feel the heat

Famous South African chicken chain flies into new Montrose development

Nando's is known for its spicy grilled chicken.

Courtesy of Nando's Peri-Peri

A South African restaurant known for its spicy grilled chicken is coming to Montrose. Nando's Peri-Peri will open its third Houston-area location in the former Copy.com space on lower Westheimer.

Scheduled to open in mid-2025, the restaurant will sell Nando's signature chicken, which is marinated for 24-hours in peri-Peri and other spices. Also known as African Bird's Eye Chili, Nando's sources its peppers from 1,400 local farmers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa.

Diners may order their chicken as bowls made with Portuguese rice and vegetables; the Nandocas Choice, a butterflied chicken breast served over garlic bread with coleslaw; as well as skewers, salads, wraps, and plates with whole pieces. Different spice levels cater to diners’ tolerance for heat.

The 3,100-square-foot restaurant will seat approximately 80 people inside and 30 on a tree-shaded patio. Each location is decorated with pieces from Nando’s extensive collection of South African art. It joins Nando’s existing locations near the Galleria and in Katy.

Nando's Peri-Peri Katy interior The restaurant will look similar to the Katy location.Photo by Michael Anthony

Notably, Nando’s is the first new tenant for the property at 1111 Westheimer since Houston developer Radom Capital acquired it earlier this year. Also home to the historic Tower Theater that previously housed both El Real Tex-Mex Cafe and Acme Oyster Co., the developer’s plans call for major renovations to both the former Copy.com space and its adjacent buildings. Ultimately, the combined properties will be home to four or five food and beverage concepts, one or two fitness-related businesses, and one or two retail shops.

The area near Nando’s has seen a number of recent restaurant openings, including fast casual concept Thai Tail, sophisticated American restaurant Drake’s Hollywood, Korean steakhouse Bori, and vibrant Mediterranean fine dining restaurant Okto. It will soon welcome a third location of The Taco Stand.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open our third Nando’s location in the Houston area, especially in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood,” Nando’s USA chief brand officer Sepanta Bagherpour said in a statement. “Montrose is walkable, diverse, and full of energy — everything that aligns with the Nando’s spirit. We’re thrilled to become a part of this lively community and can’t wait to share our flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken with even more Houstonians.”

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Raise the Steaks

12 special Houston steak nights served Monday through Thursday

Photo by Kristen Gilliam

Turner’s "Prime Affairs" night offers steaks ranging from an eight-ounce American Wagyu ($88) to a 22-ounce prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye ($123), served with sides and choice of enhancement.

Houstonians love a deal, especially when it involves a juicy steak. Thankfully, Houston's bars and restaurants devote lots of to creating compelling steak night specials. These are a few that caught our attention, mostly new additions with a few familiar favorites thrown in as a reminder of their consistent excellence.

Monday

EZ's Liquor Lounge
This award-winning, retro-inspired cocktail bar in the Heights serves a 12-ounce strip with a salad and mashed potatoes for $32 every Monday beginning at 6 pm.

Memorial Trail Ice House
After reopening in June, Memorial Trail Ice House added a steak night on Mondays. Dig into a ribeye steak with bacon-smashed mozzarella potatoes and salad for $21. Take advantage of industry night, too, with $5 Espolon, $5 Jäger, $5 Maniball Peanut Butter Tequila, and $8 Good Boy seltzers.

Tuesday

Griff’s
The steak night at this beloved Irish pub has a loyal following. The $24 plate comes with a marinated steak, giant baked potato, a visit to the full potato-fixings bar, and a draft beer.

Toga
This Japanese-inspired pub offers a $29 steak night deal on Tuesdays from 4-10 pm. Diners get an eight-ounce steak with housemade chimichurri sauce, plus sweet potato mash with chili garlic and a house salad topped of frisée, cabbage, and tomato that's topped with creamy ginger dressing and sesame seeds.

Turner’s
For an elevated take on steak night, Turner’s "Prime Affairs" night showcases three cuts on Tuesdays: an eight-ounce American wagyu filet mignon ($88), an 18-ounce prime dry-aged bone-in New York strip ($76), and a 22-ounce prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye ($123). Each comes with a choice of True Madeira, smoked chimichurri, or au poivre, along with potato purée and grilled asparagus. For the whole table, the “After Dark” board serves three to four guests and includes all three steaks for $275.

Wednesday

The Blind Goat
The Spring Branch eatery from MasterChef winner Christine Ha serves a steak frites special on Wednesdays for $27.

Confessions
It’s all-you-can-eat ribeye and fries for $45 on Wednesdays at this hookah bar and restaurant. Diners can also get $5 glasses of wine and $20 bottles.

KP’s Kitchen
Wednesdays bring all-day happy hour and prime rib night to the Spring Branch restaurant. Diners can pair the steak with their first glass of red wine for $1, or take advantage of $7 drinks and $7 appetizers during happy hour.

Yuma
Known for its Brazilian and Cuban sandwiches, Yuma gets in on the steak night trend on Wednesdays. A slab of picanha, also known as top sirloin cap, is coated in a housemade dry rub, smoked slowly, and sliced like prime rib. It’s served with yuca fries, sautéed mustard greens, and chimichurri.

Thursday

Johnny Ritas
It’s “Noche Asado” at Johnny Rita's on Thursdays from 5-9 pm. The $27 plate comes with a 12-ounce carne asada served with salad and elote. Diners can also take advantage of $2 off frozen margaritas and signature cocktails.

Jonathan’s The Rub
Stop by either the Campbell Place ($35) or East End ($30) locations of Jonathan’s The Rub on Thursdays for a 16-ounce New York strip paired with a vegetable and smashed potatoes.

Starduster Lounge
The casual Heights spot's steak night comes with a steak, butter poached potatoes, and rotating veg with cowboy butter for $30. Add a margarita for $5.

Turner’s "Prime Affairs" night offers steaks ranging from an eight-ounce American Wagyu ($88) to a 22-ounce prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye ($123), served with sides and choice of enhancement.

Photo by Kristen Gilliam

Turner’s "Prime Affairs" night offers steaks ranging from an eight-ounce American Wagyu ($88) to a 22-ounce prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye ($123).

news-you-can-eat steak night the-heights