Holman signs off

Midtown beer hall says goodbye, but the sun will shine on a new concept

Holman Draft Hall is signing off this weekend.

Photo by Emily Vitek

A Midtown bar is closing after six years, but it won’t stay vacant for long. Holman Draft Hall will pour its final pints this Monday, July 1.

Part of The Kirby Group — a locally-owned collections of bars and restaurants that includes Heights Bier Garten, Pitch 25, and Verde Garden — Holman Draft Hall opened in January 2018 in a space that had previously been a nightclub. Like its siblings, the bar featured a tap wall with 100 selections, divided between craft beer and wine.

Notably, the bar only offered simple, stirred cocktails and frozen drinks. When it opened, the idea was that sister concept Wooster’s Garden would satisfy people’s cravings for more complex cocktails.

In its place, the Kirby Group will open a new concept called Solarium this August. Details are light, but the new restaurant will differ from its predecessor by offering both cocktails and food.

To celebrate the end of its run, Holman will hold a series of events this weekend. On Friday, June 28, the bar will offer happy hour pricing — $4 select beer, $6 frozen drinks, ad half off wines by the glass or decanters — from 3-6 pm. DJ Pete will spin from 10 pm - 1 am.

On Saturday, June 29, happy hour pricing goes all day. Beginning at 5 pm, the bar will hold a series of giveaways that include gift cards and Astros tickets. DJ Pete returns from 10 pm - 1 am.

On Sunday, June 30, the weekend wraps up with a repeat of Friday: happy hour from 3-6 pm and DJ Pete from 10 pm - 1 am.

On both Saturday and Sunday, Holman will serve brunch from 11 am - 3 pm. Its signature Brunchuterie Boards — loaded with a selections of meats, cheeses, pastries, and more — will be available for $100 (feeds 4-8) or $200 (feeds 8-12). Advance orders are required by emailing info@holmandrafthall.com.

nightlife craft-beer closings

bye, bye, bellaire

Eclectic Houston neighborhood restaurant will shutter Bellaire store

Courtesy of KP's Kitchen

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A Houston neighborhood restaurant is saying goodbye to Bellaire after two years. KP’s Kitchen will close its location at 5427 Bissonnet on Sunday, May 31.

Closing Bellaire allows owner Kerry Pauly to focus on his Spring Valley location (8412 Katy Fwy), which has shown steady growth, he said in a statement.

“Our business there has continued to grow. The reason I opened a restaurant was to connect with people and the community, and it’s in my best interest to strictly focus on what’s working,” Pauly said. “We’ve been proud to be part of the Bellaire community, and there is certainly the possibility of opening a second KP’s Kitchen again in the future.”

Pauly opened KP’s Kitchen’s Bellaire location in April 2024. It built on the success of his original location, which started in Town & Country Village and moved to its current home in 2022. The restaurant has been a devoted following for its classic American fare and warm service, led by Pauly’s relentlessly cheerful demeanor.

Last year, chef Richard Knight (Feast, Hunky Dory) joined KP’s Kitchen as its culinary director. He’s introduced a number of improvements to the menu, including adding his signature fish and chips.

Diners who visit the Bellaire location during May can take advantage of daily specials such as kids eat free on Tuesday, all-day happy hour on Wednesday, and fried chicken family dinners on Sunday. In addition, Bellaire will offer select cocktails and spirits for $5 on Sunday.

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