Beneath the marquee of the Tower Theatre on Lower Westheimer, a new era of elegance is about to take the stage. On Tuesday, November 11, Doc’s Houston will open its doors at 1201 Westheimer Road, transforming the storied Montrose landmark into a glittering supper club where live jazz and fine dining blend in perfect harmony.
The brainchild of jazz pianist and impresario Brent “Doc” Watkins, Doc’s Houston is the long-awaited encore to his celebrated San Antonio venue, Jazz, TX, which he opened nearly 10 years ago at the historic Pearl development. The beloved venue has become a favorite among locals who appreciate the multi-genre lineup of talent, including musicians showcasing jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and more.
For his Houston outpost, the maestro went bigger. At 11,000-square-feet, more than three times the size of the original, the Montrose destination promises to be one of the largest live jazz clubs in the country. “Music and food create timeless connection,” Watkins said in a press release. “Our mission is to rekindle that human energy and make Houston a home for it.”
Watkins relied on San Antonio-based Card and Company Architects to transform the building, which was previously home to El Real and Acme Oyster House, into a glamorous space that evokes the spirit of yester year. Doc’s Houston features a full mezzanine, private alcoves, cabaret-style seating, an upstairs bar, and a world-class stage, plus an 18-foot video wall and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems to ensure a top tier viewing experience.
Drawing from the glamour of the golden era of supper clubs, Doc’s Houston will feature live music alongside a culinary program led by chef Jose Avila, a veteran of San Antonio’s Hotel Emma—another jewel of the Pearl. The full-sensory experience allows guests the convenience of a single stop and the pleasure of a festive night out under one roof.
Highlights of the menu include small plates like foie gras, grilled octopus, and short rib empanadas, plus heartier portions like coq au vin and an elegant Chateaubriand, carved to order.
Once open, guests will be welcome to make dinner and show reservations via the TurnTable ticketing platform. In its opening phase, Doc’s Houston will operate from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., with plans to be open daily soon.
As the opening of Doc’s Houston ushers in a new epoch for Radom Capital’s redevelopment project at 1111 Westheimer Road, which already includes Mala Sichuan, Nando’s Peri Peri, and the soon-to-be-open 1111 cocktail lounge from Army Sadeghi and Brandon Duliakas, it signifies it signifies a crescendo in the Montrose neighborhood’s ongoing symphony of revitalization.
Watkins fans can look forward to him taking the stage at Doc’s Houston, but he is enthusiastic about sharing the spotlight with local performers and visiting artists. “My name may be on the marquee,” he said, “but this stage belongs to the city.”
Doc’s Houston, 1201 Westheimer Rd., Houston, docsjazzclub.com
