It’s been roughly six years since the Spindletop, one of Houston’s more recognizable restaurants, closed its doors atop the Hyatt Regency Tower in downtown. Today, there is exciting news: The revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of the city is coming back on May 15.
“After closing during the COVID‑19 pandemic, Spindletop is reopening under the direction of Executive Chef Hernan Melendez, featuring a weekly four‑course prix fixe tasting menu and its signature 360‑degree rotating views of Houston, completing one full rotation every 45 minutes,” a Friday statement read.
The Spindletop first opened in 1972 on the 31st floor of the Hyatt at 1200 Louisiana St. The restaurant’s name, location and shape take inspiration from the Lucas gusher at Spindletop. The 1901 discovery of oil in the southeast Texas oil field came to be the spark that ushered in the Texas oil boom, radically changing the state’s economy and, subsequently, creating the Houston that we know today.
Prior to its pandemic closure, Spindletop was a romantic destination for many in the city and served a menu that joined Texas Gulf Coast and European cuisines at the hip. Today’s press release didn’t reveal what will be offered this time around. Melendez had previously worked stints at Carmel Valley Ranch, Bon Appétit Management Company, and the Ritz Carlton.
This actually isn’t the first time Spindletop has gone through a closure-reopening. Hurricane Ike, which landed in Texas in 2008, significantly damaged the restaurant. After a $14-million renovation, the restaurant reopened in 2010.
Spindletop is open on Friday and Saturday evenings, reservation only. If you’re interested, you can save a seat through TOCK.com.