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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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.