Jax on the Tracks, 3452 Ella, softly opened in the former The Union Kitchen space February 18. It will have a grand opening celebration February 28 from noon to 4 p.m. with food and drink specials. 

Jax on the Tracks is ready with refreshing cocktails for the Houston heat. Credit: Quy Tran

When TUK closed this past January, the Garden Oaks neighborhood was sad to see it go, but it was less a departure than a transition, as TUK’s parent company, Gr8 Plate Hospitality, rebranded the space as a new concept. The family-owned restaurant group operates The Union Kitchen as well as Jax Grill. Jax on the Tracks is a sort of evolution for the Jax brand, retaining its family-friendly, neighborhood vibe, as it introduces a menu of longtime favorites alongside new items.

Jax will serve carrot cake from Kenny & Ziggy’s. Credit: Quy Tran

The menu features a hearty OG Union Burger, as well as comfort faves like fish and chips and Border Chicken Fried Chicken. In addition to a lineup of burgers, pizza and tacos, Jax is partnering with local companies including Demeris BBQ for plates such as Brisket Frito Chili Pie and Brisket Pizza. At brunch there will even be Brisket Benedict. Guests can also expect sweet treats from local New York-style deli, Kenny & Ziggy’s, like carrot cake and Oreo cake. 

Along with wine and beer, the new Jax will spotlight 10 signature cocktails including Smoked Old Fashioned, Mango Mezcalita and its own espresso martini. 

Pick your cut and your temp, then sit back and relax. Credit: Star Rover

Star Rover, 1801 N. Shepherd, opens February 26. Last month we reported here in the Houston Press that Rocket Farm Restaurants was transforming its Tex-Mex concept Superica into a steakhouse modeled after another Rocket Farm’s concept, Star Rover Sound, its Nashville steakhouse and honky-tonk. 

It’s a pretty simple set up. Guests pick a cut of steak, which is cooked to order, then served with salad and buttermilk rolls, plus a mix of French fries and onion rings for the table. There are shareable appetizers, plus homemade pies and soft-serve ice cream on the menu, too. The brunch menu features some faves from Superica and La Lucha including Superica Hotcakes and La Lucha Biscuit & Eggs, along with huevos rancheros, migas a la Mexicana and breakfast tacos. 

Classic cocktails like A Perfect Manhattan are available at Star Rover. Credit: Star Rover

The brunch service will also have a Bakery section with mini sausage and cheese kolaches, cast iron cinnamon rolls and warm biscuits and jam. These items are limited, so get there early. 

The bar program will have beer, wine and classic cocktails, plus signature drinks like the Filthy Martini, a frozen espresso martini and A Perfect Manhattan. 

Yakitori cooked over binchotan delivers lots of flavor. Credit: Toga

Toga, 4444 Westheimer, is shooting to open this March in the River Oaks District. It’s the fourth concept for Comma Hospitality which operates Neo, Kira and the newly-opened Oru. 

According to a press release, Toga will be the first yakitori-driven izakaya in Houston. Focused on binchotan charcoal grilling, the offerings include Mushroom Don, Udon Carbonara and Oyakadon, a braised chicken thigh with dashi glaze and onsen egg. Its izakaya-style small plates menu features Tuna Carpaccio, Madai Crudo and Pickled Gulf Shrimp. Diners will also find a Pork Katsu Sando, along with its burger that is served on a milk bread bun with comte cheese, tomato fondue and dashi aioli. 

The interior echoes Japanese minimalism with an eye to the philosophy of wabi-sabi, which celebrates imperfection. The bar program will complement the food menu with a curated selection of sake, Japanese beer and cocktails. 

The views from Birdie’s will be spectacular. Credit: FreeRange Concepts

Birdie’s Icehouse, 65 Hirsch, is celebrating its launch with a huge opening event March 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the  East River 9, a public nine-hole golf course with driving range and pickleball courts. Taking over the space which was formerly Riverhouse, the new restaurant and bar comes from FreeRange Concepts, the hospitality group behind The Rustic (with country music star Pat Green), Bowl and Barrel and The General Public. 

The venue is meant for sports viewing, but also sunset viewing over the beautifully-landscaped course and toward the downtown skyline. Whether it’s with an ice cold beer or a tasty cocktail, guests can lean back and relax after a game of pickleball, golf, or a tough day at the office. There’s also a curated menu of food, morning, noon and night. The breakfast menu includes tacos and a bacon, cheese and egg sandwich, while the main menu features bar bites like empanadas, nachos, wings and hummus. There is also a selection of burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos and salads. For kids, the restaurant offers the Little Birdies menu with grilled cheese, chicken strips or a cheeseburger. 

Co-owner and CEO Kyle Noonan says Birdie’s was created to be a true icehouse in both feel and function. He added, “ The focus is cold drinks, big screens and plenty of room to settle in, especially at sunset along the bayou.”

Honest Mary’s has bowls that are nourishing and delicious. Credit: Becca Wright

Honest Mary’s, 1085 Gessner, is coming to the Greenside development in fall 2026. It’s the second Houston location of the healthy-eating restaurant, founded in Austin in 2017. The first Houston spot opened in River Oaks in December 2025. Founder and CEO Nelson Monteith and wife Mary, also the brand’s namesake, have been expanding the concept across Austin and into Houston with COO and partner Andrew Wiseheart.

The made-from-scratch bowls offer quick and healthy options with fresh produce and responsibly-sourced ingredients. Guests can try one of its signature bowls, including Lemon Basil Chicken, Aloha Poke and Smoky Poblano, or opt for a build-your bowl with customizable proteins and toppings. Other healthy options include sipping broths and sweet treats like pineapple fruit jerky and almond butter cookies. The menu is entirely gluten-free.

Honest Mary’s is coming to the new Greenside development. Credit: Cedar Street Creative

The Greenside development is a collaboration between MetroNational and Radom Creative that is turning an industrial area of warehouse buildings into a wellness and community gathering space with the help of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. There will be restaurants, retail shops, green spaces and exercise opportunities. Upcoming tenants include Hiatus Day Spa, Leemoo Health Bar and Solidcore, a fitness studio.

We’re not drooling, you’re drooling. Credit: Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles

Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, 3611 Gulf Freeway, opens February 21. It’s the first Houston location for the soul food brand, which was founded in 2002 by Larry “Lo-Lo” White. Franchise owners Lucious and Aundria Barnum are excited to bring the Southern comfort food concept to the city. In a press release they said, “Houston is a city built on culture, flavor and community-everything Lo-Lo’s represents. This isn’t just about opening a restaurant. It’s about creating a space where people come together, celebrate and enjoy food that feeds the soul.”

You can’t get more Southern than this photo. Credit: Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles

As its name suggests, chicken and waffles are the mainstay on the menu. Diners can choose pieces, wings or chicken breast and even get it smothered with onion gravy. Speaking of gravy, there’s Momma’s Biscuits and Gravy, plus the Backwoods, which is a plate of chicken gizzards and rice, smothered. That would make my Piney Woods granny happy. 

Other plates include blackened catfish, shrimp and grits and a selection of breakfast items. Southern-style sides are plentiful with tummy-warming goodies such as red beans, dirty rice, fried okra, mac and cheese and candy sweet potatoes. 

Chefs Michael Hoffman and Davide de Angelis are helping to open sister concepts with restaurateur Charles Clark. Credit: Kennon Evett

Carlo, 1834 Westheimer, and Casa Carlo, 1830 Westheimer, will take over the former Paulie’s and Camerata spaces this summer. The new Italian concepts come from veteran Houston restaurateur Charles Cooper, in partnership with Davide de Angelis and Michael Hoffman. 

Clark is known for his previous hospitality partnership with Grant Cooper at Clark Cooper Concepts. The duo went their separate ways, business-wise, in 2022 with Clark keeping his successful French restaurant, Brasserie 19. De Angelis is the former executive chef at Coppa Osteria and will execute that role at both new concepts. Hoffman is currently executive chef at Brasserie 19 and will take on the role of culinary director and partner at all three restaurants. 

Carlo will be a casual eatery serving Italian comfort food in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere with guests able to take in the bustling action of the open kitchen. Casa Carlo, next door, will lean more toward Italian fine dining, debuting dinner service first, followed soon by a lunch service. 

Chef De Angelis will represent his heritage with a menu of fresh seafood, handmade pasta and seasonal produce. He says that Casa Carlo will reflect his Italian roots and the flavors he grew up with. “We want to share dishes that feel personal and authentic while delivering a refined and memorable dining experience.”

Anthony and Luca’s Pizza Kitchen, 9638 Jones, is coming to Houston soon. Founded in Pinellas Park, Florida, the restaurant serves both New York-style and New Jersey Boardwalk pizza, Philly cheesesteaks and just about everything else your doctor tells you to stay away from. Its steak and chicken phillies are served on Amoroso rolls, which have a cult following. There are also calzones, eggplant subs and arancini. The menu also features panzerotti, a fried stuffed pizza that Jersey boys, and girls, crave. Soon Houstonians can indulge as well.

When we reached out for an opening date, founder and CEO Brian Petruzzi told us in an email that it’s looking like mid or late March. Petruzzi was born and raised in South Philly and South Jersey and he’s excited to share the North East flavors. “Houston is an incredible market…We are excited to bring Real Philly Bread, the best ribeye cheesesteaks, New York or Jersey Boardwalk-style pizza and our favorite Italian street foods to the Houston, Texas market.”

Petruzzi added that those interested in the soft and grand openings should check out their Facebook page for updates.

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