Medium Rare quietly closed in Midtown, among the Houston restaurants that closed in September.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
Tex-Mex restaurants, a barbecue joint and a budget-friendly steakhouse were among the Houston restaurants that closed in September.
At least 10 Houston restaurants closed last month. Some owners attributed the closures to slow sales, including the Waffle Bus in Cypress. Others, like Medium Rare, quietly closed without announcing the news on social media.
Here are the restaurants that closed in September.
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MORE CLOSINGS: 16 restaurants that closed in August, including Houston institutions like Barbecue Inn and Picos
Cyclone Anaya’s (River Oaks)
A selection of Tex-Mex dishes from Cyclone Anaya’s, which closed in River Oaks.
Jenn Duncan
Houston mini-chain Cyclone Anaya’s closed its River Oaks location. It had been open since early 2024. In a quick turn of events, Picos, the 42-year-old Mexican restaurant, took over the space after closing its longtime spot on Kirby.
Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen
A selection of dishes from Good Vibes Coastal Cantina, which recently closed.
Brandon Holmes
Both locations of Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen are now closed. Chron.com reported that staff were given only hours notice of the closings.
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Herand’s Kitchen
Herand’s Kitchen closed in the Heights.
Herand’s Kitchen
This Persian-Mediterranean restaurant in the Heights closed. Owner Herand Tahmasian decided that the time was right to step away from the restaurant and begin a new chapter, according to a Facebook post. The restaurant first opened in 2021 in Glendale, Calif. It reopened in Houston in 2024, serving both Persian and Greek dishes.
Lenox Barbecue
An East End fixture, Lenox Barbecue was the latest barbecue joint to call it quits, according to a post made by the owners. They explained that Lenox Barbecue opened nearly 80 years ago as Lenox Cafe and evolved into its barbecue name. The last owners had it for 25 years.
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“While we are sad that the era of Lenox BBQ will come to a close, it’s the right time. We leave you with a giant thank you for supporting Lenox BBQ,” the post read.
Medium Rare
Medium Rare is now closed in Midtown.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
Medium Rare joined its neighbors Pok Pok Po and Bol in closing. The budget-minded steakhouse was in Houston for almost two years. It flexed a $31 prix-fixe menu of their culotte steak, served with fries, a salad and bread. Born in Washington, D.C., it still has locations on the East Coast.
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Pappasitos Cantina
The original Pappasitos Cantina at Richmond and Hillcroft closed in September.
Pappas Restaurants
The original Pappasitos Cantina location at Richmond and Hillcroft closed mid-September. Pappas said the decision was made after looking at the “long-term outlook for this location.” Known as “Sito’s #1,” it opened in 1983. The restaurant group is still deciding what it will do with the property, which it owns. There are more than 20 Pappasitos locations across Texas.
Queen Bee’s Tea Room
Queen Bee’s Tea Room quietly closed in the Heights.
Dave Kurian/Contributor
This cute tea room in the Heights quietly closed after a short run in Houston. It opened last October with Great Britain meets Southern hospitality vibes.
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Red Flame Steak & Grill (Katy)
After three years, Red Flame Steak & Grill closed in Katy. Its original location is still open in Magnolia.
Underbelly Burger
Underbelly Burger closed in September.
Julie Soefer
Underbelly Burger closed mid-month. An Underbelly representative told the Houston Chronicle that there was not much to say about the closure. It marks the end of a formerly formidable hospitality group. The burger restaurant is part of Underbelly Hospitality, which was founded by chef Chris Shepherd, who heavily promoted Houston as a culinary destination.
The Waffle Bus (Cypress)
Phi Nguyen, owner of The Waffle Bus, prepares waffles on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle
The Waffle Bus, a 14-year-old Houston food truck turned restaurant, closed its newest Cypress location after a two-year run. Owner Phi Nguyen has been transparent with the Chronicle about the hardships faced by his business. Waffle Bus was thriving, he said, until the pandemic. He never fully recovered the customers he lost and he was already committed to opening the Cypress location when business became tough. He still has locations of the chicken and waffles restaurant in Montrose and Heights, which run daily deals to bring new customers in.