reborn on the bayou
Eclectic Museum District wine bar and restaurant set to shutter and relocate to new home
City Cellars HTX will soon have a new home.
A wine bar in the Museum District will soon pop its last cork. City Cellars HTX will close at its current location in the Parc Binz building on July 31, but the popular spot isn’t gone for good.
In a public post on his personal Facebook page that was edited after CultureMap published this article, City Cellars owner Daniel Wolfe stated that he plans to relocate the restaurant to the East River development in the Fifth Ward. However, a representative tells CultureMap that those negotiations are ongoing and have yet to be finalized. Regardless of where the new location winds up being, it's expected to debut in the first quarter of 2024.
Opened in December 2020, City Cellars HTX has built a devoted following for executive chef Antonette Wright’s eclectic menu. It has also built its business around its lively brunch service. Wolfe has a compelling personal story that includes successful treatment for thyroid cancer in 2022.
“When City Cellars HTX first opened its doors in its current location, it surpassed our expectations, attracting an ever-growing clientele with its chef-crafted fare and exceptional dining experience," Wolfe said in a statement. "We are humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our loyal customers and the community. As our success continues to soar, we feel it's time to embark on this exciting new chapter."
With more than three times the space of its current location in the Museum District, the new City Cellars will be able to serve more diners. Plan calls for a private dining room and other improvements that weren’t possible at the original location.
"The relocation is a strategic move that will not only provide a more comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for our patrons but also allow us to further elevate our culinary offerings and provide enhanced services," Wolfe said. "We are committed to delivering an outstanding dining experience to the dynamic city of Houston, offering a delightful and inviting ambiance for all patrons to savor a delectable meal, no matter their background."
Moving the restaurant also resolves a lawsuit between City Cellars and the Parc Binz development over alleged lease violations. According to Harris County District Court records, the parties agreed to binding mediation to reach a resolution. Parc Binz developer Christopher Balat declined CultureMap’s request to comment on City Cellar’s announcement.
