heights burger favorite shutters

Creative Heights burger joint quietly shutters after more than a decade

Hubcap Grill's location on 19th Street has closed.

One of the Inner Loop’s favorite burger joints has served its last meal. Hubcap Grill has closed its Heights-area location on 19th Street, owner Ricky Craig tells CultureMap.

Hubcap’s locations in Pearland, Galveston, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport remain open and are unaffected by the closure of 19th Street. Employees of the Heights location will be transferring to the Pearland location and have been given a raise to compensate them for their longer commute, Craig adds.

Known for its creative burgers — such as the Philly Cheesesteak Burger and the peanut butter-and-banana-topped Sticky Monkey Burger — and fresh cut, twice-fries french fries, Hubcap has been a staple on 19th Street for more than a decade. Building upon the success of Hubcap’s original downtown location that closed in 2019, Hubcap Heights featured a casual beer garden atmosphere and a well-stocked jukebox.

“I didn’t want to close the doors, but it was one of those things,” Craig says. “I couldn’t buy the property.”

According to Craig, the land at 1133 W. 19th St. is part of a larger parcel that’s being sold for a new residential development. Hubcap has been on a month-to-month lease for the last several months while the landlord fielded offered for the property. Craig says he could have stayed open for a few more months, but he elected to close in order to focus on building his new location in Santa Fe (12405 FM 1764) that will open later this year.

Elements of both the Pearland and Galveston locations will be part of Santa Fe, including having a full bar, TVs for sports, and an expanded menu that includes appetizers such as fried pickles and jalapeno hush puppies. In addition, his plans for Santa Fe include weekly specials like steak night and taco Tuesday as well as a stage for live music. Since he’s purchased the property, he feels good about investing in it for the long term.

On the other hand, Craig’s inability to find an affordable option anywhere inside the loop means that Hubcap fans will have to drive to Pearland to satisfy a craving for a Hubcap Decker burger and Buffalo fries.

“I’ve looked in the Heights and Montrose. I’ve looked for months upon months,” he says. “You can find places, but once you put the numbers together I don’t see how any restaurant can make it due to the high rent . . . I don’t see myself paying $8,000 to $14,000 a month in rent.”

A glimmer of hope exists for Hubcap’s return to central Houston. Craig says he wants to begin franchising Hubcap this year. Perhaps the right franchisee will feel more comfortable with the costs of operating inside the loop than Craig does. Still, it will take a special person who’s fully committed to earn Craig’s approval.

“We’ve had people reach out to us,” he says. “I want the right person, an owner operator. Not someone who wants it as investment.”

closings burgers the-heights news-you-can-eat

Where to eat on Christmas Day

More than 25 Houston restaurants that are open on Christmas Day 2025

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

Whether or not a Houstonian happens to celebrate Christmas, the day is perfect for gathering with friends and family for a celebratory meal. While many people will feast at home, others may want someone else to do the cooking and cleaning.

Thankfully, Houston restaurants are here to help. As with Thanksgiving, more and more establishments are open for business with a range of cuisines. From familiar Chinese restaurants to one of the city's buzziest new Italian restaurants, diners are spoiled for choices. Read on for options that include a variety of cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points.

Afuri Ramen
Open regular hours from 11 am to 10 pm, the Heights spot serves a menu of tasty sushi, ramen bowls, and an array of craft cocktails.

Aga’s Restaurant & Catering
The Southwest Houston Indo-Pak restaurant will be open during its regular hours on Christmas Day, serving biryani, goat chops, curries, and more.

Azumi
Those looking for sushi should head to this River Oaks District spot, where the full menu will be served during the restaurant’s regular hours of 11:30 am to 10 pm.

Baso
Open for its regular hours of 4-10 pm on Christmas, diners at the Heights spot — winner of Restaurant of the Year in the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards — can expect its signature, chef-driven menu of Basque-influenced fare.

The Burger Joint
Stop in at any of the three locations on Christmas for burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

Cleburne Cafeteria
Open from 11 am-8 pm, the Houston favorite will serve comfort food classics like chicken fried steak, roast turkey, and liver and onions, as well as its signature cakes and pies.

Davis Street
A $75 prefix menu lets diners choose from appetizers, entrees, and desserts such as Boutte’s Southern gumbo, poached pear salad, blackened Louisiana catfish, grilled pork chop, and Down South Coconut Cake. See the full menu and reserve online.

Doris Metropolitan
Dinner service from 4 to 9 pm features the Upper Kirby restaurant’s signature steaks and refined sides, along with special holiday-themed cocktails like the Spiced Coquito or Boozy Hot Chocolate.

Duck N Bao
All three locations will be open their regular hours, 11 am - 9:30 pm, with menu selections like Peking duck, dim sum and dumplings, noodle dishes, and cocktails.

Fielding’s River Oaks
Maine Lobster Thermidor, chateaubriand for two, and a Christmas yule log dessert highlight the swanky spot’s Christmas menu offerings, which are available from 11:30 am to 9 pm. Expect a wide selection of specialty, holiday-themed cocktails as well.

Hamsa
The elegant Rice Village spot offers regular dinner service from 11:30 am to 8 pm, with a selection of sharables, craft cocktails and exquisite wines.

Harrison’s at The Woodlands Resort
Come for brunch on Christmas Day and enjoy buffet selections such as carved turkey, crown roasted pork, oysters, sushi, desserts, and gourmet hot cocoa. Make reservations online.

Hongdae 33
The Korean restaurant in Chinatown’s Dun Huang Plaza from the owners of Duck N Bao will be open regular hours on Christmas Day, serving its all-you-can-eat menu for $36 per person.

Hypsi
The Italian restaurant at the Hotel Daphne will serve its menu of pastas, shareable apps, and entrees from 5-10 pm. Don't miss sampling dishes from the the signature mozzarella cart that rolls through the dining room.

Juliet Steakhouse & Fine Dining
The Galleria-area restaurant has a Christmas Day buffet with selections like carved-to-order turkey and filet mignon, served with sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, cornbread dressing, lobster bisque, and more. The cost is $59 for adults and $28 for kids under 12. Reservations suggested.

La Griglia
The upscale River Oaks restaurant will be open from 12 to 8 pm serving specials like pasta alla routa, bucatini Amatriciana, and other Italian favorites.

Lombardi Cucina Italiana
Open from 10:30 am to 9 pm, the menu at this Italian concept includes dishes like Mediterranean branzino, eggplant Milanese, a variety of housemade pastas, plus holiday cocktails and desserts.

Maison Chinoise
Recently opened in the River Oaks Shopping Center, this contemporary Chinese restaurant will serve dim sum, Peking duck, sizzling black pepper beef tenderloin, and other luxurious dishes from 10:30 am-9 pm

Ocean Palace
The Chinatown dim sum favorite is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Christmas day, serving a menu of steamed dumplings, baked bao, and classic Cantonese dishes.

Ojo de Agua
This Mexico City-based restaurant in River Oaks District will be open from 9 am to 4 pm on Christmas Day, serving its regular menu of acai bowls, egg dishes, salads, and sandwiches.

The Palm
The downtown steakhouse will be open from noon to 8 pm, serving its regular menu as well as Christmas Day specials of king or queen cut prime with soup or salad and dessert for $95 or $85 respectively.

Phat Eatery
The Katy restaurant is open from 11 am - 9 pm, serving it regular menu of much-loved Malaysian dishes.

Remi at Hotel Granduca
Christmas Day brunch begins with a complimentary glass of bubbles for adults and apple juice for the kids, followed by selections such as the Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl, chopped salad with chicken, mini filet Wellington, lemon-herb seabass, and butternut squash ravioli accented with mushrooms and black truffle. Reservations online.

Silk Road
Widely considered to serve the best dim sum inside the loop, this Chinese result will be open from 11:30 am-2 pm for dumplings, tea, and more.

The Sunrise House
Open for brunch from 8 am to 3 pm, expect a special winter menu that includes festive selections like the Jingle Board, red and green pancakes topped with cream cheese drizzle, roasted marshmallows, fresh fruit, and candied pretzels, served with eggs, bacon, sausage, and shrimp and grits; and The Merry Roll, a holiday twist on the restaurant’s Sunrise Sushi made with bacon, avocado, egg, cucumber, cream cheese, tobiko, and sweet soy glaze. Reservations encouraged.

Toro Toro
The pan-Latin steakhouse at downtown's Four Seasons Hotel will serve a lavish buffet from 10 am to 3 pm, with selections like herb-crusted prime rib with horseradish cream and red wine jus; honey-glazed ham with bourbon-mustard sauce; a seafood tower; pasta station; waffle and French toast station; omelette station; and dessert. The cost is $145 for adults and $65 for children. Reservations required.

Toulouse Cafe & Bar
Give Christmas a French flair at this River Oaks District spot. Open for brunch and dinner, the menu features favorites like deviled truffled eggs, steak frites, Dover sole, beef Bourguignon, chef specials, and holiday cocktails.

Victory Restaurant & Lounge
The chic downtown cocktail spot is open from 9 pm to 2 am for those looking to keep their Christmas revelry going long after dinner has ended.

Willie G’s
Open from 11 am to 7 pm, the seafood restaurant next to the Post Oak Hotel will serve an expansive Christmas buffet with a variety of restaurant favorites and specials like prime rib and all the fixings. Expect breads, rolls and pastries, starters and sides, and an extensive raw bar. The cost is $69 for adults and $29 for children.

Winsome Prime
The elegant Westheimer spot serves Christmas dinner from 4 to 10 pm with a menu that showcases the restaurant's bold global flavors and fine wine selections.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

where-to-eat news-you-can-eat holidays