head east

Tequila and whiskey-fueled Heights bar sets opening date for new East End location

The wait for a second location of one of Houston’s most popular bars will come to an end next week. Eight Row Flint will open its new location in the East End on Monday, February 20.

Part of the Agricole Hospitality group (Coltivare, EZ's Liquor Lounge), Eight Row Flint will occupy the former Night Shift space at 3501 Harrisburg Blvd. Changes to the space include bringing on some of the rickhouse-inspired design elements that will tie it to the Heights location and a stairwell that general manager Christian Garza and his daughter painted a mural in. A rooftop patio (pictured above) offers a view of the downtown skyline.

“It’s been fun to look closely at Eight Row Flint with fresh eyes and see how we can take it to another level in the East End, where we see a lot of excitement and growth,” owners Ryan Pera, Vincent Huynh, and Morgan Weber said in a statement. “There are plenty of through-lines between the two locations and guests will definitely see some Eight Row Flint favorites on the menu, but we approached this spot with a more mature eye and are excited about the new life we’ve breathed into the concept.”

Those through-lines start with the bar’s personnel. Long time general manager Christina Ramey will serve as concept manager for both locations. Garza moves from assistant general manger in the Heights to general manager at Eight Row East. Executive chef Marcelo Garcia will oversee both kitchens.

“That whole thing would have never happened if we didn’t have human beings in place that know how Eight Row operates on a daily basis,” Weber said on a September 2022 episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast. “Without the people, we could have never considered doing it.”

Similarly, Garcia’s menu will be built around the same signature tacos — made with nixtamalized corn tortillas — that have been an Eight Row staple. Moving from a food truck to a full kitchen will allow the chef to add more dishes, including empanadas and seafood items.

Anyone who’s been to Eight Row knows the bar led the way locally in embracing the Ranch Water trend. Expect to see a few new twists on the tequila-based drink, along with other whiskey and agave-focused sips, on the cocktail menu. Carbonated draft cocktails will expedite service, and seasonal margaritas will keep things fresh.

Eight Row will be open daily from 2 pm to 2 am.

Photo by Mikah Danae

A rooftop patio offers a view of downtown.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

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