’s a reputation for affordability. It is also known to be kid and dog friendly.

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Love sports and sports-bar food? Join CultureMap for our big fall sports bash, The Tailgate. Taking place at 8th Wonder on Thursday, September 11, the party will include tailgate-inspired cuisine from local restaurants; premium cocktails; activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs; a silent auction of sports memorabilia, and more.

Early-bird tickets are on sale for just $25. Read more about The Tailgate here and nab discounted tickets here. With sponsors like FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone's Famous Po' Boys, and more, this party will score big with everyone. You don't want to stay on the bench.

Courtesy of BoomerJack's Grill & Bar

BoomerJack's serves a double-patty smash burger.

openings news-you-can-eat boomerjack's bar and grill katy

where there's smoke

Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

It didn’t take Sambrook Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opens today, Monday, December 22, at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

Speaking on a November episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Sambrooks Hospitality founder Michael Sambrooks explained that, as a Bellaire resident, he saw an opportunity to open a restaurant close to home.

“It was a combination of, this location became available, and we liked the market. I think Bellaire is underserved. As far as Tex-Mex options, I think it’s limited,” he says. “We always struggle with where’s somewhere we can grab a bite that’s five minutes away as opposed to driving to another part of town. I think Candente is that solution. I think it’s going to be pretty well received.”

In terms of design, the restaurant replicates many of the same elements as the original Montrose location that opened in 2019, such as its copper-topped tables and yellow, orange, and maroon accents. Diners will note a mural by local artist Franky Cardona along one wall. Overall, the restaurant seats 125 in its dining room, 10 at its bar, and 24 on an outdoor patio.

While the location is new, the menu is the same. That means the same wood-fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas, nachos, birria tacos, and other fare that helped it achieve a “Recommended” designation in the Michelin Guide for Texas — the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to make the prestigious guide. Pair them with margaritas (both shaken and frozen), as well as agave-based cocktails such as the paloma and ranch water, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

Sambrooks Hospitality also operates The Pit Room, the barbecue joint with locations in Montrose and Memorial City that earned a Bib Gourmand designation.

“It’s a privilege to open in Bellaire and get to know and serve a new clientele,” Sambrooks said in a statement. “We’re excited to introduce our style of authentic, handcrafted Tex-Mex that has made us a Houston dining staple.”

Candente will be open for lunch and dinner during the week beginning at 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 am.

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

openings news-you-can-eat tex-mex