Locally Minded

Convivial Canadian sports bar sets opening date for new Woodlands pub

A growing sports bar and restaurant chain will soon make its Houston-area debut. Local Public Eatery will open at Market Street in The Woodlands on August 21.

Located in the former La Madeleine space (9595 Six Pines Dr., Ste 200), Local Public Eatery is owned by the same Canada-based hospitality group behind Joey Uptown, the casual, globally-inspired restaurant that opened at the Galleria in 2021. Founded in 2009, Local Public Eatery has 16 locations across Canada and two in America — one in Seattle and another in Dallas that opened last year.

"We're beyond excited to join The Woodlands community and bring the Local Public Eatery experience to our new neighbors," regional chef Oliver Lewis said in a statement. "Our team has fallen in love with this neighborhood, and we can't wait to create unexpectedly memorable experiences and new opportunities for the people of The Woodlands."

Known for its convivial atmosphere, Local Public Eatery serves what could broadly be considered modern comfort food. The menu includes everything from wings and nachos to burgers, steaks, a poke bowl, and thin crust pizzas. Weekend brunch includes a Dutch baby pancake, pork hash, and eggs Benedict.

LPE’s extensive beverage offerings start with draft beers. It also serves a range of cocktails, including a few different margaritas, along with highballs, martinis, and more. Wines and non-alcoholic options are also available.

Renovations to the 5,100-square-foot interior include Texas pine walls, vintage lighting, and “cozy area rugs,” according to a release. The 2,000-square-foot patio will feature a retractable roof with heaters and fans to keep it comfortable all year long. Flatscreen TVs are installed throughout the restaurant to allow fans to keep up with their favorite teams.

Prior to the opening, LPE intends to hire more than 100 people in all positions, including managers, cooks, servers, and more. A hiring event will be held at The Woodlands Mall on July 26 from 11 am-7 pm at stall 6520 near Kokee Tea. More information on the available positions is available here.

Local Public Eatery The Woodlands rendering

Courtesy of Local Public Eatery

Local Public Eatery will open August 21.

news-you-can-eat openings the-woodlands

bring on barnaby's

Favorite Houston comfort food spot picks Garden Oaks for 10th location

Courtesy of Barnaby's Cafe

Barnaby's Cafe is coming to the Stomping Grounds this fall.

Earlier this week, real estate developer Bryan Danna promised “big news…very soon” about a new tenant for the former LuLoo’s Day & Night space at his Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks. That news is that Houston favorite Barnaby’s Cafe has claimed the space for a new location that will open later this year.

When a Barnaby’s decal appear on the restaurant’s door a couple of days ago, news of the restaurant’s imminent arrival spread quickly on social media. It will be Barnaby’s tenth location, joining outposts in Montrose, River Oaks, the Heights, and more.

The restaurant will occupy a 2,250-square-foot space at the Stomping Grounds. It will offer a to-go window for people hanging out in the development’s green space as well as a gated, dog-friendly patio. Houston artist Roberto Cervantes will contribute works to the restaurant’s interior.

Founded in 1992 by restaurateur Jeff Gale, Barnaby’s is known for its wide-ranging and affordable menu of classic American fare, including salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, and dinner entrees. Customer favorites include the Lebanese chicken fattoush salad, chipotle black bean burger, baby back ribs, and green eggs, which are scrambled with spinach and artichoke hearts. Dogs can snack on a special “puppy menu” of ground beef, sliced chicken breast, or scrambled eggs over brown rice.

Stomping Grounds green space A to-go window will expedite orders for people in the Stomping Grounds' green space.Courtesy of Stomping Grounds

“Bringing Barnaby’s to Garden Oaks and Oak Forest has been on my wish list for more than a decade, so I’m incredibly grateful that Jeff Gale and his team saw Stomping Grounds as the right fit,” Danna said in a statement. “Jeff and I go back to his first Heights location, which was one of Barnaby’s first big moves north of Montrose, and I have always respected what he and his longtime team have built. Thirty years in the restaurant business is a serious accomplishment. You do not make it that long unless you know how to take care of people, build loyalty, and become part of the neighborhood.”

When it opens this fall, Barnaby’s will be open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. It will join other restaurants at the Stomping Grounds, including Fat Cat Creamery, Tex-Mex restaurant La Mex, Bollo Woodfired Pizza, casual sushi restaurant Himari, Little Sister Cake Shop, and High Five Mini Bar. Earlier this week, casual Vietnamese restaurant Pho Prime announced that it had claimed the space formerly occupied by The Pho Fix for a new location that will also open this fall.

news-you-can-eat openings stomping grounds barnaby's cafe