Houston Restaurants: From Bustling Bites to Dust bunnies
Ah, Houston. A city with a heart as big as Texas itself, and a stomach that can match. But just like your favorite pair of stretchy pants, even Houston's restaurant scene experiences a little shrinkage from time to time. Today, we're taking a stroll down memory lane, (or should we say, grease lane?) and reminiscing about some beloved restaurants that have shuffled off this mortal coil (of deliciousness).
RIP, Tex-Mex Titans:
- Spanish Village: This 70-year-old Tex-Mex institution was practically a rite of passage for Houstonians. Their margaritas could make a grown man cry (tears of joy, mostly). Sadly, they closed their doors in 2021, leaving a giant sombrero-shaped hole in our hearts (and our stomachs).
- La Grange: Another Tex-Mex legend bit the dust in January of 2024. Apparently, even eight years of queso and combination fajitas couldn't keep them afloat in the face of rising costs and a fickle dining public. Maybe they should have offered a "create-your-own-margarita flight" deal. Missed opportunity!
Fancier Fare Fades Away:
- Acme Oyster House: They brought the taste of New Orleans to Houston in 2021, but sadly, their stay was shorter than a Mardi Gras bead necklace. Apparently, Houston just wasn't ready to commit to that much beignets and gumbo. Maybe next time, guys? We'll be here, inhaling crawfish pie whenever we get the chance.
- Alice Blue: This Heights staple served up modern European cuisine with a heaping helping of "wow" for 20 years. But alas, even the most beautifully plated dishes can't compete with a chef's desire to, you know, take a vacation. Hey, good on them! We'll miss you, Alice Blue, but here's hoping the owner finds some well-deserved relaxation (and maybe a new restaurant concept in the future?)
Don't Cry in Your Beer (That One's Still Open...Probably):
Look, this isn't all doom and gloom. Houston's restaurant scene is like a cockroach – resilient and ever-evolving. While some spots may close, new and exciting ones are always popping up. So, put down that box of tissues (because seriously, Spanish Village was THAT good), and get ready to explore the next wave of culinary delights that Houston has to offer. Who knows, maybe you'll discover your new favorite restaurant, and we can write a whole new post celebrating its grand opening in a few years!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.