The Inner Loop’s new dining district welcomes its first bar next week. Verde Garden, the a Tex-Mex restaurant and beer garden from Heights Bier Garten owners the Kirby Group, will open April 25 at 1011 La Rue St.
Part of the Harlow District, the name given to the former Nino’s and Vincent’s property on West Dallas, Verde Garden will occupy the former Grappino di Nino space. In total, Verde Garden offers almost 9,000-square-feet of interior space and a more than 10,000-square-foot patio. It's the Kirby Group's second opening this year, joining Bayou Heights Bier Garten, a bar, restaurant, and bakery that opened in January.
"We are excited to open the first concept in the new Harlow District," Kirby Group co-founder Andy Aweida said in a statement. "We know Houstonians love Tex-Mex and beer gardens so we wanted to open a new concept with that in mind. Verde Garden is a great space to come enjoy made-to-order fresh or frozen margaritas while enjoying a meal or shareables."
Kirby Group beverage director Joel Ramirez’s cocktail menu starts with 12 frozen margaritas, 20 house cocktails, and 60 classics. Like other Kirby Group concepts, the house cocktails are divided into sections such as “Spirit Forward,” “Sour & Tart”, “Fruity & Sweet,” “Boozy Brunch,” “Refreshing & Spicy,” and “Refreshing & Balanced.” The classics menu includes favorites like the Mexican martini and paloma.
Patrons will find an extensive spirits selection that includes more than 250 agave-based sips and 750 selections from around the world such as vodka, bourbon, scotch, rum, and gin. A beer bar offers craft beer, wine, and draft highballs.
Kirby Group culinary director Teddy Lopez’s menu features dishes such as ceviches, enchiladas, and tacos. Specific dishes include red chili tinga enchiladas, green tomatillo and poblano mole enchiladas, chips and queso, and a torta Milanesa with a choice of crispy beef or chicken topped with avocado, lime crema, and refried beans. Vegetarian items are also available.
Verde Garden will be the Harlow District’s first concept, but it won’t be alone for long. In the months to come, the development will include: Boca, a coffee shop; Sala Social House, a cocktail lounge; and Katami, a sushi-forward restaurant from Kata Robata chef Manabu Horiuchi in the former Vincent’s space. More tenants, including a occupant for the former Nino’s space, are expected to be announced soon.
Photo by Dustyn Zenner
It wouldn't be Tex-Mex without chips and salsa.
