Ritual

Ritual opened at 602 Studewood in the Heights on June 14 in the former space of The El Cantina Superior. The Southern-inspired, meat-heavy menu features twists and turns upon tried-and-true comfort foods and boasts a selection of 30- and 45-day dry-aged beef. Reservations are highly recommended, but passing time in the spacious bar area until the table-is-ready text arrives is not difficult with friendly bartenders and an impressive cast of craft beers and cocktails. The Texas Picnic Board, Ritual’s interpretation of a charcuterie board, is a must-have, with items such as avocado-deviled eggs, chicharrón, jalapeño sausage and oyster mushrooms tossed with truffle oil. Other hits are the Angry Bird fried chicken plate and the turf and surf with cheesy grits and greens. Brunch features a great selection of small plates, soups, salads, entrées and breezy brunch cocktails available only on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Brunch notables include the Gulf seafood gravy and the chicken and waffles.