hindesky Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 https://houston.eater.com/2020/5/11/21254974/acme-oyster-house-opening-houston-expansion-new-orleans Iconic New Orleans Restaurant Acme Oyster House Is Coming to Houston It’s headed to the iconic Montrose space formerly occupied by El Real by Amy McCarthy May 11, 2020, 2:05pm CDT And now, finally, for some good news — iconic New Orleans restaurant Acme Oyster House is officially headed to Houston. Permit applications filed with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission indicate that the restaurant is headed to 1201 Westheimer Road, in the space once occupied by now-shuttered Tex-Mex restaurant El Real. The permit application was filed on April 17, which means that despite the coronavirus chaos, plans are still in motion for the Houston outpost of Acme Oyster House. “Acme has been very excited about entering the Houston market for a while now,” says Grant Walker, the Lee & Associates broker who repped Acme Oyster House in the deal. “We were looking for the right site to come available, and that happened when Bryan Caswell decided to close down El Real.” For the unfamiliar, Acme Oyster House has been a staple in New Orleans since 1910, serving an extensive menu of Cajun and Creole favorites like gumbo, red beans and rice, po’ boys, and of course, oysters. Oysters are shucked to order and served raw, char-grilled, or in a boozy oyster shooter. The restaurant has evolved into a chain over the years, and now operates multiple Louisiana outposts and restaurants in Florida and Alabama, but its New Orleans outpost, located in the French Quarter, continues to attract tourists in droves. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the chain has closed some restaurants while offering takeout at others, according to its website. No timeline has been set for Acme Oyster House’s debut, largely because of the coronavirus pandemic. “We are still moving forward and very excited to bring Acme to Houston,” Walker says. Stay tuned for more details. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Extremely pumped 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtowndweller Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Exciting news! With BBs right across the street, this seems like the more attractive classier big brother. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 My first thought is- what will they do with the sign? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Hopefully only adjust it to the name!!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 4 hours ago, gene said: Hopefully only adjust it to the name!!! Just read an article where they mentioned the neon signage as one of the reasons they chose the location. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Awesome to hear @nate4l1f3! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 So instead of Westerns, will they be playing reruns of Gilligan's Island? Forest Gump? Sealab 2021? Jokes aside, I'm very happy to hear that space will be filled, and not just sit there. Better that old building have a new tenant who will care for it than for a great little building like that rot and remain vacant. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 okay @Luminare that's it...you are awesome... anyone that mentions Sealab 2021 is 🏆 😋 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Luminare Posted May 18, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted May 18, 2020 Look at that stunning white! So long boring ole beige. I certainly won't miss you. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X.R. Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 Wow, the white with the Neon sign...post Covid that place will attract many a drunk customer. But also, will attract the 80% of Houston's population that travels to New Orleans/Louisiana for the food. Acme makes almost too much sense for Houston, and particularly Montrose. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 will Tex Mex be changed to Acme or Seafood...THAT is the real question!!! 🤔 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 28 minutes ago, gene said: will Tex Mex be changed to Acme or Seafood...THAT is the real question!!! 🤔 I say it should be changed to “Montrose” and Acme can put their name where El Real is. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted May 18, 2020 Share Posted May 18, 2020 (edited) 4 minutes ago, nate4l1f3 said: I say it should be changed to “Montrose” and Acme can put their name where El Real is. Or "Tower" I believe that was what the old name of the theater. Your proposal would be nice as well. Edited May 18, 2020 by Luminare 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 20 hours ago, Luminare said: Or "Tower" I believe that was what the old name of the theater. Your proposal would be nice as well. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted May 20, 2020 Author Share Posted May 20, 2020 On 5/18/2020 at 2:07 PM, Luminare said: Look at that stunning white! Adam and Eve's business should increase with all the oyster sales next door. 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X.R. Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 12 hours ago, mkultra25 said: Wait, so its missing a portion of the tower? Can we start a gofundme to get them to restore that portion? That would look greaaaat. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted May 20, 2020 Share Posted May 20, 2020 12 hours ago, X.R. said: Wait, so its missing a portion of the tower? Can we start a gofundme to get them to restore that portion? That would look greaaaat. Wow. Never knew or noticed that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted May 21, 2020 Share Posted May 21, 2020 On 5/19/2020 at 11:30 PM, X.R. said: Wait, so its missing a portion of the tower? Can we start a gofundme to get them to restore that portion? That would look greaaaat. It would be interesting to know when that portion of The Tower's tower was taken down. The theater opened February 14, 1936, and according to imdb.com "River Lady" was released in 1948, so it was up for at least 12 years. It definitely had been removed by the late 70's - probably earlier. I don't know whether it was eliminated to reduce maintenance costs or if it was an attempt to give the building a more 'modern' appearance. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 just a small update in that this past weekend they have changed the little marquis reader board on each side to say Acme Oyster House Coming 2021 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveB Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 I liked and will miss El Real, but ACME is going to be a great replacement. Most importantly, Mala Sichuan is still there. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted October 11, 2020 Author Share Posted October 11, 2020 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X.R. Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 Not quite the signage I expected us to get from an establishment as fine as Acme Oyster, especially for their first foray into Houston, but I guess thats ok...😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutchcity94 Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 3 hours ago, X.R. said: Not quite the signage I expected us to get from an establishment as fine as Acme Oyster, especially for their first foray into Houston, but I guess thats ok...😉 Looks like a Clearasil zit ad if you ask me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted December 7, 2020 Share Posted December 7, 2020 9,945 SQFT restaurant remodel permit issued 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted December 13, 2020 Author Share Posted December 13, 2020 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted December 28, 2020 Share Posted December 28, 2020 lots of workers onsite lately for the past week or so...! I hope they keep and maybe slightly expand on the upstairs portion... i also hope they brighten it up by not covering the windows with any dark tint on the front or side of the building. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted January 15, 2021 Author Share Posted January 15, 2021 Lots of contractors busy getting the reno done. 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share Posted February 15, 2021 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share Posted February 18, 2021 Opening soon according to this FB post 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 they have been working in the building almost nonstop even during this winter mess! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nate4l1f3 Posted February 24, 2021 Share Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) Tex Mex coming down Edited February 24, 2021 by nate4l1f3 Edit 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted February 25, 2021 Share Posted February 25, 2021 so happy they are keeping the tower/sign up! I wonder if they will just put ACME up there if anything at all...it will look cool either way! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted March 3, 2021 Share Posted March 3, 2021 (edited) They are currently now hiring: https://www.instagram.com/p/CL66AMMFLIX/ So maybe 2-3 weeks out? A little more? Edit: looks like they are hiring a dedicated oyster shucker https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=62416&clientkey=476A40F8AC9AD34FD1553861F6F61065 Edited March 3, 2021 by wilcal 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted March 5, 2021 Share Posted March 5, 2021 They posted on their Facebook that they would be opening in April with no specific date listed. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted March 25, 2021 Share Posted March 25, 2021 They are painting their entire portion of the building red and it definitely stands out! Looks to be midway through painting a huge logo on the parking lot facing side as well can't wait to check it all out! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post nate4l1f3 Posted March 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted March 28, 2021 (edited) Edited March 28, 2021 by nate4l1f3 9 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted March 30, 2021 Share Posted March 30, 2021 (edited) whoooooOOOOooOOooHooOooooooo! so happy they kept and made use of the amazing facade and sign(s)! thanks @nate4l1f3 for the awesome photo! the other side facing the parking lot looks amazing as well with painting the building red and the big Acme Oyster House logo...i will definitely be going opening weekend whenever that may be! Edited March 30, 2021 by gene 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted April 7, 2021 Share Posted April 7, 2021 opening THIS Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://houston.eater.com/2021/3/8/22319500/acme-oyster-house-montrose-april-opening-houston 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted April 7, 2021 Author Share Posted April 7, 2021 Acme Oyster House to open in Montrose April 10 Greg Morago April 7, 2021Updated: April 7, 2021, 11:28 am Since it was announced last spring, fans of New Orleans’ Acme Oyster House have been waiting patiently for Houston’s own outpost of the famed restaurant specializing in seafood and distinctly Big Easy flavors. The wait is over. Acme announced that Saturday, April 10 is opening day for one of the most anticipated restaurants of the new year. Acme is going into the former El Real Tex-Mex space (the iconic Tower Theatre) at 1201 Westheimer. The 11 a.m. opening will usher in a new era of oyster appreciation in Houston. Acme is famous for its raw oysters and char-grilled bivalves topped with herb butter and cheese. The menu also features po’boys (fried oyster, fried shrimp, roast beef, hot sausage and a signature special made with roast beef debris, ham, turkey and cheese), jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried seafood platters. The restaurant will mark opening day with in-house giveaways as well as free merchandise on social media and gift cards. “This is Texas, so we’ll be doing it up big for our grand opening,” said Mike Rodrigue, Acme owner and CEO. “We are proud to make the historic Tower Theatre our home. We look forward to serving Houstonians authentic Louisiana seafood and Creole cuisine favorites, just like we’ve done for decades in the French Quarter of New Orleans.” Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted April 7, 2021 Author Share Posted April 7, 2021 Acme Oyster Houston now has a Houston menu web page...... https://acmeoyster.com/houston/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 On 2/14/2021 at 8:41 PM, hindesky said: Interesting... so the "triangle" that protrudes out (that contains the movie list) wasn't constructed yet on opening day. Makes me wonder when and why they added it. Maybe it made it easier for people driving by to see the movie times. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 (edited) on their instagram they have some really great photos of the inside and have been tagged in quite a few photos as well... i am so happy they kept the stair case and upper level AND the big movie screen! it looks super cool and exactly what i was expecting if not even better @acmeoyster (they do not have a specific houston instagram (yet) but the latest posts are all houston related and watch their story as right now it's filled with houston greatness!) Edited April 8, 2021 by gene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hindesky Posted April 8, 2021 Author Popular Post Share Posted April 8, 2021 and from their instagram @gene 13 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 SO awesome right!?! I will be there saturday for lunch!!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted April 8, 2021 Share Posted April 8, 2021 Great photos, @hindesky! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted April 10, 2021 Share Posted April 10, 2021 Now open.....nice crowd... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilcal Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 (edited) Stopped in for lunch today. Got there around 25 minutes before open and the line really only started to ramp up about 5-10 minutes before open. Nice waitress said she drives down from Cleveland to work there. She said that they did $39k yesterday and that they haven't opened the upstairs seating area yet because they are still adjusting to the opening. She said her manager $39k is one of the best days any location has ever done in the history of the restaurant. Food was good and came out fast. Probably one of the smoother restaurant openings I've ever seen for such a large place. Edit: They posted on their FB that they are closed today because they ran out of food. I'm guessing Sunday was popular as well 😄 Edited April 12, 2021 by wilcal 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gene Posted April 12, 2021 Share Posted April 12, 2021 (edited) Went Saturday at noon...downstairs and upstairs were both open when i arrived. we had about 1 hr wait so we ran over to Present Company for a bit. Waitress was super nice and fun! My buddy had the salmon and it was a HUGE double portion...we go out to eat often and he orders salmon everywhere and again, it was twice the size here. He loved it. I had the crab cakes which are wayyyyy more crab than breading so that was awesome! love the hushpuppies as well. I wanted to get the bread pudding so bad it was about to kill me but seriously, the portions were so large that all that food was about to kill me too haha ;) anyway...super cool place and highly recommended...it was indeed VERY busy so i will go back once it slows down just a bit! (and love the big screen being up...they were showing baseball when i was there) Edited April 12, 2021 by gene 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted April 13, 2021 Author Share Posted April 13, 2021 Screen grabbed several pics from the Houston Chronicle. First one shows Jack Roach in 1936 at the current "Adam & Eve", I believe Jack Roach was a car dealership. Does anyone know what that high rise in the background was? The Tower theatre in 1977. This is what I remember it being when I first moved to the Houston area, I recall seeing lines for "Rocky Picture Horror Show" here. Can't remember if it was shown here first or at the Alabama Theater. I do remember seeing it a couple times at Alabama Theatre though. And "Decadance" night club between 1990 to 1995. I never went then as I was heavily into bicycle racing at the time and wasn't going clubbing at the time, just racing, training and sleeping. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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