on the quad

Houston-born NFL veteran fires up Southern-inspired restaurant and cigar lounge in Third Ward

Yes, that's a gold-wrapped lobster tail.

Courtesy of Quad Restaurant

A former NFL player is opening a new restaurant and sports bar with a sister concept devoted to cigar lovers. Quad Houston Restaurant & Sports Lounge and its companion cigar lounge The Den have begun a quiet soft opening soon an eye towards celebrating their grand openings July 20-23.

Located at 4608 Almeda Rd., Quad comes from NFL veteran Michael Brockers. Currently a free agent, the Houston native and LSU alum has an 11-year pro career in which he defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. Sadly for Brockers, the Rams traded him to the Lions prior to their Super Bowl-winning 2021-22 season. According to Spotrac, he has earned almost $70 million during his career, paving the way for him to found On Lock Investments with his business partners, Justin Cobb-Bell and former high school football coach Diahron Myers

Quad will serve a menu of elevated, Southern-inspired dishes. Although a final menu has yet to be released, press materials tout blackened salmon sliders, shrimp and grits with gouda and cheddar grits, and chicken wings and French toast.

Those looking to splurge will find options such as the Lobster Boss, a 12-ounce broiled lobster tail that’s adorned with edible gold.

All told, the restaurant expects to seat 140 people inside with a private dining room that’s available for events and spirit tastings. Outside, customers will find a massive patio and hookah lounge capable of accommodating 860 people.

TVs throughout the space will cater to sports fans. It also plans to host trivia nights, live music, and other events.

The Den Cigar Lounge interior Here's a sneak peek inside The Den.Courtesy of Quad Restaurant

The Den will be Quad’s companion, members-only cigar lounge. Its expected to have a good selection of cigars along with a refined, upscale atmosphere. It began a soft opening last weekend. Follow it on Instagram for updates on hours of operations.

Athlete-owned restaurants have become something of a trend in Houston. Dynamo legend Brian Ching has opened two bars, Pitch 25 in EaDo and the expansive East End Backyard. Former Rockets star James Harden owns Thirteen, a fine dining restaurant and bar in Midtown. More recently, NBA legend and media personality Shaquille O'Neal opened a Houston location of his fast casual restaurant Big Chicken.

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

on the quad

Houston-born NFL veteran fires up Southern-inspired restaurant and cigar lounge in Third Ward

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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