Welcome to DiningOut’s Plate Full of News, your weekly serving of Houston restaurant, bar and culinary news. From buzzy openings and chef moves to can’t-miss events, menu debuts and industry updates, here’s everything happening in Houston’s dining scene this week.
The 411
Downtown rooftop bar Z on 23 is ready for its comeback. The bar announced on social media that it will reopen Friday, August 28, following a temporary closure, and teased a fresh new look and revamped menu. Perched atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown, the rooftop destination is known for its sweeping skyline views and cocktails high above the city.
Kahani Social Group announced it will close Pok Pok Po and Bol in Midtown, with Sunday, August 29, marking the final day of service for the two concepts located at 3201 Louisiana Street. The restaurant group says it remains committed to both fast-casual Indian concepts and is exploring future locations better suited for convenient pickup, parking, and potentially drive-through service. Pok Pok Po will continue offering a limited menu for third-party delivery in the Woodlands, with plans to expand delivery to central Houston.
Wing It is expanding with a second location, opening at 2825 S. Kirkwood Road in Houston’s Westchase area on Sunday, August 30. The family-owned concept got its start as a food trailer before opening its first brick-and-mortar in Sugar Land, building a following for cooked-to-order wings tossed in 20 house-made sauces and dry rubs. Beyond wings, the menu features Philly cheesesteaks made with thinly sliced ribeye and an NYC-style chopped cheese inspired by the owners’ New York roots. Wing It Houston will celebrate its grand opening with free wings from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, a live DJ, and giveaways including cash, gift cards, and a large-screen TV.
Fielding’s Wood Grill in the Woodlands is getting a refresh just in time for Labor Day weekend. Following a week-long remodel, the restaurant will debut its updated space during a grand reopening brunch on Saturday, September 5, beginning at 10 a.m. The restaurant will temporarily close August 31 through September 4 while renovations are completed. Along with the refreshed interiors, guests can expect new chef-driven dishes, brunch offerings, handcrafted cocktails, and an updated beverage program.
Happenings
Musaafer culinary director and corporate executive chef Mayank Istwal will join veteran Houston journalist and author Shern-Min Chow at Asia Society Texas on Thursday, September 3, for an evening celebrating Chow’s debut novel, If Not You… Istwal will host the discussion exploring the book’s themes of resilience, culture, sacrifice, and transformation. Inspired by true events, the novel follows a young girl from India who overcomes devastating circumstances before building a life and career in cancer research at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center. The evening begins with a drinks-only reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the book talk at 7 p.m. and a signing at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for Asia Society Texas members, and $10 for students and educators with valid ID, and include a copy of the book.
Caracol is celebrating the flavors of Oaxaca with a special collaborative dinner from chef Hugo Ortega and guest chef Kaelin Ulrich on Saturday, September 12. Ulrich, a Oaxaca native and former sous chef at Caracol and Hugo’s, now serves as partner and director of his family’s Seasons of My Heart Cooking School in Oaxaca. The seafood-forward dinner will highlight Oaxacan ingredients and traditions across multiple courses, including hamachi aguachile, heirloom tomato tostadas, snapper with mole manchamanteles, and Ortega’s barbacoa de Zaachila, with cocktail and wine pairings and mezcal to finish. The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and are available online.
Goode Co. Armadillo Palace is bringing a full slate of live music this September. Lily Rose, the Atlanta native known for her breakout hit “Villain,” performs Thursday, September 17, followed by Austin roots-rock favorites Uncle Lucius with Louisiana singer Paige Plaisance on Saturday, September 19. Closing out the month, Austin alternative Americana band The Droptines takes the stage with rising Texas country artist Hank Weaver on Friday, September 25. Guests can pair the shows with Goode Company favorites like the Damn Goode Burger and Damn Goode Margarita. All performances are 21 and older, with advance tickets available online.
On the Menu
Hotel Saint Augustine has refreshed the cocktail menu at its Augustine Lounge with five new drinks designed for fall sipping. New additions include the Dominique with gin, Earl Grey, caramelized peach, and soda; the Skylight with vodka, strawberry, and Prosecco; and the Good Shepherd, combining mezcal, Bitter Bianco, and pandan. The new drinks join the lounge’s weekday $5 happy hour, offered Monday through Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The menu includes its Mini Freezer Martini, along with select wine, beer, seltzers, and shareable bites, all priced at $5.
Slip Sliders is celebrating one year in Houston with a birthday treat. Beginning Thursday, August 27, the Museum District restaurant will offer a limited-time birthday cake milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, confetti cake pieces, and colorful sprinkles. Available for a limited time, guests who purchase any slider or chicken tender combo can add the shake for just $1, or order it on its own for $3.75.
Rainbow Lodge is welcoming fall with a steak-and-cocktail special available throughout September. For $45, guests can dig into executive chef Brandon Holmes’ grilled hanger steak frites, served with peppercorn sauce and arugula salad, alongside a Texas Old Fashioned made with Still Austin Bourbon, sarsaparilla bitters, and a grapefruit peel spritz. Wine drinkers can swap the cocktail for a glass of Hedges Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The special is available during lunch and dinner throughout September for parties of six or fewer.
