One in every of Houston’s most attention-grabbing sandwich outlets is now closed.
As Houston settles into summer time, the town’s eating scene is experiencing a wave of change. Whereas a number of thrilling new eating places are opening their doorways, simply as many are closing theirs. Some homeowners cite ongoing financial pressures, whereas others are nonetheless recovering from the string of weather-related setbacks they skilled final 12 months. Beneath, Houstonia has rounded up a few of this month’s most vital—and bittersweet—closings.
This checklist is not exhaustive. Know of a spot we missed? Ship tricks to Sofia Gonzalez at [email protected].
Vuji Cafe
Vuji Cafe, the creative Tex-Asian sandwich store within the Heights, closed its doorways on Sunday, July 20 after a couple of 12 months in enterprise. The cafe earned a following for its inventive takes on Japanese-style sandos made with Texas toast and drew in diners from throughout the state for hits just like the Negitoro Tuna (with tuna stomach, roe, and scallions), Hainan rooster, and a decadent Ube Pandan dessert sandwich layered with strawberries, marshmallows, and ube foam.
In a farewell put up, Vuji’s homeowners shared on Instagram that they “haven’t been in a position to do the enterprise we wanted to do at our present location.” Nonetheless, Vuji gave diners advance discover, saying its closing day and a restricted menu two days earlier than on Friday, July 18. “It has been a pleasure serving you all! We’re so touched that folk got here from throughout Texas and different states to attempt our meals and expertise our hospitality,” the homeowners wrote.
The staff isn’t disappearing solely: In line with their put up, they’ll proceed to supply catering and host occasions and pop-ups. Regulate their Instagram or e mail checklist for updates.
Honey Artwork Cafe
Artwork lessons, macarons, and low at Honey Artwork Cafe will quickly come to a halt with the closure of its Shepherd location in August. In an Instagram put up, the homeowners of the cafe stated limitless street work and landlord points performed a component of their choice to not renew their present lease. However this isn’t formally goodbye—the cafe will reopen in a brand new spot within the Heights.
“The brand new Honey Artwork Cafe will likely be a bit totally different, however at its core it is going to be precisely the identical – an area to create for anybody, irrespective of your age or expertise,” the put up says.
Ginger & Fork
This beloved Chinese language restaurant is giving diners loads of time to say goodbye. The homeowners of Ginger & Fork introduced on social media that after a latest summer time break, they’ll shut the restaurant for the final time on Saturday, October 25. “After a really intentional deliberation interval, we’ve made the tough choice to not renew our lease on the finish of the 12 months,” the homeowners wrote. The restaurant makes a speciality of Cantonese classics and dim sum, that includes dishes reminiscent of Beijing duck bao, squid ink fried rice, and comforting silk egg chow enjoyable.
Drift Bar
Drift, the tropical-themed sports activities bar and patio hangout, closed abruptly in early July. A brief Instagram put up on the Drift account thanked patrons for “the reminiscences.” Now, the account has since been renamed @closedbarhouston, and bargoers are left questioning the explanation behind the sudden closure. Recognized for its rotating meals vans, weekend watch events, and festive ambiance, Drift was a staple for social drinkers and sports activities followers alike.
Eloise Nichols
Adair Ideas (the group behind Los Tios and Buffalo Grille) shuttered this stylish River Oaks bistro in late June after practically a decade in enterprise. Recognized for its upscale interiors, uncooked bar, and refined cocktails, Eloise Nichols was a extra polished addition to the Adair portfolio.
In a farewell put up, the homeowners hinted that this may not be the final diners will see of Eloise: “This isn’t goodbye. We hope to convey her again in a brand new dwelling down the street.”
Breweries Hit Exhausting This Summer season
Elder Son Brewing
Each places of Elder Son Brewing—one in North Houston, the opposite within the Heights—closed this summer time. The Heights taproom, which opened through the pandemic, was open for round 4 years; the North Houston spot lasted a couple of 12 months.
Founder Robert Frye reportedly known as the choice “onerous” in a since-deactivated Instagram put up. He initially launched the brewery on the encouragement of family and friends, turning a homebrewing passion right into a neighborhood fixture in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Shepherd Brewing
One other impartial brewery has gone darkish. Proprietor Sam Wright introduced in late June that North Shepherd Brewing could be closing after two years of manufacturing nice beer and supporting the North Houston neighborhood. “We’ve labored onerous to fulfill that purpose, however sadly life has gotten in the best way and we will not keep open,” Wright wrote.
The brewery had grow to be a North Houston favourite for its laid-back taproom and powerful sense of neighborhood. Wright thanked clients, distributors, and retail companions for his or her help.
To view a full checklist of eating places and bars that closed earlier this 12 months, click on right here.
