WestGrayGuy Posted August 30, 2004 Share Posted August 30, 2004 As far as we know, this diner should be opening within a few weeks. The diner will be located at the corner of Brazos and Pierce in the shadow of the Pierce Elevated.I am wondering if this will be a 24 hour type place as there are few places like this in midtown.Parking maybe an issue as well.Any new restaurant is a welcome addition in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted August 30, 2004 Share Posted August 30, 2004 I'd love to see them carry out the whole 30's-40's theme, and hire waitresses who look and talk like Barbara Stanwyk. Sort of a film noir, Edward Hopper effect: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted August 30, 2004 Share Posted August 30, 2004 You know he stretched that place out horizontally and cleaned up the interior and exterior when he painted it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 Would that require a building permit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 Does the Deco Diner have any parking? They seem to have taken a small triangular piece of property and placed the restaurant on it. The location is funky and there is not much visibility. I only seem to see it in my rearview mirror. I think access to this location is going to be an issue. Houston is a tough town on new restaurants. It feels kind of risky to me. What does everyone else think? I say 25% chance they make it one year. Dream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 There's an awful lot of apartment dwellers within easy walking distance. If it becomes a neighborhood hang-out, the question of parking would become moot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted August 31, 2004 Author Share Posted August 31, 2004 Midtown is just about reaching a critical mass. Look at Little Woodrow's, Front Porch Pub, and the very popular BW3. All of these places are packed. In fact, the Midtown Crossing parking lot is always filled. Street parking has become necessary. This will be the case with the Deco Diner, I believe. Obviously there will not be enough parking on that tiny little triangular lot.Midtowners will soon become accustomed to street parking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtown_resident Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 i've noticed the same thing...bw3 is a BIG draw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 Love the cafe noir idea, dbigtex! Maybe add some "Postman Always Rings Twice" effects, like a blinking neon sign outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 OK, one more famous noir-ish diner denizen: Mildred in "Of Human Bondage" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 OK, one more noir diner dame and I'll stop (remember I'm trying to make as many meaningless posts as I possibly can in a short time ) Mildred Pierce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtownguy Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 That diner will be fine. I live w/in walking distance and as soon as I saw it I thought: I can't wait until they're open so I can walk there. As an investment, restaurants are iffy. But in Midtown, where we're begging for more, more, more, restaurants tend to do very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunstar Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 I was thinking something like Lana Turner sipping soda at Schwab's drugstore. Love those sweaters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 5, 2004 Share Posted September 5, 2004 If anything, that diner will be a hit with the morning and evening crowds for the local residences. That alone would probably keep it in business. Ricco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston Retail Posted September 7, 2004 Share Posted September 7, 2004 This was in this weeks HBJ about the Diner"Deco Diner squeezes onto downtown tract Two veterans in the local restaurant industry are planning to open a diner on a 13,000-square-foot triangular tract of downtown land at Brazos and Pierce. Because of the extremely small size of the parcel, Bill Loftus and Nancy French had the diner constructed off-site and then brought it in on two 18-wheeler trucks, putting the pieces together on the site. "I've been driving by that piece of land for the past 20 years wondering why someone hasn't done anything with that neat piece of property," Loftus says. "We're not going to be your typical Mel's Diner -- we're looking to blow people away." Deco Diner is scheduled to open in the next three to four weeks and will offer hamburgers, salads and sandwiches, as well as daily specials. Loftus and French are looking to open four additional Deco Diners in the Midtown and downtown areas. They say the diners will focus on downtown workers during the day for breakfast and carry-out lunches and on the growing downtown residential population for dinner and late-night orders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro Posted September 7, 2004 Share Posted September 7, 2004 "Late-night orders"? Does that mean it'll be open 24 hours? Wow, 4 additional locations in Midtown & downtown? That's kind of a lot. About the parking issue, I thought the city had planning ordinances that required a certain number of parking spaces to be available on site. How did they get around that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceCity Posted September 7, 2004 Share Posted September 7, 2004 How am I supposed to park my '57 Chevy in that location? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted September 7, 2004 Share Posted September 7, 2004 Umm... you drive there...and then you park in the nearest open (legal) space? Ricco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Haven't looked at the site in a couple of weeks - if it's open, has anyone eaten there yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flatline Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Bad news. Drove by yesterday. . .saw a "For Sale" sign in the window. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtown_resident Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 wow...that's a big dissappointment...sorry to hear that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted October 28, 2004 Author Share Posted October 28, 2004 I know. I was looking forward to this place. What do you think caused it to fall through? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Parking is fine, just not free. There are 100s of meters close by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VelvetJ Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Hey Mr. Houstonretail, can you tell us why this fell through? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted October 31, 2004 Share Posted October 31, 2004 Does the Deco Diner have any parking? They seem to have taken a small triangular piece of property and placed the restaurant on it. The location is funky and there is not much visibility. I only seem to see it in my rearview mirror. I think access to this location is going to be an issue. Houston is a tough town on new restaurants. It feels kind of risky to me. What does everyone else think? I say 25% chance they make it one year. Dream<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I told you guys this location was a "DOG" back in August. However, I was surprised to see the "for lease" sign in the window last week. No Deco Diner for Midtown, hopefully Starbucks will come along and take over the spot. They can make money anywhere!Dream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N8TIV Posted October 31, 2004 Share Posted October 31, 2004 I told you guys this location was a "DOG" back in August. However, I was surprised to see the "for lease" sign in the window last week. No Deco Diner for Midtown, hopefully Starbucks will come along and take over the spot. They can make money anywhere!Dream<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Leave it up to Starbucks to be the savior! Ha! No Chance....This place will flourish just because of the random location it is in. Thousands of people are in walking distance of the A.M. vendor, and it will be diner prices! Why you ask! Because it is on THE LOT IT'S ON!! Wake up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro Posted October 31, 2004 Share Posted October 31, 2004 Sorry to hear this fell through! But is the diner car is still there? Or are they going to remove it now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssullivan Posted October 31, 2004 Share Posted October 31, 2004 The diner was still there on the afternoon of Friday, October 29. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston Retail Posted November 6, 2004 Share Posted November 6, 2004 Hey Mr. Houstonretail, can you tell us why this fell through?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yep.The partners had different needs and ended up going in different directions days from opening. They are obviously trying to lease it to someone now and I think it is a great location for a diner similar to what it was going to be. I would hate to see a starbucks here (they would not use the current structure anyway). Starbucks would go somewhere like the BW3 Center.The location is great for a diner becuase they would grab all of the people coming from downtown after the clubs close for a bite to eat instead of going to Mais. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 This is a huge disappointment to me. I wish I had the resources to buy it and make it work. It looks they have landscaped since the For Lease sign has gone up.Does Nancy Sarnoff have any info about perspective owners? I have heard she reads this forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duce Posted December 7, 2004 Share Posted December 7, 2004 Is that movable? It looked like a permanent building, not an actual dinning car...This is what I said in another thread...Deco Diner... did it even open? It was close to opening... I think they should have made it bigger - like double sized... they had the space. I don't think with the space inside they had that they could have made enough money to cover their building and rent. Could make for a cute boutique shop though you'd have to tear out the booths or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfredmor Posted April 7, 2005 Share Posted April 7, 2005 What's the latest with this space? I drove by today and the For Sale sign is still up, but the landscaping looks fairly unkempt. Given what's been posted on this board re: the history, it sounds like they've got a good chunk of capital invested in this structure and are being picky with offers. Anybody have any news? I'd love to open it myself; reminds me of a fantastic diner I visited in Westfield, NJ with the wonderful name of Excellent Diner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trophy Property Posted April 7, 2005 Share Posted April 7, 2005 "Late-night orders"? Does that mean it'll be open 24 hours? Wow, 4 additional locations in Midtown & downtown? That's kind of a lot. About the parking issue, I thought the city had planning ordinances that required a certain number of parking spaces to be available on site. How did they get around that? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If Barnaby can have three locations within 1.5 miles of one another I am not sure these guys can't. I ate at the Montrose Diner a few weeks ago and had a so so experience. The food was pretty good (The French Toast was great), but still left a little to be desired. The service was so so and our waiter was annoying. I was with my Fiance and he had to put on the over the top gay attitude. I know this a very gay friendly restuarant, but they can tone it down a bit. But I digress. I am excited for this diner to open. Hell I would be happy with a Waffle House in Midtown. Seriously. I know it is ugly, but I love the atmosphere and risk factor involved with that place. Speaking of fast food Midtown / Montrose needs... We need a Chick-Fil-A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted June 23, 2005 Author Share Posted June 23, 2005 Well it looks like this diner might happen after all. Driving by a sign now reads "Coming Soon...H-Town Diner" They are seeking applications.Should be cool when it opens, I will go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Maybe someone will bring back Simpson's Diner to downtown! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Tbird Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 I wonder if I'm the only one in this forum to have eaten at this diner. In the mid-40's... on Sundays..we would sometimes walk several blocks down Main from the First Baptist Church (on Lamar between Main and Fannin) for lunch. Other times, we would drive out South Main to Christie's, where I would always have my favorite...a dozen jumbo fried shrimp for $.75. Thanks for the memories! I was only a kid then, but I still remember it very well. Where did you get that picture? When did Simpson's leave this Earth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 I did a Google search for Simpson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Tbird Posted June 25, 2005 Share Posted June 25, 2005 Christie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heights2Bastrop Posted June 25, 2005 Share Posted June 25, 2005 When I was in high school, Valian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted June 26, 2005 Share Posted June 26, 2005 I have some pictures of these places I will post as soon as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 I still say this is an awkward location, parking is limited and visibilty is poor. I'm not convinced. Their food better be great or there may be another for lease sign up soon.Dream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 Somebody help me. Is this diner the shiny thing at the corner of Bagby, just south of the Pierce elevated, where it curves? I saw something new when I was driving down there last week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 Never mind. I figured it out. Is there parking under the overpass? This would help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 Probably not, but there's a small parking lot behind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted June 27, 2005 Author Share Posted June 27, 2005 Parking in midtown is quickly disappearing with all the new clubs popping up. We crave the urban environment and this diner will have it. Accordingly it will not have a massive parking lot. You are going to have to park on the street and walk a few blocks.I will support it as I think it is a cool concept. This part of midtown is developing fairly rapidly with Post and the Edge coming up. There will be plenty of walk up customers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted August 1, 2005 Author Share Posted August 1, 2005 The H-Town diner has opened...Has anyone tried it out yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownMonica Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 West Gray Guy: yep, i tried it out on Friday.....let's just say we should give them a few weeks before writing an offical review. The service was horrible, i didn't get my drink until AFTER the food came (which was about 30 minutes for a croisant sandwich) It came out without the fries, which the server did not even comment on until i flagged him back down and asked about them, at which time he told me they were out for the day....it was 11:30 am. The sandwich was good, and the place was packed, I think it was just extremely understaffed and inexperienced. My suggestion...give it a few weeks, or go when you have plenty of time to kill (and when you're not craving fries). Other than that, glad to see that something is finally occupying that space.-monica Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayLSU Posted August 12, 2005 Share Posted August 12, 2005 West Gray Guy: yep, i tried it out on Friday.....let's just say we should give them a few weeks before writing an offical review. The service was horrible, i didn't get my drink until AFTER the food came (which was about 30 minutes for a croisant sandwich) It came out without the fries, which the server did not even comment on until i flagged him back down and asked about them, at which time he told me they were out for the day....it was 11:30 am. The sandwich was good, and the place was packed, I think it was just extremely understaffed and inexperienced. My suggestion...give it a few weeks, or go when you have plenty of time to kill (and when you're not craving fries). Other than that, glad to see that something is finally occupying that space.-monica <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I went last week. The place isn't bad, but it isn't anything special either. They need to find some signature food to offer so they can excel. They have big burgers, but with Christian's Tailgate 2 blocks away, there is no reason to get a burger at the Htown Diner. They say they have great shakes/malts, etc. We didn't try them, but it would be worth a shot. I got a club sandwhich and it was mediocre at best. The wife had a burger and it was good...just not close to as good ast Christian's Tailgate which is basically next door. I'd go back to try something else on the menu. The owners/staff were very nice when I was there and we got everything in a very timely manner. However, it was barely occupied (only 3 of the 15-20 tables were occupied). Check it out. I'd love to see what others think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 The H-Town diner has opened...Has anyone tried it out yet?<{POST_SNAPBACK}>what about you westgrayguy? have you been to the h-town diner yet? you were the guy that has been all fired up about this place for a year or so. what do you think about the food? how is the service? are midtowners leaving their cars at home and walking over in the 98 degree heat?i drove by twice today and there was one car in the parking lot, it did not look very busy. i still say they the location sucks and they close by the end of the year.however, i went to christians tailgate for a burger this afternoon and that was the best hamburger i've had in a very long time. i will drive over and pay to park for that burger on a regular basis.dream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestGrayGuy Posted August 25, 2005 Author Share Posted August 25, 2005 I am ashamed to admit that I have not yet visited this place. I will make it a point to try it this weekend and report to the forum next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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