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...
LTAWACS Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Uh... what cuisine? Greek? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 Uh... what cuisine? Greek?Yes. Also, he says he's going to have "the best pizza downtown", whatever that's worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 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.The Cabo comments should probably be moved to the Cabo topic. Anyway, I just walked by (Cabo). Some dudes were walking out the back door. I asked "Who's moving in." One just giggled and said "Nobody". I did not believe him.Biba's is a Greek - American diner. They were always really popular for breakfast and other American fare. So, I'm assuming they'll have b-fast, burgers, pizza, Greek salad and baklava. They also used to have a pizza place on Memorial. It was across the street from the Biba's One's a Meal that was in the building that was formerly an A-Frame I-Hop. This new location downtown should be really popular with the courthouse set. 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...
sevfiv Posted May 28, 2012 Share Posted May 28, 2012 The Cabo comments have been moved to the Cabo topic:http://www.houstonar...ed/page__st__30 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...
skwatra Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 This sounds like a non-profit I will be supporting:http://blogs.houston...r_to_open_d.phpNew bar that will donate profits to a monthly voted on (by patrons) charity potentially to open in the old Red Hat Jaz Cafe location at 924 Congress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Yeah, I'm excited. That's a beautiful space. I spent a lot of time there in high school, when they'd let under 21 in if you paid a cover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Great. Will this attract even more homeless to the area? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Great. Will this attract even more homeless to the area?No, and there are very few in this area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Interesting idea. Seems that many bars downtown can't manage enough proceeds to keep the doors open, hope they beat the odds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Interesting idea. Seems that many bars downtown can't manage enough proceeds to keep the doors open, hope they beat the odds.Clubs fail, but bars seem to be doing okay. Butterfly High was kind of half club half bar. It was replaced by a bar called Sunny's that seems to be doing okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 This should be a great addition. Can't wait to see it full and busy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrodiii Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 This is going to be awesome. Now if someone will start looking at the old St. Pete's place... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgriff Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Seems like it would be a good publicity stunt to declare that you are a non-profit, pay high enough wages to yourself and employees to make almost no profit and donate what's left to charity. I'm not saying that's what they're doing here but non-profit doesn't mean that no one is profiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Seems like it would be a good publicity stunt to declare that you are a non-profit, pay high enough wages to yourself and employees to make almost no profit and donate what's left to charity. I'm not saying that's what they're doing here but non-profit doesn't mean that no one is profiting.Maybe, but I'm quite sure they'll be transparent about just how much money is donated to each charity at the end of each month. If the prices seem in line with other bars, I'm not really that bothered by this possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totheskies Posted July 21, 2012 Share Posted July 21, 2012 Market Square is open now, and from what I've heard we need more bars in the area again. Isn't Hearsay doing pretty well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 21, 2012 Share Posted July 21, 2012 It looks like downtown dining's struggles aren't over yet.On his Facebook page, Samba Grille executive chef David Guerrero announced Friday night that Saturday's service would be the restaurant's last."Tomorrow will be our last service at Samba Grille, one door closes, ten will open. I Left my soul, heart and passion in this place. Thanks to everybody who showed me love and support and who believes in this cuisine," he wrote. "We'll be back soon. Salud."This is a huge loss for downtown and for the Houston dining scene in general — Guerrero's South American steakhouse fare was consistently excellent and unmatched in Houston.According to rumors, Samba's investors are looking for another location that would offer steadier crowds than the current Bayou Place/theater district spot. Where would you like to see Guerrero and company cooking next?http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/07-21-12-11-01-the-last-dance-samba-grille-to-close-downtown-after-saturday-service/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted July 22, 2012 Share Posted July 22, 2012 Not good. I love that place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 It's terrible it closed but I mean downtown is becoming a hot be for development. Don't be surprised if something better fills that spot. I was in downtown about two weeks ago and saw a few empty spots where restaurants used to be, and like two days later I read that 4 new restaurants are coming downtown and filling those voids. Barnabys and PepperJacks to name a couple. I used to be very sceptical when something was proposed downtown because I felt it had little chance of surviving, but in the 26yrs I've been alive, I've never seen Houston go through such a rennaissance of new development and better planned infrastructure. This is an exciting time to be from Houston. The attention we've lacked for years nationally is about to explode. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 I work a block or so away and had never heard of it.As far as where they should relocate. I think Montrose. We are lacking in dining options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 Little Napoli opened next door to this Samba a week or two ago. The Main Street location for Little Napoli closed about a month ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C2H Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 It's terrible it closed but I mean downtown is becoming a hot be for development. Don't be surprised if something better fills that spot. I was in downtown about two weeks ago and saw a few empty spots where restaurants used to be, and like two days later I read that 4 new restaurants are coming downtown and filling those voids. Barnabys and PepperJacks to name a couple. I used to be very sceptical when something was proposed downtown because I felt it had little chance of surviving, but in the 26yrs I've been alive, I've never seen Houston go through such a rennaissance of new development and better planned infrastructure. This is an exciting time to be from Houston. The attention we've lacked for years nationally is about to explode. You take bad news pretty well, i must say. I'm sorry to be a debbie downer, but this doesn't pose as any good coming out for downtown. Just think how Main Street square (or what used to be) has completely gone black at night. Pretty much void of any nightlife whatsoever. Driving through downtown at night looking for the blocks of activity it once literally brings a tear to my eye. I really had high hopes for downtown when i moved here just under ten years ago. I thought after all the additions downtown has added over the last few years, it would add to what was already there. With all these closings, it takes something away and it almost seems like downtown is having to start all over again from scratch. The nightlife has almost gone non-existant and is more scattered around which takes away from the vibrancy of it. Main Street Square 2004/2005ish and even through part of 2006 seemed to be a little glimmer of hope that downtown was on the rise as an entertainment area. Oh well, i'm going to end my rant by saying that maybe i'm ignorant to all the things that may be moving forward. I don't frequent downtown as much as I used to, but the few nights that I've gone was dissapointing to say the least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted July 23, 2012 Share Posted July 23, 2012 You take bad news pretty well, i must say. I'm sorry to be a debbie downer, but this doesn't pose as any good coming out for downtown. Just think how Main Street square (or what used to be) has completely gone black at night. Pretty much void of any nightlife whatsoever. Driving through downtown at night looking for the blocks of activity it once literally brings a tear to my eye. I don't recall any clubs ever being located on Main Street Square. Main Street Square has things like Reliant Energy Plaza and the back side of a parking garage, etc. Bombay Pizza is near there, and stays open fairly late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 Exactly C2H, in the past 15 years I've seen the city develop a more stable infrastructure to help draw businesses. This includes things like streetscape projects, beautification of some of the sidewalks, and more recently light rail. All of these things were developed to help bring the kind of businesses and development that could stabilize downtown into a liveable neighborhood. So in the past 10 years, more infrastructure has developed both in the private and public sector; Discovery Green, Market Square Park, Light Rail Expansion, Toyota Center, Convention Center Hotel, a grocery store for those living downtown in Phoenicia, the list goes on. Now understand that downtown prior to these past 10 years of growth had been neglected for almost 25 years after the oil crash in the 80's. The reason for the crash is because so much was invested in an unstable source, oil. If you were an investor or a company, would you put your business in a place where no one has invested in years? Of course not. The economy has been so unstable for investors and developers. Today, there is not a more well positioned city in the country. Construction is not happening anywhere else like it's happening here. There is more growing support for light rail expansion to help transport the millions expected in the next 20 years. This city has two extremely stable markets going for it, the health care sector and energy, not just oil like in the past, but also renewable forms of energy. New York City has already went through what we are going through 100 years ago. For NYC's first 150 yrs of existence, conditions were terrible. It's only in the past 100 years that NYC has become what it is now. I'm not saying it's going to take us 100 years, but Houston is a young city, we are the visionaries now that 100 years ago in NYC were trying to develop a more stable city. It's taken 10 years of instability in the market to catch up with this stable city. This is really the beginning of our renaissance, so expect things to change a whole lot more in the next 10 years. This isn't just pointless optimism, trust me I know what I've seen and studied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 (edited) Sorry if I kept repeating some of the same points, typing too fast. Edited July 24, 2012 by j_cuevas713 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted July 24, 2012 Share Posted July 24, 2012 These first wave of business' are just temps, more stable business is going to develop as property values continue to rise. Hell look at the new NBC Studio we are getting at the Pavilions. Be optimistic my friend, Houston is booming. And sorry for repeating some of the same points in my first post. Typing too fast. 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...
worldlyman Posted August 4, 2012 Share Posted August 4, 2012 You take bad news pretty well, i must say. I'm sorry to be a debbie downer, but this doesn't pose as any good coming out for downtown. Just think how Main Street square (or what used to be) has completely gone black at night. Pretty much void of any nightlife whatsoever. Driving through downtown at night looking for the blocks of activity it once literally brings a tear to my eye. I really had high hopes for downtown when i moved here just under ten years ago. I thought after all the additions downtown has added over the last few years, it would add to what was already there. With all these closings, it takes something away and it almost seems like downtown is having to start all over again from scratch. The nightlife has almost gone non-existant and is more scattered around which takes away from the vibrancy of it. Main Street Square 2004/2005ish and even through part of 2006 seemed to be a little glimmer of hope that downtown was on the rise as an entertainment area. Oh well, i'm going to end my rant by saying that maybe i'm ignorant to all the things that may be moving forward. I don't frequent downtown as much as I used to, but the few nights that I've gone was dissapointing to say the least. I've been going downtown the past few Friday/Saturday nights now and it's still reasonably busy. It isn't 2000-2004 mass peak but there's still a lot of activity there. It has more of a busy neighborhood nightlife vibe as opposed to the 6th St or Bourbon St. carnival crowd it used to have...and it's still OK with me. I still saw a lot of people packed in at No-Tsu-Oh, Flying Saucer, Minuti's Coffee, Molly's and such. And the attraction of downtown for me isn't just Main St. I like what I see over in front of Jones Plaza/Bayou Place and on Caroline St. across from Houston Pavilions. People were walking down Travis to Frank's Pizza and Pepper Jacks past midnight. Lots of people sitting in the patio of Sambuca. Houston's nightlife areas are fairly plenty now, with other areas and districts competing with downtown. That being said, downtown Houston is still a good nocturnal entertainment destination among so many that we have in the area. It could be much worse. I know and remember what downtown Houston in the 80s and early 90s was like on a weekend night. Now that was truly dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted August 5, 2012 Share Posted August 5, 2012 Completely agree, from 2001-2005 was just a rush of people new to the downtown area. That fad died and now we are seeing more stable business downtown. I've noticed the same, downtown from Thurs to Sunday seems pretty packed with activity. It's becoming more of a family environment not just a bunch of short lived clubs and party goers like back in 2004. The past 15yrs the city has pumped $3 billion in infrastructure and they plan on adding another $4 billion in the next 10 years to continue to draw the amenities needed to have a stable neighborhood. I really see downtown beginning to boom in the next 5 yrs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worldlyman Posted August 6, 2012 Share Posted August 6, 2012 (edited) Completely agree, from 2001-2005 was just a rush of people new to the downtown area. That fad died and now we are seeing more stable business downtown. I've noticed the same, downtown from Thurs to Sunday seems pretty packed with activity. It's becoming more of a family environment not just a bunch of short lived clubs and party goers like back in 2004. The past 15yrs the city has pumped $3 billion in infrastructure and they plan on adding another $4 billion in the next 10 years to continue to draw the amenities needed to have a stable neighborhood. I really see downtown beginning to boom in the next 5 yrs.Yeah, one of those nights I actually saw a mom pushing a baby stroller. And with the addition of Discovery Green, short of being a full blown mixed use/residential area, downtown is actually a viable entertainment/leisure option. Wouldn't it be great if those funky and hot retailers set up on Main St? That would be a great, great thing.As it is, it might be Houston's destiny that the funky and hot retailers are meant for the Heights, Montrose, Midtown, Washington Ave and the Galleria. Perhaps downtown, aside from the business aspect, will always be our high cultural activity hub, nice large public park, and one bar/nightlife district among Houston's others.I guess we could strive for better but downtown Houston 2012 is certainly far better than downtown Houston 1993 or such. Yes, I feel could that there could be a shot of positivity for the next five years downtown. Edited August 6, 2012 by worldlyman 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...
sevfiv Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Just how old are you sev? Just old enough to have gathered a few directories and online resources 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sifuwong Posted September 7, 2012 Share Posted September 7, 2012 Used to go there when Spy was still open....downtown hasn't been the same since the late 90s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 The Burger Guys have been operating way out on Westheimer for a while. They just opened their Downtown location on Wednesday in the former Korma Sutra place, across from Flying Saucer.http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2012/11/first_look_at_the_burger_guys.phpI think their burgers are totally worth the $10 price tag. I'm glad they're finally inside the Loop, because I never got to make it out to the other location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted November 12, 2012 Share Posted November 12, 2012 They seem to have strong business the times I have walked by there. Tough to go broke selling cheeseburgers in Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skwatra Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 (edited) Checked this place out last weekend. Decent crowd on Friday night, good drinks. Kept the historic building in tact, straightforward simple tables and a bar. 4 different charities you can vote for when you buy a drink. We'll see if they are public about how much, if any, they donate at the end of the month (I would think there is a high chance they wouldn't be profitable the first month). Edited January 14, 2013 by skwatra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Market Square is open now, and from what I've heard we need more bars in the area again. Isn't Hearsay doing pretty well?Yes, Hearsay finally got some good cocktails and seem to stay pretty busy now. Food menu hasn't changed much, but the quality seems more consistent now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 The Byrd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
infinite_jim Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 (edited) I took some out of town friends here last weekend. The drink menu is all u-call-its. It's still has a saloon feel to it and the space is nicely lit for a bar, esp considering the barrel vaulted ceiling is close to 20' high at apex. Edited January 14, 2013 by infinite_jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skwatra Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 They said they would be putting together a printed drink menu with options soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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