An Australian-inspired cafe from New York City is coming to Houston. Citizens will open its first Houston location in the former FM Kitchen space at 907 Westheimer Rd.
Scheduled to open in June, Citizens of Montrose builds on the practices that founders Justin Giuffrida and Andrew Geisel established when they opened their first cafe in 2016. Since then, Citizens has grown to three New York City locations.
The Australian-inspired cafe and coffee shop will sell a breakfast-oriented mix of food alongside beverage offerings that include coffee, tea, juices, and cocktails. Citizens is also known for its friendly service.
“Australian café culture is all about bringing people together,” Giuffrida said in a statement. “Legendary breakfast, creative spaces, and a social atmosphere that provides a sense of community and locality.”
Towards that end, the 3,500-square-foot space will look the part courtesy of a design by Geisel, who trained as an architect before becoming a restaurateur. Details include an outdoor waiting area with self-serve beer and coffee taps, vintage photographs of Australia, and wallpaper that depicts a young Queen Elizabeth II.
Turning to the food, Citizens of Montrose will serve mostly breakfast fare. That includes staples such as Banana Bread French Toast with Miso Butterscotch, BBQ Pulled Pork Benny on a cheddar biscuit, baked eggs with chorizo, and smashed avocado toast. More lunch-oriented options include a miso chicken bowl, fried chicken sandwich, and a double cheeseburger made with a brisket patty.
Beverage offerings start with the flat white, an Australian favorite. Customers will also find brewed coffee, lattes, teas, juices, and wellness lattes made with different herbs. Beer, wine, and cocktails made with fresh juices round out the menu.
Citizens of Montrose will join a neighborhood with a number of established breakfast options and coffee shops, including Blacksmith, Baby Barnaby’s, and Snooze. Its location directly across Westheimer from the Montrose Collective mixed-use development will invite comparisons with La La Land Kind Cafe and Picnik, the recently-opened Austin-based restaurant.
Courtesy of Citizens
Citizens of Montrose will open next month.
“We choose Montrose because the neighborhood has such a rich history for its diverse community, thriving arts scene, and fantastic restaurants,” Geisel said. “We're thrilled to be part of this dynamic community and to contribute to its legacy by bringing a little bit of ‘Aus’ to the neighborhood.”
Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's
