yes, another steakhouse

Posh Mexican steakhouse arrives in Houston with wagyu beef and parkside views

The wait is nearly over for the opening of Houston’s newest luxury steakhouse. Toca Madera will open in early June, restaurant group Noble 33 announced.

First revealed last year, Toca Madera describes itself as a modern Mexican restaurant with a high-energy atmosphere that includes nightly live entertainment such as musicians, DJs, and fire performers. The massive, 14,000-square-foot restaurant will be located at The Pavilion at The Allen, which is part of the complex that’s anchored by The Thompson Hotel (1755 Allen Parkway). With almost 400 seats, the restaurant will offer a number of venues for eating and drinking, including an outdoor patio that looks onto Eleanor Tinsley Park, two bars, a lounge, and a member’s only club.

Design firm Monochrome created a space that features custom woodwork, velvet upholstery, and lots of plantlife. A nest-like sculpture called The Bird’s Nest separates the lounge area from other sections of the restaurant.

Toca Madera bird's nest rendering The Bird's Nest will be located in the lounge.Courtesy of Monochrome

Toca Madera notes that it uses sustainable, organic ingredients, but most diners will be looking to feast on prime and wagyu steaks from America, Australia, and Japan. Available in a range of sizes and cuts, the options include the usual filets and ribeyes as well as the signature Tomahawk + Bone Marrow that’s served flaming and sliced tableside. Other notable items on chef Christian Brennen’s menu include Sashimi Mexicano (ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado, pomegranate, chile de árbol, and leche de tigre) and A5 Wagyu Tacos dressed with jalapeño slaw, pickled horseradish, cilantro, and kizami wasabi.

Toca Madera wagyu tacos Toca Madera serves tacos made with A5 wagyu.Photo by Alonso Parra

Courtesy of Monochrome

A rendering previews the main dining room.

The beverage program features an extensive array of agave spirits along with a rotating wine list. Selena fans will likely want to order the Como la Flor, which is served with edible flowers and “rose air,” according to a release.

Houston will be Toca Madera’s fourth location, joining outposts in West Hollywood, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas. Noble 33 also has plans to bring Meduza Mediterrania, an Eastern Mediterranean concept, to Houston. It will be located above Toca Madera and include a rooftop patio.

“Bringing a Noble 33 concept to Texas has always been a goal of ours, so we are beyond excited and ready for the June opening of Toca Madera,” Noble 33 CEO Mikey Tanha said in a statement. “Houston marks Toca Madera’s fourth and largest location — a testament to the city’s international flare and palate and we can’t wait for all to enjoy the Toca Madera experience.”

The restaurant is opening near an area that has become dense with steakhouses over the past two years. Nearby options include live fire concept Andiron, Houston-inspired Georgia James, and Turner's Cut, the upcoming luxury concept from B&B Butchers owner Berg Hospitality. Steakhouses are popular downtown, too, where diners will find choices such as Guard & Grace, Vic & Anthony's, Pappas Bros., Toro Toro at the Four Seasons hotel, and more.

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family-friendly outdoor bar

Massive, German-inspired beer garden coming to new Energy Corridor project

Photo by Eric Sandler

The new beer garden will be similar to Katy Beer Garden.

One of Houston’s most successful bar operators is bringing his talents to the Energy Corridor. Steven Salazar is opening Ashford Beer Garden at the Ashford Yard mixed-use development.

Slated to open in early 2026, Ashford Beer Garden will build on the success Salazar has had with Katy Beer Garden, the project he opened last summer at The Dryer, a mixed-use development on the property of Katy’s historic Cardiff Rice Dryer. Like KBG, Ashford Beer Garden will be large — roughly 21,000 square feet — divided into a 10,000-square-foot indoor beer hall with a companion cocktail bar and a 11,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden that’s shaded by trees.

“We’re sticking with that Bavarian charm,” Salazar says about his vision for Ashford Beer Garden. “Bring your family. It’s really relaxed. The kids are playing. You have multiple generations hanging out. It’s worked well in Katy. We’re excited to bring it to a new area.”

Of course, the new project will make some improvements on the original. Most importantly, Ashford will have a full kitchen (KBG mostly relies on food trucks and a nearby food court). Salazar says he’s looking for a chef to lead the kitchen.

In response to customer demand for private event space, Ashford Beer Garden will also have a larger second floor patio than KBG does. The beer garden will have a larger screen to make it easier for people to watch sports.

Located on the site of a former Schlumberger campus near the intersection of Dairy Ashford Rd. and Briar Forest Dr., Ashford Yard is a 12.7-acre development that will include apartments, restaurants, and retail tenants. Salazar says he found his values aligned with the projects developers, Houston real estate firms Market Square Companies and Tenon Property Company.

“We have a similar vision of quality for the community and creating a space and having great neighbors. Not being a strip center but a true development that’s above and beyond what the area has to offer,” Salazar says. Later, he adds, “It seems great for us to be surrounded by companies such as Shell and Baker Hughes and all these great neighborhoods."

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