Katy's massive new bar

Blockbuster beer paradise raises Katy's scene to Bavarian brew garden levels — with a Texas twist

Katy Beer Garden promises a Texas twist on the world-famous Bavarian beer gardens.

A Houston hospitality veteran with experience running some of the Inner Loop’s most popular bars is taking his talents to Katy. Steven Salazar is leading the team that will open Katy Beer Garden.

Set to open in the fall, Katy Beer Garden will occupy approximately 25,000-square-feet at The Dryer, a new mixed-use project located near Katy Mills Mall on the property of Katy’s historic Cardiff Rice Dryer. The bar’s approach draws upon Salazar’s experience working for the Kirby Group, where he worked as director of operations when the company opened projects such as Holman Draft Hall, Pitch 25, and Heights Bier Garten.

Anyone familiar with those concepts will recognize the plans for Katy Beer Garden. The bar will offer a 10,000-square-foot indoor space and a 15,000-square-foot outdoor patio and landscaped beer garden that’s shaded by 45-foot tall oak trees. Its selection of drinks will include 100 beer taps, a 100 bottle wine list, and a wide range of spirits and cocktails. A tidy menu of bar food will help drinkers satisfy their hunger.

Katy Beer Garden property This property will soon be home to a massive new bar. Courtesy of Katy Beer Garden

“Our mission is to recreate the ambiance and aesthetics of Munich's beloved Bavarian beer gardens, marrying it with our own unique Texas hospitality,” Salazar writes in a release. “The result? An unrivaled beer garden experience for Katy and beyond.”

Other plans for The Dryer development include a three-story building called Main Street that will have an eight vendor food hall, co-working spaces, and a banquet facility. The property will also be home to the Katy Heritage Society's museum, a full service restaurant, an outdoor event space with a stage, and a children’s play area — complete with a functioning railroad track, according to press materials.

Katy Beer Garden siteplan The photo shows the future locations of a parking lot (A), Katy Beer Garden (B), Main Street (C), and the rice dryer (D). Courtesy of Katy Beer Garden

General manager Taylor Percle brings experience from both Heights Bier Garten and MAD to her role. The bar is already looking to start hiring. Interested parties are encouraged to email careers@katybeergarden.us for more information.

Katy cocktails craft beer openings news-you-can-eat

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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