who's your daddy?

California chicken sandwich restaurant flies into the Heights with breakfast and more

Daddy's Chicken Shack is now open in the Heights.

Photo by Shannon O’Hara

A California-based chicken sandwich restaurant has opened its first Houston location. Daddy's Chicken Shack is now slinging sandwiches and chicken tenders at the corner of N. Shepherd Dr. and 11th Street in the Heights (1223 W. 11th St.).

Founded by Chef Pace Webb and her husband Chris Georgalas, Daddy's blends classic Southern flavors with Asian touches. The restaurant serves chicken sandwiches, salads topped with chicken, chicken fingers, and breakfast items.

Webb's chicken is brined overnight in buttermilk and double battered to ensure its moist and crispy. The menu starts with sandwiches such as the Big Daddy, topped with Napa slaw and sriracha mayo; the All-American, topped with Napa slaw, bacon, and pickles; and the Nashville Daddy, a spicy sandwich topped with slaw and pickles.

Daddy's Chicken Shack spicy daddy sandwich Get a Spicy Daddy sandwich with fries.Photo by Shannon O’Hara

Breakfast, served all day, includes Daddy’s Rosemary Biscuit Sliders and the Breakfast Waffle Daddy Sandwich, a bacon and egg sandwich served between two waffles. Coconut curry-brined cauliflower serves as the vegan option.

Daddy's Chicken also sets itself apart with its use of technology. Customers have a dozen ways to order for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery.

"We’re so humbled and excited to bring this concept to Houston, not only because I grew up not far from here, but because Houston is well-known for its diversity and culinary scene,” Webb said in a statement. “We look forward to serving Heights residents and beyond by delivering accessible, chef-driven fried chicken sandwiches, while honoring our commitment to sustainability and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all.”

Daddy's Chicken Shack Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas Chef Pace Webb and her husband Chris Georgalas.Photo by Shannon O’Hara

The Houston location will serve as a flagship and training facility for the restaurant's future growth. Two lines in the kitchen — one for dine-in and one for to-go — ensure speedy service. The restaurant has two drive-up windows to pick up online orders. It can accommodate up to 50 people between its dining room and patio.

Daddy's will introduce itself to the neighborhood with an open house on October 26 from 11 am-3 pm. The first 100 guests will receive swag bags, and all customers will leave with a buy-one-get-one free coupon good for their next visit.

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

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