Another Upper Kirby establishment closed its doors this week. Irish pub Mugsy's at 2239 Richmond shuttered on Sunday, August 24, but the co-owner Randy Eddy tells Eater Houston that he is closing the Irish pub and replacing it with a New Orleans-style restaurant, Tavern Orleans. The menu will feature Creole and Cajun dishes, such as classic gumbo, shrimp creole and etouffee, along with unique items like chicory coffee-crusted pork chops. The new French Quarter restaurant is set to open on Tuesday, September 2.
As reported by Swamplot, Judge Randy Wilson granted temporary injunction which prevents Zelko Bistro's landlord from placing a for lease sign outside the restaurant at 705 E. 11th. The judge made this decision on August 20, but 30 days from that ruling date, Zelko Bistro and its landlord must "mediate the dispute." As for now, the Heights restaurant remains open, so you can stuff your face with the incredible cheese plate served with a side of fresh honeycomb; and don't forget about the St. Arnold's short ribs.
The League of Extraordinary Brewers, located at 907 Franklin, received an eviction notice from an attorney representing the landlord on Friday, August 15, as reported by Swamplot. In a goodbye press release,the League's owner, Lucrece Borrego, explains the attorney's reasons for eviction, including misuse of the premises, having kegs in the hallway in between deliveries and pick-up and playing strip Twister(?!). Borrego says all of the windows were closed during the strip Twister game and the incident occurred during a private event in which she agreed to host a naked game night. She says someone from the architectural services firm adjacent to the brewpub has access to the hallways and walked in on the game going on in the hall. But, the League wasn't the only thing forced to close; the Kitchen Incubator located within the brewpub was shut down as well.
Borrego writes in her goodbye blog post:
"Unfortunately, an incubator is not just one business, but home to dozens of small start-ups that go on to form the backbone of our small business community. I can face what is happening to me. The saddest part of all are the dreams that will go unrealized -- all of the small businesses that will never be because the incubators are gone. Having to face those that call the incubators home is the worst part of all. I wish I could say that I will rebuild but I honestly don't know what that would be possible. The infrastructure in the building took my life savings and five years of my life. I can't get that back because it's part of the building. There is no selling it or recovering any of that expense. It is simply gone."
We mentioned a few weeks back that Maine-ly Sandwiches was opening in Kingwood on August 17, making this the third location. This new spot is now open at 20669 W. Lake Houston Parkway and it's serving up all the classic and popular dishes you have come to know and love.
CultureMap Houston reports that Goro & Gun, located at 306 Main, has served its last meal; the restaurant now totes a sign stating, "Intermission," in the window. Executive chef J.D. Woodward resigned from the izakaya restaurant downtown. According to owners Brad Moore and Ryan Rouse, the location will reopen with a new name and as a bar managed by Goro & Gun's manager Alexander Gregg.
Another downtown bar closed this past week too. The Barringer Bar & Lounge, according to a Facebook post, is in "a contract dispute with the downstairs bar, Clutch City Squire." The bar at 410 Main in Suite B will remain closed until the dispute is resolved or the Barringer finds a new place to reside.
Speaking of moving, Little J's on Washington has moved down the street to the previous spot of Blue Moose Lodge at 5306 Washington. And the pop-up kitchen Bourbon & Bacon is located inside the new Little J's. Bourbon and Bacon will serve dinner each day, as noted by the Houston Chronicle.
In happier news, The Cupcake Cowgirls will open the next location in Galveston at 2108 Church Street in Suite 101B over Labor Day weekend. Recently, the cupcake boutique opened in Cypress.
Niko Niko's Market Cafe opened its newest location inside the H-E-B Plus in Pearland at 2805 Business Center Dr. Go grocery shopping, then sit down for a gyro and fries.
La Bikina is the newest addition to The Woodlands restaurant scene. The Mexican restaurant opened on Friday, August 29, at 4223 Research Forest. La Bikina is a concept from Grupo Impulza, a restaurant and entertainment group from Mexico, and will feature a variety of "contemporary Mexican-inspired dishes, hand-crafted margaritas and cocktails," as stated in a press release. Expect to see grilled octopus and adobe-braised pork shank dishes on the dinner menu alongside tacos, salsa and guacamole.
Commenter Aggie_Kelli from last week's openings and closings report is correct, Texas Enchilada House did open recently on Crosstimbers. We mentioned a few weeks ago that the Tex-Mex restaurant, emphasis on the Tex, would be open by the end of July. It is now open at 302 West Crosstimbers.
According to commenter HtownCheapEats in last week's report, Beet Box Blend Bar opened at 1909 W. Gray in Suite B on August 20. Not all of the juices feature beets, but each concoction includes natural ingredients. The all-vegetable juices guarantee at least three servings of vegetables, and one and a half servings of fruit. Most of the juices are sweetened with unprocessed real fruit and all of the ingredients are listed underneath the title of the smoothie, so you know exactly what's going into your drink.
Did we miss any openings or closings? Let us know in the comments section and we will be sure to include them in next week's report.
