tigereye Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/01/downtown-restaurants-shutter/In terms of visibility, it's a loss. While the food quality had obviously deteriorated the last few years, the restaurant itself atleast had the look of a lively spot in Downtown.But atleast we still have Frank's open next door. Now, it's begin speculation on Cabo's replacement. Perhaps another Landry's Seafood joint?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 They need to put a BB's there. Good food and fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Good thing I took a photo of the place. I hope the next tenants can keep this look: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 The comment thread at the Chronicle has evolved into a mildly interesting discussion of downtown's issues...http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/01/downtown-restaurants-shutter/and minehttp://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/01/downtown-restaurants-shutter/#comment-6999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I really liked Cabo (bad service and all) and El Rey - I'm surprised at least one (El Rey) couldn't hang around. I hope something with a similar cuisine replaces one.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Not sure why I don't have a reply option to post #2. 20thStDad, BB's is already two blocks away.Cabo had a water line break in the sidewalk last week, so I assumed they were closed because they had no water - guess not.On a positive note, Georgia's, on the other corner of that block is stocking their shelves. It looks like they'll open soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I really won't miss Cabo that much - the food was awful and the service wasn't all that great. I hope someone opens up a diner there so I can get an omelette somewhere closeby at 3 am Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedScare Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 (edited) The comment thread at the Chronicle has evolved into a mildly interesting discussion of downtown's issues...http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/01/downtown-restaurants-shutter/and minehttp://blog.chron.co...r/#comment-6999As usual, most of the comments are misguided remarks by those who never go downtown. Parking? Cabo was on the Travis side of Main Street, with street parking on 2 sides, and parking lots next door and across the street. A guy named Mark complaining of tax and regulations (probably Marksmu). Downtown has no more tax and regulation than anywhere else in Houston.The biggest problem for Cabo was the same problem other successful ventures face. The original owners with the grand idea sold the place at the height of its success. The difference in service and ambiance was immediate. It was palpable. I am not saying those new owners were bad, but they brought a different personality to the place, and for me at least, I went from a regular to sometime customer, then nothing. Frankly, I am surprised it lasted this long.EDIT: Interestingly, one of the comments claims they did not renew their lease, and will re-open at another downtown location. Time will tell. Edited January 4, 2012 by RedScare 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nole23 Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I've never eaten there, but the look of the place seemed to make the are look lively every time I walked by especially at night (as seen in the picture above). Hopefully someone new opens a place in there soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20thStDad Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Not sure why I don't have a reply option to post #2. 20thStDad, BB's is already two blocks away.Cabo had a water line break in the sidewalk last week, so I assumed they were closed because they had no water - guess not.On a positive note, Georgia's, on the other corner of that block is stocking their shelves. It looks like they'll open soon.I should go downtown more! I knew about one on Montrose and White Oak, not that one. At least it proves I am already right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 I ate there once, won't miss it. As far as what should replace it....Applebees, definitely Applebees.Obviously, the above is a joke, that location has soul, and the only thing close to a chain that I could see going in there would be a pappa's whatever, chuys would be really cool too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C2H Posted January 4, 2012 Share Posted January 4, 2012 Everyone here talking about they're hopeful of another chain restaurant! Applebees and Landrys? How do we get more people downtown when they can find these things right off their doorstep in the suburbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Everyone here talking about they're hopeful of another chain restaurant! Applebees and Landrys? How do we get more people downtown when they can find these things right off their doorstep in the suburbs.I hate to say this, but living close to downtown (from the suburbs), has a bit of a shortfall when it comes to this. Dont get me wrong I love trying new places, the ones you cant find in the suburbs, but there is the once in a while I miss having crappy chains on every corner. I have to go completely out of the the way for most chain anything. Is that a complaint? I guess so.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I hate to say this, but living close to downtown (from the suburbs), has a bit of a shortfall when it comes to this. Dont get me wrong I love trying new places, the ones you cant find in the suburbs, but there is the once in a while I miss having crappy chains on every corner. I have to go completely out of the the way for most chain anything. Is that a complaint? I guess so..Funny, I've thought something similar a few times. Like BJ's Brewery. Great restaurant chain - only in the suburbs. Perry's Steakhouse, Texas Land and Cattle - same thing. Don't get me wrong - I'm a big fan of the independent restaurants inside the Loop. They're my mainstay. But there are a couple places like those where I'd like to see locations inside the Loop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 The building looked great, and I liked the patio, but the food sucked big time and I never went back after my first experience there in 2006. What I've learned about downtown is that outstanding places can easily draw people in, even outside of business hours. For example, look at Bombay Pizza. I was there on a Sunday at 8 pm and it was still busy. Same with the new phoenicia grocery store and attached bar. But a restaurant that is overpriced and serves bad food is never going to make it anywhere in Houston, especially not downtown. Banging the optimist I am, I'm going to take this as good news, that hopefully a better business can take over that great piece of downtown real estate, one that wil better represent Hosuton and draw more people downtown than Cabo ever could. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff8201 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 (edited) As usual, most of the comments are misguided remarks by those who never go downtown. Parking? Cabo was on the Travis side of Main Street, with street parking on 2 sides, and parking lots next door and across the street. A guy named Mark complaining of tax and regulations (probably Marksmu). Downtown has no more tax and regulation than anywhere else in Houston. Bahahahaha! Now that's funny, I hope he reads that. As far as Cabo goes, I meant to actually go there 10 years ago, but never did... and now it's gone. So sad... Personally, I've noticed this trend a lot with so many places closing down... I meant to check it out (or go back), but just never did... there in lies the problem, it's a place I thought about checking out, but just never did and probably never would... something about it just didn't draw me in, some places do, most don't. Keeping people talking about it, and maintaining consistent good quality is key, but sounds like they didn't do that. A lot of times it is the parking factor. If I'm going to starve to death and go broke by the time I find decent parking, I'm not dealing with it. Even with parking not being bad for this establishment, I've gotten spoiled by strip center restaurants where I can usually park a few paces from the front door. Here's to the hope something opens in it's place that I plan to check out with date and time in mind as opposed to someday. Edited January 5, 2012 by Geoff8201 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Regarding Cabo's: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Every time I intended to go to Cabo, I ended up at Franks drinking $2 saint Arnolds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I really won't miss Cabo that much - the food was awful and the service wasn't all that great. I hope someone opens up a diner there so I can get an omelette somewhere closeby at 3 amI'm not looking for a chain, I am looking for a diner, kind of like this placehttp://samsno3.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chi-Char-Hou-Dal Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 Me and my wife walked downtown about a month ago. Had lunch @ Cabo - food wasn't bad - booth was sticky - still no complaints for a place that was actually open at 11am DT.We had a couple uninvited guests at our booth around the time the food came out. Multiple cockroaches on the wall and crawling on the booth.Got our food to go and walked back to Midtown.No love lost on the closing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I went to Cabo's a few times, but it was a long while ago, when the service wasn't bad.I enjoyed the view from the second story balcony. Food wasn't bad, either. Always seemed busy.I don't care what comes next, as long as I can continue to sit on the balcony and gaze at the old buildings across the street, while sipping my cocktail.What's the history of that bldg, anyone know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted January 5, 2012 Share Posted January 5, 2012 I tried Frank's site to see if they had any building history like the Treebeards site has about their building - Nope.I was there a couple of months ago. We went straight upstairs to the balcony and ordered drinks, no food. Nice view.I wonder if Berryhill would be interested in moving in. They have better fish tacos anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 The downtown BB's location took over the old Longhorn I believe. That said, it is really only open during business hours and serves as the catering hub for BB's growing catering business.Speaking of BB's, there will be a new BB's opening soon off of Richmond near Greenway Plaza (near the Velvet Melvin).That Cabo's building is too nice of a location to stay shuttered for too long. Would love to see the original Ninfa's open a second location there... margaritas, green sauce, and a deck with a view would certainly draw me downtown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted January 6, 2012 Share Posted January 6, 2012 Here are a couple old photos I found of Cabo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 something else opening in Downtown.http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/01-17-12-the-burgers-are-coming-burger-guys-to-open-a-second-spot-downtown/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I ventured out to the Burger Buys a few months ago. It was DELICIOUS. Had the Dublin Dr. Pepper marinated burger and it was worth the drive. Wasn't a huge fan of the duck fat fries but the tabasco battered onion rings were the bomb.Can't wait to see where they wind up. Too bad Dr. Pepper Snapple went and ruined my favorite burger of 2011 though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue92 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I'm not looking for a chain, I am looking for a diner, kind of like this placehttp://samsno3.com/How about a Ones-a-Meal? They were the perfect dinner, food was good and were open all night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 How about a Ones-a-Meal? They were the perfect dinner, food was good and were open all night.They would be good, I like their food, though Sam's has this great diner feel and always has a crowd in the mornings from the people staying in nearby hotels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 I wonder how a Barnaby's would do? I'd get fat for sure.On another note, there's some weird bird living in the Rice garage, across the street. I've been hearing it morning and evenings for weeks now. I can't tell by its squawk, but it sure is loud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 (edited) Does anyone know anything about the place Milli that was proposed last year to take over what I believed was supposed to be part of the lot next to Cabo's/Frank's? The variance was approved last june but I haven't heard anything about it since then. Maybe they can take over Cabo's old building?Here is a link to an article from Innerlooped http://innerlooped.c...next-to-franks/New DT Restaurant.pdf Edited March 20, 2012 by arrodiii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plumber2 Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 One of the earlier owner's of Cabo's lived in Texas City. I remember a lawsuit he filed against the Texas City school district because his daughter did not get selected for cheeleader. He claimed racisim, which may or may not have been true. That was about the time that Cabo's was openning the location next to the old Tower Theater. The restaraunt did not stay open very long at that location. Oh Well!, my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 So where do we go if we want tasty fish tacos? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 So where do we go if we want tasty fish tacos?Berryhill beats all. Any of their locations. Closest to downtown is Montrose, I think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 I find Berry Hill's fish taco quality has gone downhill at the Montrose location, but it's still good at the (original?) Westheimer (still in Montrose) location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 The one on Montrose is also embroiled in a lawsuit over allegedly not paying their employees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinkaidAlum Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 This building has SO much potential for a restaurant/bar.Personally, I'd love to see a relatively "local" chain move there like a Chuy's, El Tiempo, lil Pappasitos, etc... They'd have the staying power to keep it open for a bit until it gains it's legs but that second floor patio is screaming for a full-service Tex-Mex joint that serves good drinks.I would definitely venture downtown a few times a year to hit up a place like that just to sit on the patio and spend a few hours getting sloshed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Cool. Also, I walked by the former Cabo's a couple days ago. It appears work is being done inside to prepare for a new occupant. Anyone know anything? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Cool. Also, I walked by the former Cabo's a couple days ago. It appears work is being done inside to prepare for a new occupant. Anyone know anything?Still for least afaik. Could be they're just knocking out all the internal construction to make it more leaseable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Cool. Also, I walked by the former Cabo's a couple days ago. It appears work is being done inside to prepare for a new occupant. Anyone know anything?I just noticed yesterday that they've papered over the windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 (edited) I just noticed yesterday that they've papered over the windows. I peeked. They've ripped out the booths, but not a ton going on. I did notice the For Lease signs are gone, so it could be that something's coming in. Edited May 24, 2012 by kylejack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I've moved the Cabo comments from the Biba's topic (http://www.houstonar...ng-to-downtown/) I was in the area and there was a sign for "Pepper Jacks" 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 Excellent timing for this then...http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/05/pepper-jacks-to-open-in-cabo-space-downtown/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 Wonder what their ETA is and what their menu looks like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little frau Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Does anybody remember what was in this building during the 70s and 80s? I should, but don't (at the moment). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Pepper Jacks opened in this spot today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Does anybody remember what was in this building during the 70s and 80s? I should, but don't (at the moment).In 1976 it was Lancers Club Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Pepper Jack's: I went today. I had a couple tacos and really liked them. One was shrimp and the other fish. Both were served on 2 decent-size grilled corn tortillas each, and had lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, cilantro, and sauce. I particularly liked the sauce on the shrimp diablo taco.I don't know if they're going to implement lunch specials eventually, but the food at the place is pricy. My two tacos were $8.28 plus tax. Fajitas for one is $14.99 for chicken or 16.99 for beef. Enchilada plates are $10.99 to $13.29. They have a build-your-own-burger option that's $10.99 for unlimited toppings (toppings like poblano, jalapeno, bell pepper, cheese guacamole, slaw, mushrooms, etc.) Bacon costs extra.There were other things on the menu that looked interesting: chicken posole, gumbo, crawfish tails, honey chipotle bbq ribs. There were happy hour specials 3 - 7 with some half price apps and drink specials. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 I ate next door at lunch, but picked up a menu afterward. Damn! Prices be high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
102IAHexpress Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 Snapped a shot of the new sign. Is it me, or does it look just like the old one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plumber2 Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 In 1976 it was Lancers ClubJust how old are you sev? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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