Wah Coffee, 6560 Greatwood Parkway, will celebrate its grand opening August 1 in Sugar Land. It will be the third location in the Greater Houston area, adding to the spots in Montrose and Richmond. The small neighborhood cafe is locally-owned, with the Montrose location having just opened back in March. Co-owner Meeran Ahmad and his team said the Houston community kept asking for a store in Sugar Land. In a press release the owners said, “We are in the business of Southern hospitality, community and comfort, and that is what Wah is. You’ll see Texas murals as soon as you walk in.”
Its coffee selection runs from Americano and cappuccino to dessert-style lattes like banana bread and blueberry lemon loaf. There is also a wide variety of matcha latte, plus cardamom tea and fragrant refreshers. The food menu offers plenty of choices including avocado toast, croissants, gulab waffles and Korean-fried chicken wings. Guests will also find options like a burger, chicken sandwich and decadent fried Oreos.
The interior is sleek, with a variety of seating options for a quick breakfast or a dedicated work space.
Barbecue Inn, 116 W. Crosstimbers, will close its doors permanently August 1, as reported by KHOU 11. Known for its made-to-order fried chicken, barbecue ribs and red vinyl booths, the family-owned eatery has been serving the Greater Heights and Garden Oaks community, as well as the rest of Houston, since 1946. Founded by Louis and Nell Skrehot, it has seen four generations of family members running operations over the past eight decades. However, current owner Wayne Skrehot has made the decision to retire, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Trill Burgers, 6100 Main, will begin serving its famous smashburgers at Rice Memorial Center at Rice University beginning August 17. The Rice menu will include its signature OG Trill Burger with smashed all beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill sauce and American cheese, served on a Martin’s potato roll bun. It will also offer the Vegan OG Burger, all available as a single-patty Lil G or as triples. The menu will also include seasoned fries.
Trill Burgers will operate at Rice Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours could expand. It’s open to students, faculty and the public. For students, campus dining dollars (Tetra) are allowed.
The award-winning burger brand from Bernard Freeman, better known as rap artist Bun B, currently operates three Houston area brick and mortar spots, with another planned for 7616 Westheimer very soon. Freeman co-founded Trill with Andy Nguyen and Nick Scurfield in 2021, along with executive chefs Mike Pham and Fernando Valladeres. The burger brand will also return to Reliant Stadium this fall for its fourth season serving at Houston Texans games.
Freeman has served as a distinguished lecturer at Rice for several years, co-teaching Religion and Hip-Hop Culture with professor Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of the Humanities.
Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose Boulevard, will have its last day of service July 31. The global street food concept was founded by Thy and Matthew Mitchell in 2023 after the couple’s success with Traveler’s Table. This past May 4, the couple were found deceased in their River Oaks home, along with their two small children, as reported here in the Houston Press. It is believed to have been a murder-suicide with Matthew Mitchell killing his wife and children, then himself.
For now, Traveler’s Table will remain open.
Terry Black’s Barbecue, 1329 N. Shepherd, is set to open August 18. It’s the first Houston location for the barbecue giant which operates five locations currently across north and central Texas with more locations planned in New Braunfels and San Antonio, plus an out of state location in Nashville.
Ember + Lotus Thai Kitchen, 981 S. Mason, debuted last month. The family-owned Katy restaurant blends Thai flavors and Texas traditions for a truly Houston experience. In an email the owners said, “After many years in the restaurant industry, our family decided to start this new chapter and build a place where neighbors, families, and friends can gather over food made with care.”
Some of its signature dishes include Cowboy Burnt Ends Panang Curry, Ember Pad Thai and red, yellow or green curries, which are customizable. There are starters like lotus root with eggplant, chicken satay and double coconut tom kha. The restaurant also serves Thai milk tea.
Even though it has been open a very short time, Ember + Lotus is participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks 2026, which begins August 1. The $39 dinner offers three courses. Guests have several options for the first course like Thai wing zaab or chicken curry puffs. The second course choices feature the burnt ends panang curry, sous vide chicken golden curry or Ember pad Thai with prawns. For the dessert course, guests can choose from mochi waffles, Thai tea-infused cheesecake and Thai tea shaved ice.
City Acre Brewing, 3418 Topping, has permanently closed, according to its Instagram link. The craft brewery began operating in 2012, opening its kitchen and taproom in 2016. It was featured in the Houston Press Best of Houston 2021 as Best Beer Garden because it was a family-friendly oasis with actual gardens and a multitude of beer options.
Restaurants Reported Open July 2026:
Charolais, 1900 Hughes Landing Boulevard, opened July 14
Chroma, 1512 Sul Ross, opened early July
Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, 7800 Airport Boulevard, opened early July
Cotto e Crudo Enoteca, 544 Waugh, opened July 15
HTeaO, 19832 W. Little York, opened July 11
Insomnia Cookies, 2270 Lone Star, opened July 11
Koyo Hand Roll Bar, 1835 N. Shepherd, opened July 16
Mr. Shawarma, 9522 Huffmeister, opened mid-May
Original Chop Chop, 10100 Katy Freeway, opened July 22
Otium, 5020 Kirby, opened July 31
Panera Bread, 3548 Rayford, opened July 16
Tempo, Powered by Butterfunk, 6213 Richmond, opened early July
Uptown Sporting Club, 1131 Uptown Park Boulevard, opened July 4
Vocelli Pizza, 23027 W. Grand Parkway, opened June 19
ZOA Eateries, 9807 Katy Freeway, opened July 23
Restaurants Reported Closed July 2026:
Blue Tuba, 350 W. 19th, closed June 27
Voodoo Doughnut, 1301 N. Fry, closed late June
Voodoo Doughnut, 1214 Westheimer, closed late June
