{"id":145787,"date":"2026-01-31T22:35:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T22:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/145787\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T22:35:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T22:35:30","slug":"openings-and-closings-two-tacos-a-go-go-sushi-horiuchi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/145787\/","title":{"rendered":"Openings and Closings: Two Tacos A Go Go, Sushi Horiuchi"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tacos A Go Go, 2231 S. Voss and 1102 Yale, opened this week, debuting the full bars that feature the handiwork of restaurateur and mixology expert Bobby Heugel. Known for cocktail havens such as Anvil Bar & Refuge and Better Luck Tomorrow, Heugel has been nominated numerous times for a James Beard Award and was a finalist twice for Outstanding Bar Program. He opened a new bar, Donna\u2019s, in the Houston Heights area this past December.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"The new Heights location is funky, colorful and a little retro. Credit: Dylan McEwan<\/p>\n

Serving a menu of tacos and quesadillas from breakfast to late night service, the two new locations offer colorful and fun interiors as well as covered outdoor patios. Hand-painted graphics and collages from Matt Tabor of Letterset Houston decorate the restaurant spaces, designed by Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Designs.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Voss location has both indoor and outdoor seating. Credit: Dylan McEwan<\/p>\n

The taco menu begins with breakfast versions like migas and the veggie lover\u2019s egg taco, then extends to pollo tinga, lamb barbacoa, grilled fish, beef fajita and more. There are also nachos, salads and quesadillas. Heugel\u2019s influence on the bar program, done in collaboration with Mate Hartai and Tyler Wang, is evident in the freshly-squeezed juices and creative ingredients. New cocktails include the Mole Espresso Martini, Frozen Mangonada and a pico de gallo-flavored margarita.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Sharon Haynes, Bobby Heugel and Maribel Gomez have combined tasty tacos with creative cocktails. Credit: Dylan McEwan<\/p>\n

Founder Sharon Haynes says launching full bars at the new locations was a natural evolution of the brand. \u201cWe\u2019re known for fresh, authentic flavors and our bold, fun new cocktails and designated bar area are totally in line with that way of thinking. \u201c<\/p>\n

\"\"Chef Manabu Horiuchi is living the dream. Credit: Vivian Leba<\/p>\n

Sushi Horiuchi, 2701 W. Dallas, opened January 27, next to its sister restaurant Katami. The six-seat omakase concept comes from Chef Manabu Horiuchi, long-regarded as one of Houston\u2019s best chefs, both for Katami and Kata Robata. The new intimate omakase is the fulfillment of a longtime vision for the Japanese chef and he says that it is the last he plans to open.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"It\u2019s almost like a sushi speakeasy. Credit: Vivian Leba<\/p>\n

The minimalistic interior sets the scene for an experience that is all about the food and the skilled chefs creating it. Along with Chef Hori, who will be leading each service, is assistant chef Anna Tran whose technical precision and work ethic have led to this prominent position in a typically male-dominated sushi chef world. Chef Hori sees her role as key in the direction of the new concept, as well as an opportunity to showcase the talents of a female chef.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The duo will also have the hospitality expertise of sommelier and industry professional Jessica Cano to round out the team.<\/p>\n

\"\"The intimate space offers an exclusive experience. Credit: Vivian Leba<\/p>\n

The concept of omakase is one of \u201cleaving it up to the chef\u201d to deliver guests a signature multi-course menu . Letting a chef of Hori\u2019s capabilities do his magic is a pricey experience, but also a memorable one. There\u2019s a reason he has been nominated for a James Beard Award five times, including his most recent semifinalist nod for Outstanding Chef.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With only six guests per seating and just one seating at 7 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, the reservations are filling up quickly for the $300 omakase. Guests are also able to add on a classic sake pairing for $100 or bump it up to the premium for $200.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"A mural at The Woodlands location pays homage to the original. Credit: Lauren Lutz<\/p>\n

Lankford\u2019s, 24 Waterway Avenue, opens in The Woodlands January 31. It\u2019s the third location for the storied hamburger joint which began as a grocery more than 80 years ago and is still operated by descendants of the original owners. Third generation operators, Jessica Prior and husband Paul Prior, have taken the brand to new levels and have brought in a fourth-generation family member, Nicolas van der Does, to continue the legacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"The classic cheeseburger is how it all began. Credit: Lauren Lutz<\/p>\n

The Woodlands location will still feature the classic menu but there will also be some new elements like the self-serve beer wall, with 12 taps, and a milkshake bar that offers both kid-friendly and boozy versions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some of Lankford\u2019s most popular items take center stage including the Grim Burger, a calorie splurge hamburger topped with mac and cheese, jalapenos, bacon, cheddar and a sunny-side -up egg. For hot heads, the Firehouse Burger lights things up with habanero mustard, cayenne butter and jalapenos. There are also salads, sandwiches, and entrees like maple bourbon pork chop.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Lankford\u2019s has burgers and fries and much more. Credit: Lauren Lutz<\/p>\n

New to the third location is the Rescue Menu, offering doggie diners their own dishes, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Lankford\u2019s is also introducing its wine club with exclusive selections, member events and other perks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Opening just in time for the Super Bowl, Lankford\u2019s Woodlands will also offer catering, plus an extended Super Bowl happy hour February 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be $5 bites like fried pickles, $1 chicken wings and $2 off select wine, draft beer and cocktails.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Despite the traffic, Uptown just keeps getting busier and busier. Credit: BOI<\/p>\n

Buck & Rider, 1990 Post Oak Boulevard, is expected to open its 9, 263 square-foot space at Central Park Post Oak this fall. The seafood-focused concept, based in Scottsdale, is the first foray into the Texas restaurant scene for Hi Noon Hospitality. Located across from The Annie Cafe & Bar, it will be a single-story \u201cjewel box\u201d space on the ground floor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The menu is based around fresh fish and seafood that is flown in daily from all over the world for its sushi and raw offerings. Its Black Anus beef is a proprietary reserve with cuts like filet, bone-in ribeye and New York strip. There is also an extensive craft cocktail program and wine list.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Chef\u2019s Table, 2055 Westheimer, is shooting to open this March in the former Churrasco\u2019s space, as reported by Houston Food Finder<\/a>. Owner and chef Paul Friedman opened the South African restaurant at Vintage Park in 2021, after shuttering his previous South African concept, Peli Peli. The River Oaks restaurant will be the second for The Chef\u2019s Table.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A native of South Africa, Friedman introduced Houston to the Portuguese and African flavors long before peri peri chains made their way to the city. When the second location opens guests will discover many of the same unique dishes as the Vintage Park spot, like carrot bredie and peppadew-stuffed shrimp. In fact, the sweet and spicy peppadew pepper is found in a number of Friedman\u2019s dishes including peppadew hummus, sauteed calamari and even tartar sauce.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Seafood dishes like jerk snapper and hot honey bacon chutney salmon bloom with spices, but there are also classic steak cuts with a variety of sauce options. The Portuguese pendura skewers are popular showstoppers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Torchy\u2019s Tacos is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a $20 Double Feature bargain. Credit: Torchy’s Tacos<\/p>\n

Torchy\u2019s Tacos, 11327 Current Lane, will close February 3 in Stafford. It\u2019s one of 7 locations across several states to close this month. A press statement read, \u201cAfter carefully evaluating performance across our portfolio and our long-term plans for the brand, we\u2019ve made the difficult decision to close our Torchy\u2019s Tacos restaurant at 11327 Current Lane in Stafford\u2026Torchy\u2019s is proud to be part of the greater Houston community and we invite guests to visit us at our Sugar Land and Sienna restaurants or our other locations across the greater Houston area.\u201d<\/p>\n

For those checking out its current restaurants, Torchy\u2019s is offering a deal called The Double Feature to celebrate its 20 year anniversary. For a limited time, through March 3, the meal for two ($20) features 6 street tacos, rice and refried beans to share and two fountain drinks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Shipley Do-Nuts, 7016 Elyson Exchange Way, will celebrate its grand opening January 31 in Cypress. The party begins bright and early at 5 a.m. and the first 100 customers in line will win free donuts for a year, which turns out to be a dozen a month, via the loyalty app. There will also be a free glazed donut with any purchase throughout the day, while supplies last.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The new shop, owned by Don Longhofer, will also offer Shipley merch giveaways, beginning at 7 a.m.. A balloon artist and face painter will be on site from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

Woody\u2019s Hideaway, 1128 W. Dallas, opened in Conroe January 20. It\u2019s the third location for the adults-only bar and games concept from Woody\u2019s Brands, which also operates Little Wodrow\u2019s and Eddie\u2019s Tavern across Texas and Louisiana. There\u2019s a Woody\u2019s Hideaway in Houston and another in Midland.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Located at the intersection of Interstate 45 and Highway 105, the new entertainment venue offers Full Swing golf simulator bays with karaoke, plus a number of Diamond pool tables, 40 televisions and outdoor yard games. In addition to cold beer and signature cocktails, there is a small food menu with nosh like wings, fried pickles, the Hideaway burger and chicken quesadillas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Seafood boils are spicy at B.B. Tex-Orleans. Credit: Paulina Olague<\/p>\n

B.B.\u2019s Tex-Orleans, 2325 Calder Avenue, will open in April 2026 in Beaumont.\u00a0 It will be the first venture for the Houston-born brand to open in Texas\u2019 Golden Triangle. B.B\u2019s has 11 other locations in the Greater Houston area. Its menu blends Texas and Louisiana flavors with items like Maw Maw\u2019s Chciken and Sausage Gumbo and the South Texas Fire Po\u2019Boy. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a popular hangout during crawfish season, which is so close we can smell it.<\/p>\n

Restaurants Reported Open: January 2026<\/p>\n

Boudreaux\u2019s Cajun Kitchen, 2903 Woodridge, reopened December 8<\/p>\n

Connie\u2019s Frozen Custard, 11231 Greenhouse, opened January 14<\/p>\n

El Tiempo POST Houston, 401 Franklin, opened January 20<\/p>\n

Golden Chick, 5734 Barker Cypress, opened January 6<\/p>\n

Hashtag India, 7626 Fry, opened mid-December<\/p>\n

iWok, 2328 W. Holcombe, opened January 30<\/p>\n

Lin\u2019s Grand Buffet, 5402 Highway 6, opened January 9<\/p>\n

Plucker\u2019s Wing Bar, 151 David Vetter Boulevard, opened January 26<\/p>\n

Salata, 919 Milam, opened January 12<\/p>\n

Restaurants Reported Closed: January 2026<\/p>\n

Copenhagen, 981 S. Mason, closed January 18<\/p>\n

Graffiti Raw, 1001 California, closed December 31, 2025<\/p>\n

Kazzan Ramen & Bar, 191 Heights Boulevard, closed January 24<\/p>\n

Landry\u2019s Oceanaire seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer, closed December 27, 2025<\/p>\n

Maven Coffee, 1501 Silver, closed January 2<\/p>\n

Perry\u2019s Steakhouse & Grill, 1997 W. Gray, closed January 24<\/p>\n

Sprinkles Cupcakes, 2563 Amherst, closed December 31<\/p>\n

The Union Kitchen, 9920 Gaston, closed January 11<\/p>\n

Verde Garden, 2817 W. Dallas, closed January 17<\/p>\n

This article appears in Jan 1-Dec 31. 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tacos A Go Go, 2231 S. Voss and 1102 Yale, opened this week, debuting the full bars that…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":145788,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[61037,61038,226,56,58,7774,57,7775,61039,61040,61041,61042,13043,28335],"class_list":["post-145787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-houston","tag-b-b-s-tex-orleans","tag-buck-rider","tag-homepage","tag-houston","tag-houston-headlines","tag-houston-new-restaurants","tag-houston-news","tag-houston-restaurant-openings","tag-lankfords-burgers-woodlands","tag-sushi-horiuchi","tag-tacos-a-go-go-housotn","tag-the-chefs-table","tag-torchys-tacos","tag-woodys-hideaway-conroe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145787"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145787\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145788"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}