spreading its wings

Vegas-inspired cocktail lounge takes flight in Shady Acres office building

Plume will open this summer.

Courtesy of Plume

A veteran Houston bar owner has teamed up with one of the city’s most prominent real estate developers to bring a new cocktail bar to Shady Acres. Meet Plume, a cocktail lounge that aims to offer something a little different than the nearby bars on 20th Street.

Located in the Urban Office – West Heights building at W. 22nd and Beall streets, Plume is the first project from Golden Ratio Hospitality Group. Founded by Ted Baker, the Houston hospitality veteran behind casual bars Penny Whistle Pub and Bobcat Teddy’s, in partnership with Dan Braun and James Fitch, two of the partners in real estate development firm Braun Enterprises, the new company strengthens a relationship that goes back to Baker operating the former Revelry on Richmond in a space owned by Braun Enterprises.

Plume aims to serve as a cocktail lounge that’s more intimate and upscale than the nearby sports and patio bars that have made 20th Street one of Houston’s most lively nightlife districts. Designed by Bradford Collier of BwCollier Interior Design of Houston, the interior will take inspiration from the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and upscale cocktail bars in Las Vegas. Details will include a feather motif inspired by the bar’s name.

Scheduled to open this summer, Plume’s beverage offerings will include cocktails, sparkling wine, and premium whiskeys. A limited food menu will focus on an upscale take on shareable bar snacks. Expect refined service that’s consistent with the upscale atmosphere.

Located at 1100 W. 23 Street, Urban Office – West Heights is a coworking facility with one, two, and three-person office suites. Its amenities include conference rooms, high speed internet, and its proximity to the nearby bars and restaurants.

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bet on black's

Michelin-recognized Texas barbecue chain fires up Houston opening date

Courtesy of Terry Black's Barbecue

Terry Black's will open its Houston location on August 18.

The restaurant Texas Monthly calls “most impressive barbecue chain in Texas” is almost ready to make its debut. Terry Black’s Barbecue will open on Tuesday, August 18.

Located in the Heights at 1329 N. Shepherd, Terry Black’s replaced a former car dealership with a massive barbecue joint that will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Founded in 2014 by siblings Christina, Mike, and Mark Black, Terry Black’s has grown from its original Austin location to nine stores. It earned a honorable mention on Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s 50 best barbecue joints and a Recommended designation from the Michelin Guide.

"Opening our first Houston restaurant is an exciting milestone for Terry Black's, but what excites us even more is becoming part of this community," Mark Black said in a statement. "Our goal is to create more than a place to enjoy great barbecue. We want to become a neighborhood gathering place where people celebrate life's big moments, enjoy everyday meals with family and friends, and feel at home every time they walk through our doors. We look forward to being part of the fabric of this community for many years to come."

Powered by six, 1,000-gallon smokers, Terry Black’s prides itself on cooking enough food every day that sell-outs are rare. Multiple cutting blocks keep the line moving and minimize waiting times.

Terry Black’s menu begins with smoked meats, including beef ribs, brisket, pork ribs, turkey, house made sausages, and chopped beef. Sides are made fresh daily. They include macaroni and cheese, green beans, creamed corn, pinto beans, potato salad, coleslaw, Mexican rice, and cornbread muffins. Finish with desserts such as mini pecan pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding. Beverage options include Texas craft beer, wine, a “frozen black margarita,” and non-alcoholic options such as soda and iced tea.

Once they get through the line, diners will find a range of indoor and outdoor seating options. Unique to the Houston location is a semi-private, elevated loft that’s available for private events. The restaurant also offers off-site catering for celebrations, business lunches, and other events.

Black Family Hospitality, the company that owns Terry Black’s, also has plans to operate a boutique hotel on the property. A representative tells CultureMap that more details about the hotel will be revealed at a later date.

Houston is in the midst of a mini boom of new barbecue restaurants. In addition to Terry Black’s, Eastbound Barbecue opened in the East End in June. Willow’s Smokehouse & Tavern, another new restaurant in the East End, is also expected to open in August. The Station at Smokey Oaks is currently holding weekend pop-ups ahead of opening full time at its location in Garden Oaks.

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