The Heights Restaurant And Bar Scene - More Coming

[bedmondson]

I am sure it is next to impossible to close down for a couple weeks and retain that large of a staff. 

[west20th]

Think I'll stay out of the restaurant business. Too crazy. 

[BullMan008]

I tried Skinny Ritas on Main last week and it was great. Bar was good and the kitchen was good. A little slow but thats expected during an opening of a new restaurant. Going again this week.

[s3mh]

I have not been to Skinny Ritas, but know a lot of folks who have.  Praise has been universal and strong.  Creative menu, good drinks and very vegetarian friendly/healthy without getting all caught up in the douchy "Fresh Mex" thing that is all over Austin. 

 

I did try Alli's Pizzeria.  Heights General Store downsized the grocery into the hallway on the west side of the store and has dedicated the east side of the first floor to the new pizzeria.  I have to say that it is very good.  For $8-10, you can get a personal sized pizza that is fairly close to a Neapolitan style pizza (very thin crust).  Beats Collina's pizza by a mile.  It is quick too, as the pizzas are cooked under high heat and it is counter service.  The do serve beer and wine, too.  This is a great place to go to when you do not feel like cooking and do not want to deal with the crowds/prices of places like Down House, LKHH, etc.

 

Also, if you just haven't been able to get high end pop up dinners from talented local chef's served in a Shell station, you will be excited to learn that your wait is over.  The folks behind Down House and DT are doing a series of pop up dinners at the soul food restaurant at the Shell station on the corner of Yale and Crosstimbers.  No, really.  I am not making this up:

 

http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/08/chef-richard-knight-to-inagurate-new-kipper-club-test-kitchen/#26014101=0

 

I have also heard that Hunky Dory/Foreign Correspondents are finally getting permits and should be breaking ground soon.

[west20th]

 

 

I have also heard that Hunky Dory/Foreign Correspondents are finally getting permits and should be breaking ground soon.

Great news. It was starting to look like a failed project like the food truck lot around 16th and Shepherd. 

[JCR]

Restaurant Death Watch: Piatto.  Anyone else notice the taped over portion on the hanging sign.  Why they ever thought they could do lunch I'll never know.  Most likely not doing the covers needed with that overhead.

 

Restaurant Death Watch Reprieve:  The El reopened on Wednesday.  Not enough time to do a total revamp, but maybe to think about addressing issues listed on Yelp, Reddit, Google, and the Houston Press.  They did seek outside expertise but no deal was executed AFAIK but maybe they will implement the free advice given.  Or maybe not.

 

Rumor mill: A fine dining joint for the north Yale area (Sunset Heights)  Discussions ongoing no deal inked as of yet.

 

GOOF: Building on CoH property and an unpermitted patio.  No wonder you've been red tagged.  Way to go Berryhill!

 

Crater Heights Alliance:  The Bedford/Stella Sola building.  There are many reasons this place is still empty.  It is so bad that very successful local restaurateurs have avoided it like the plague. And when outsider moneys who are eating up the Heights hype and overpaying for everything else are avoiding it too that just goes to show you how bad it is. The only way this property will ever be useful is tabula rasa.  A gas/electrical fire would not surprise me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SilverJK]

I went to Skinny Ritas,  it was pretty good.  Will be a great place once the weather cools off a bit.

[s3mh]

Boulevard Coffee is closing.  Apparently another landlord dispute.  Not the best coffee in the Heights, but great pastries and best patio.  Crossing fingers that they can work this out. 

[tanith27]

Really sad to hear this.  They seemed to be doing everything right.  Place was always busy when we went.  I'm a landlord and I am very content to have reduced rent in exchange for an awesome tenant.

[s3mh]

http://swamplot.com/boulevard-coffee-is-giving-up-on-heights-blvd-after-just-7-months/2014-09-09/

 

I hope the Boulevard people got allowances on their lease for all the improvements they made.  It is a bit disturbing to see lessees like Zelko and Boulevard pile money into improvements and then get bounced (or attempted to be bounced).  

[mollusk]

Problems with small landlords are endemic in the restaurant/bar industry.  Tenant puts in a bunch of buildout, gets visibility for what may have been a difficult space to lease out by being successful, landlord (who may not have a percentage rent agreement on what is often a relatively short term lease) decides it's now much more valuable and wants more... lots more, which then would make the tenant's business just as busy but not as successful.

 

Persuading those landlords that pigs get fed and hogs get slaughtered can be difficult.

[s3mh]

Word on Boulevard is that it was a bit more of a business divorce, but with a landlord element to it.  Owner of the property did have some sort of interest in the coffee shop with a partner who ran the business.  Owner is looking for someone else to open a coffee shop in Boulevard's place.  Boulevard people may try to reopen in another location. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bird-House/689358851154810?fref=photo

 

Meanwhile, the Houston StrEats guys opened a fried chicken takeout place in the Boil House space on 11th st.  Hugz and Donuts is supposed to be ready in about a month.  I wish they would just take their food truck menu and put it in a brick and motor restaurant instead of teasing us with fried chicken and donuts.  I would love to be able to get the short rib sliders without having to chase the truck all over town.

 

Finally, Barnaby's is supposed to be replacing the shuttered City Oven on White Oak.  I used to like Barnaby's, but people in my office would insist on having lunch there almost every week and burnt me out on the place.  The name recognition will probably help overcome the parking limitations.

 

 

[s3mh]

http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/09/southern-goods-a-new-project-from-charles-bishop-and-lyle-bento-set-for-the-heights/#26648101=5

 

Busy week in the Heights.  I am tempted to say "oh, no .  . . not another comfort food/southern concept in the Heights."  But each version currently in the Heights is so very different (Zelko, Liberty Kitchen, Heights General Store, etc.) that there may be room for more, especially from a talented chef.

[Angostura]

http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/09/southern-goods-a-new-project-from-charles-bishop-and-lyle-bento-set-for-the-heights/#26648101=5

 

Busy week in the Heights.  I am tempted to say "oh, no .  . . not another comfort food/southern concept in the Heights."  But each version currently in the Heights is so very different (Zelko, Liberty Kitchen, Heights General Store, etc.) that there may be room for more, especially from a talented chef.

 

 

Opening in January probably means an existing restaurant space. Otherwise permits and build-out would take until spring or summer at least.

 

Any chance this goes in the Stella Sola space?

[s3mh]

Table 19 on the other side of the street on W 19th closed and the property changed hands.  That is probably the only other spot in the Heights other than the old Stella Sola location that would not need an extensive build out.  But, folks in the restaurant biz tend to be incredibly overly optimistic when it comes to opening dates.

[JCR]

Went to the Bird House on 11th across from Buchanan's for lunch.  In addition to the fried chicken they also have a chicken fried steak that was mighty tasty.  They told me they are planning to do crawfish again for next season.  The Boil House and Bird House are the same folks.  

 

 

[SilverJK]

I ate at Birdhouse the other day as well,  it was pretty good.  We got the family pack and it was plenty for 2 adults and a toddler.  Kinda pricey for just a 2 or 3 peice though.

 

 

 

[Purpledevil]

Went to the Bird House on 11th across from Buchanan's for lunch. In addition to the fried chicken they also have a chicken fried steak that was mighty tasty. They told me they are planning to do crawfish again for next season. The Boil House and Bird House are the same folks.

Thanks for the tip, JCR. I'm always on the lookout for a new CFS to try out, and after previous conversations, I know there are a couple of HAIFers thrilled with the information in your post. Can you give me a cross street on 11th? Is it on East or West 11th? I don't know where Buchanan's is.

[mkultra25]

Thanks for the tip, JCR. I'm always on the lookout for a new CFS to try out, and after previous conversations, I know there are a couple of HAIFers thrilled with the information in your post. Can you give me a cross street on 11th? Is it on East or West 11th? I don't know where Buchanan's is.

 

606 E. 11th, between Studewood and Heights. Closest cross street is Oxford. 

 

I haven't been there yet but have been meaning to try it this week. 

[JCR]

Thanks for the tip, JCR. I'm always on the lookout for a new CFS to try out, and after previous conversations, I know there are a couple of HAIFers thrilled with the information in your post. Can you give me a cross street on 11th? Is it on East or West 11th? I don't know where Buchanan's is.

 

Other CFS I can recommend are from Glass Wall and Franks Americana Revival in River Oaks.  At Franks, it is on both the lunch and dinner menus.

 

As for the Birdhouse check their facebook and twitter.  They only make a certain quantity of food and that's it.  They run out like Gatlins BBQ does.

 

[BullMan008]

Went to the Bird House on 11th across from Buchanan's for lunch.  In addition to the fried chicken they also have a chicken fried steak that was mighty tasty.  They told me they are planning to do crawfish again for next season.  The Boil House and Bird House are the same folks.

I went and tried this and it was pretty damn good. I think they are a drive through but you can easily park on Oxford and walk there. Not a big place but great for a quick bite.

[Ross]

We ate at Bird House tonight. Chicken was good, sides were great. Parked on Oxford with no problem at all. Food was served about very hot from cooking - I had to let it cool off for a while.

[Angostura]

That chicken is the truth.  Very crunchy, and the underlying meat is well seasoned.  (I was a little underwhelmed by the red beans and rice, though.)

 

I'm assuming they brine before they fry, which would explain why they only have a finite amount before they sell out.

 

 

[johnf]

Went to the Birdhouse at 11:30 today based on reviews above. Parking was very small and full so thought drive thru was the answer. One car ahead of me; great. It took 20 minutes to take that car's order because the order taker was too busy taking orders from walk-ups, maybe 6 people in line inside the restaurant. When I finally got to place an order, I simply asked "I waited 20 minutes to place an order, how long will it take to get the food?" The order taker took offense at my 20 minute wait statement, argued that point for 5 minutes and then stated "it is lunch time you know and I'm the only front person so you just have to wait your turn". Then she stated "it will be at least 20 - 25 minutes to get your food out due to the lunch hour rush". I stated that of course everyone knows that 11:30 is the lunch hour and I would have thought that of all businesses, a restaurant would plan and staff accordingly for said lunch hour rush." She appeared confused by my statement so I gave her a quick Thank you and drove off.  Might be symptomatic of start up pains so I'll try again on an off hour but just wanted to warn everyone that if you are pressed for time at lunch hour, you should consider an alternative until they get their act together.   I'm hoping the Birdhouse ownership reads this quasi review and does some remedial customer service training. 

[Texasota]

...I'm not sure what you were expecting...

 

 

Went to the Birdhouse at 11:30 today based on reviews above. Parking was very small and full so thought drive thru was the answer. One car ahead of me; great. It took 20 minutes to take that car's order because the order taker was too busy taking orders from walk-ups, maybe 6 people in line inside the restaurant. When I finally got to place an order, I simply asked "I waited 20 minutes to place an order, how long will it take to get the food?" The order taker took offense at my 20 minute wait statement, argued that point for 5 minutes and then stated "it is lunch time you know and I'm the only front person so you just have to wait your turn". Then she stated "it will be at least 20 - 25 minutes to get your food out due to the lunch hour rush". I stated that of course everyone knows that 11:30 is the lunch hour and I would have thought that of all businesses, a restaurant would plan and staff accordingly for said lunch hour rush." She appeared confused by my statement so I gave her a quick Thank you and drove off.  Might be symptomatic of start up pains so I'll try again on an off hour but just wanted to warn everyone that if you are pressed for time at lunch hour, you should consider an alternative until they get their act together.   I'm hoping the Birdhouse ownership reads this quasi review and does some remedial customer service training. 

 

[johnf]

Is it too much to ask not to wait 45 minutes to get an order of fried chicken? 

[Texasota]

at a small restaurant that just opened during the lunch rush? Yes, actually, that's an unrealistic expectation. 

[de la rosa]

Is it too much to ask not to wait 45 minutes to get an order of fried chicken? 

 

Chicken can take a little bit longer to cook properly (re: no blood).  Combine this with a busy lunch rush and the fact that they are probably cooking food to order and not making it all beforehand and keeping it under heat lamps a la Popeye's, AND the store is understaffed at lunch?? It kind of makes sense.  Still, I sympathize with your plight and probably would have just gone elsewhere.  Making any kind of comment like that probably added an extra five minutes to your wait time, lol.

 

Edited September 25, 2014 by de la rosa

[BullMan008]

Went to the Birdhouse at 11:30 today based on reviews above. Parking was very small and full so thought drive thru was the answer. One car ahead of me; great. It took 20 minutes to take that car's order because the order taker was too busy taking orders from walk-ups, maybe 6 people in line inside the restaurant. When I finally got to place an order, I simply asked "I waited 20 minutes to place an order, how long will it take to get the food?" The order taker took offense at my 20 minute wait statement, argued that point for 5 minutes and then stated "it is lunch time you know and I'm the only front person so you just have to wait your turn". Then she stated "it will be at least 20 - 25 minutes to get your food out due to the lunch hour rush". I stated that of course everyone knows that 11:30 is the lunch hour and I would have thought that of all businesses, a restaurant would plan and staff accordingly for said lunch hour rush." She appeared confused by my statement so I gave her a quick Thank you and drove off.  Might be symptomatic of start up pains so I'll try again on an off hour but just wanted to warn everyone that if you are pressed for time at lunch hour, you should consider an alternative until they get their act together.   I'm hoping the Birdhouse ownership reads this quasi review and does some remedial customer service training.

I'm hoping the Birdhouse ownership reads this and gives the girl up front a raise. Im sure they are working on how to staff for what times and days. No reason to b!tch about it because they couldnt cook chicken like the fast-food chain down the street. The chicken was damn good when I went. I'll be going back for sure.

[JCR]

I just got back from the Birdhouse and being the only customer there, I got my food in 5 minutes.  This was my 2nd visit and first time for chicken as I had CFS the first time, both were excellent.  There were also more choices in sides and specials today. 

 

I mentioned to the young lady that I had read here on HAIF the incident with the late morning customer.  She said he was extremely rude and that they were very busy at the time.  I showed her this thread on her phone and she got a kick out of it and read it to the staff in back.

 

Guess what people?  The food is made to order.  If you want fast food under heat lamps there are plenty of other choices elsewhere.

 

And as always, I just find it easier to park on Oxford and walk over to the place.