Friday

06-27-2025 Vol 2004

Explore Houston’s Culinary Scene: New Restaurants and Unique Concepts

Houston continues to impress with its diverse food scene, offering an array of culinary experiences that would make any foodie excited.

From high-end dining to laid-back pop-ups, there’s something for everyone in the city.

One standout is Tago, located in Midtown at 1120 Dennis Street.

Why travel to Tulum when Tago brings the essence of it to Houston?

This restaurant features a tantalizing dinner menu with innovative dishes like pulpo served over hominy, duck mole tostadas, and spicy watermelon and tuna aguachile.

For heartier options, guests can enjoy adobo chicken, filet steak, or mushroom risotto.

As for drinks, Tago’s summery cocktail menu offers creative concoctions such as the Mango Suave and the French Kiss, served with a bottle of prosecco, making it a full-fledged late-night venue, complete with bottle service.

The elegant yet cozy interior, adorned with velvet couches and a vibrant bar, creates a perfect environment to unwind.

Outside, the inviting patio offers light wood furniture, reminiscent of a resort escape.

Foodies in Houston can also delight in Bas’s Cheesesteaks at 4520 Washington Avenue.

This pop-up, created by Abbas Dhanani, founder of Burger Bodega, is set to take summer by storm.

Launching on June 30, the pop-up aims to honor Philadelphia’s cheesesteak culture in Houston, offering rib-eye beef and white cheese on a seeded hoagie.

With more dates coming soon, burger enthusiasts should keep an eye out for updates on social media.

Shifting gears, sushi lovers have a delightful new option at a cozy spot on 18207B Egret Bay Boulevard.

Led by executive chef Leo Hirai, this restaurant’s mission is to make sushi accessible for all.

Hand rolls are freshly prepared upon order, with options ranging from classic tuna and salmon to spicy scallop and lobster.

There are curated hand roll sets available for those who may be new to sushi, all served at this charming counter nestled in a NASA-adjacent strip mall.

Meanwhile, on North Durham Drive at 1815, an ad-hoc bar has emerged from the creators of Flying Fish.

This new venue serves beers from the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium and burgers from Rodeo Goat.

Launched in April, it is officially celebrating its opening with an adult-only policy after 7 p.m. to maintain a sophisticated atmosphere.

Additionally, a noteworthy cocktail experience can be found at 1226 West Clay Street, where an inventive cocktail bar has resurfaced.

This establishment, now located between River Oaks and Montrose, operates as a tea house by day and transitions into a cocktail haven by night.

Specialty cocktails include the Operation: White Flame and Ottoman Fashion, alongside tantalizing bites like the Crudo “Hot Pot” featuring wagyu and Hawai‘i shrimp.

For those looking for a fun, immersive experience, an exciting tiki bar is set to open on July 2 in Montrose, at the back of Betelgeuse.

Created by Chris Cusack and Brian Dibala, this bar promises a whimsical aesthetic inspired by Tim Burton films.

Featuring a capacity limit of just 50 guests, it will serve creatively themed drinks such as the Brown Butter Rum Old Fashioned and the Pistachio Mai Tai.

Reservations are expected to go live on Resy soon, making it essential for interested patrons to act fast.

Finally, the Heights welcomes a fun spot for summertime treats, with a unique twist on shave ice and frozen cocktails at 2102 North Shepherd Drive.

Owned by Shawn Bermudez and Matthew Pak of the Burger Joint, this colorful venue offers Hawaiian-style shave ice accompanied by an array of flavors.

Their menu showcases creative options like Coco Loco and Aloha Island, alongside frozen cocktails that bring a refreshing touch to hot summer days.

Clearly, Houston is brimming with culinary delights, allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of unique dining experiences that truly celebrate the city’s vibrant food culture.

image source from:houston

Benjamin Clarke