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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all about the taste

Beyoncé-loved Houston brunch spot sweetens Sugar Land with new location

Courtesy of Taste Kitchen + Bar

No meal at Taste is complete without chicken and waffles.

One of Houston’s most successful brunch spots is coming to Sugar Land. Taste Bar + Kitchen will open its second location on Wednesday, December 10, in the former Veritas Steak & Seafood location at 1550 Lake Pointe Pkwy, Suite 500.

Located near the Greatwood development, the restaurant will feature a lakefront patio and a private dining room that will host family celebrations, corporate events, and other happenings.

Even more importantly, it will serve chef-owner Don Bowie’s kicked up take on Southern comfort food. The restaurant’s menu offers more than a dozen versions of chicken and waffles — General Tso’s, Nashville hot, jerk, Cajun, etc. paired with waffle flavors such as peach cobbler, apple pie, and sweet potato — as well as seafood, mac & cheese, and the jerk lamb chops that won the prize for best dish at the CultureMap Tailgate earlier this fall.

Diners can expect a lively atmosphere, particularly in the evening, when the restaurant will showcase its extensive cocktail program and live entertainment on the weekends.

Count Houston icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and her husband Jay-Z among the restaurant’s fans. Along with their families, the duo feasted on an order from Taste before Queen Bey’s Cowboy Carter tour stop at NRG Stadium. Bowie later shared a photo of himself with Jay-Z on Instagram.

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“We’re thrilled to bring Taste to the Sugar Land community,” Bowie said in a statement. “This expansion allows us to share the flavors and experiences our guests enjoy downtown with a new audience, beautiful waterfront views, and a signature space designed for both everyday dining and memorable occasions.”

Taste Bar + Kitchen opens daily at 8 am.

No meal at Taste is complete without chicken and waffles.

Courtesy of Taste Kitchen + Bar

No meal at Taste is complete without chicken and waffles.

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