the right side of the tracks

Garden Oaks restaurant reboots as family friendly bar and grill

The OG Union Burger is topped with an onion ring.

Photo by Quy Tran

A new, family friendly bar and grill has opened in Garden Oaks. Jax on the Tracks is the latest concept from Gr8 Plate Hospitality.

Located in the former Union Kitchen space at 3452 Ella Blvd., Jax on the Track is an evolution of Gr8 Plate’s popular Jax Grill. Presented as an American bar and grill, Jax’s menu is built around dishes such as burgers, pizzas, tacos, and fajitas.

In addition, Jax has partnered with two local restaurants for collaboration dishes. Demeris Bar-B-Q supplies smoked brisket for Frito pie, pizza, and a version of eggs Benedict. Kenny & Ziggy’s is supplying desserts include carrot cake and Oreo cake.

Pair them with classic cocktails such as a margarita, espresso martini, and smoked Old Fashioned. Jax also offers beer and wine.

The dining room has been divided into a family-friendly main dining room and a more adult-oriented bar area with TVs for watching sports. An outdoor patio features games such as Connect Four and cornhole. Beginning in March, Jax will host events such as karaoke, trivia night, and bingo.

Gr8 Plate operated the Union Kitchen at the Ella address for almost 10 years. Jax on the Tracks will celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, February 28 with food and drink specials.

“We are thrilled to bring a neighborhood bar and grill to Garden Oaks and the Heights, somewhere that feels easy, welcoming, and genuinely family-friendly,” Gr8 Plate owner Paul Miller said in a statement. “By staying in the same location, we were able to build on the neighborhood connection that was already there and create a place people can return to again and again.”

Jax on the Tracks opens at 11 am Tuesday through Friday and 10 am on Saturday and Sunday.

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Cult-favorite chicken and waffle restaurant opens in Houston this weekend

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles/Facebook

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles opens in Houston this Saturday, February 21.

A cult-favorite chicken and waffle chain is coming to Houston. Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles will open its first Bayou City outpost on Saturday, February 21.

Located on the border of the East End and the Third Ward at 3611 Gulf Freeway, Lo-Lo’s started in Arizona in 2002 and has since expanded to Las Vegas and the Dallas suburb of Grapevine.

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles Houston exterior Find Lo-Lo's at 3611 Gulf Freeway.Courtesy of Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles HTX

As its name implies, the menu starts with various chicken and waffle combinations, including different quantities of waffles paired with different parts of the chicken such as wings or breasts. The menu’s breakfast all-day section includes biscuits and gravy, an omelette made with chicken and vegetables, and breakfast platters built around eggs and grits.

For lunch and dinner, diners may opt for soul food that includes blackened fish, fried shrimp and grits, and chicken gizzards with rice. Pair these creations with a range of cocktails, including mimosas.

Count Houston hip-hop legend Bun B as a fan. The Trill Burgers co-owner praised the restaurant in a clip posted to its Instagram account.

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Lo-Lo's will celebrate its grand opening with giveaways, live music, and other entertainment. Going forward, it will be open until 10 pm Monday through Thursday and midnight on the weekends.

“We are beyond excited to bring Lo-Lo’s to Houston,” franchisees Lucious and Aundria Barnum, said in a statement. “Houston is a city built on culture, flavor and community — everything Lo-Lo’s represents. This isn’t just about opening a restaurant. It’s about creating a space where people come together, celebrate and enjoy food that feeds the soul. We’re honored to become part of the fabric of [Houston].”