The pickleball trend rages on in Houston, with the debut of Solarium, a new racket sports-inspired restaurant, bar, and patio, now open at 820 Holman Street, in the former home of Holman Draft House in Midtown. Like its name suggests, the sprawling hangout boasts a glass-enclosed central bar area with ample seating, and a spacious outdoor section, coined the Courts, with four pickleball and two padel courts.
The luxe concept was born from a partnership between Rex Hospitality, the budding hospitality group founded by Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., Juan Carlos de Aldecoa, and Jimmy Doan that launched the MAVEN brand; and the Kirby Group, founded by Jeff Barati and Andy Aweida known for buzzy concepts including Wooster’s Garden, Heights Bier Garten, and Verde Garden. The creative manpower on both sides has resulted in an impressive 9,000-square-foot multi-level entertainment playground where guests can eat, drink, and play.
“Solarium is more than your standard recreational sports facility – it’s a place where sport, social connection and luxury seamlessly come together,” says Nina Quincy, president of Rex Hospitality Group. “We’ve taken a familiar recreational experience and transformed it with high-end hospitality, thoughtful design, and an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and sophisticated.”
In Houston and beyond, the demand for pickleball in the last few years has reached record heights, with various restaurants, country clubs, and even private homeowners adding courts to their properties. Alternatively, Padel, a racket sport with Mexican origins has been gaining popularity in its own right. As a nod to their Hispanic roots, the team at Rex Hospitality found it fitting to include as a gaming option at Solarium.
Those not in favor of serving on the Courts may instead be served in one of five bays that surround the pickleball and padel courts. Made from repurposed shipping containers, the air-conditioned, glass-front bays give guests a comfortable and up close view of the action where they can enjoy food and drink service.
Solarium’s all-day menu features classic clubhouse fare with some pizazz. Indulgent bar bites range from buffalo wings, empanadas, and bang bang shrimp, to a truffle grilled cheese sandwich, while desserts include a build-your-own sundae. A mix of signature cocktails, classic daiquiris and margaritas, canned and bottled beers, wine, and boozy frozens round out the menu.
Likely to be a hot spot on weekends, Solarium is introducing brunch service right off the bat — or racket, rather. On Saturdays and Sundays, beginning at 10 a.m., guests will find sweet and savory brunch traditions, like pancakes, Belgian waffles, shrimp and grits, and shakshuka, alongside mimosas and a variety of spritzes.
A dedicated “pro shop”, adjacent to the Courts, serves as a check-in area for guests with court reservations and includes equipment sales and rentals, merch, and takeaway coffee and snacks. Pricing varies daily, but ranges from $10 to $30 for pickleball court rental, and $20 to $40 for padel court rentals.Reservations for courts are officially open and can be made in person or online, for play as early as 9 a.m., with the restaurant opening at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.
Solarium, 820 Holman St., Houston, solariumhouston.com
