take it slow

Locally loved coffee shop brews up fifth outpost at bustling west Houston hub

A growing locally owned coffee shop and cafe will bring its fifth Houston-area location to west Houston. Slowpokes will debut in the spring at On The Trails, a 24-acre mixed-use development from McNair Interests.

Photo by Becca Wright

Slowpokes is open for breakfast daily.

The new Slowpokes will be part of an apartment building that’s currently under construction next to a Remy On The Trails, a midrise development. All told, the cafe will serve as an amenity for 550 combined units.

First opened in Garden Oaks in 2016 by owner Mazen Baltagi — a Houstonian hospitality veteran who’s a partner in establishments such as Christian’s Tailgate and the Warwick — Slowpokes has grown to locations in Upper Kirby, Spring Branch, and West University.

“There is an element of discovery with this site that intrigued us,” Baltagi said in a statement. “McNair Interests has created a beautiful environment that perfectly aligns with our mission of creating unique spaces for customers to chill out and slow down. They have also been integral in helping to achieve a wonderful sense of place with many thoughtful touches that will benefit both residents and visitors.”

Slowpokes has developed a devoted following thanks to its combination of coffee, beer, and wine that are paired with a diverse food menu built around sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and breakfast items. Those three beverages are represented by three mascots: a turtle named Mash (beer), a snail named Tasker Alexander (wine), and a sloth named Patches (coffee).

Diners will find baked good from local suppliers including Cake and Bacon, Michael’s Cookie Jar, Sinfull Bakery, Kraftsmen Baking, and Slow Dough Bread Co. Pair them with coffee, wines by-the-glass or bottle, loose leaf teas, kombucha, or locally brewed craft beer.

Designed by local firm MaRS, the interior will feature tile walls, polished concrete floors. And a steel planter divider. To better serve residents, it will supplement its familiar menu with market items such as toiletries and retail wines. The cafe will seat 40 inside with room for 30 on a covered patio.

Located on Deerwood Road at 400 West Sam Houston Parkway South, On The Trails is a residential development that features a three-acre lake, a fitness center, and communal workspaces. A location near Terry Hershey Park and Buffalo Bayou means its near hike and bike trails.

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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.