For nearly a decade, Riel was one of Houston’s defining neighborhood restaurants. The Montrose favorite earned a loyal following for its inventive Canadian-inspired cuisine and lively atmosphere, becoming a fixture of the city’s dining scene before closing last year. With it went the restaurant’s legendary Booze Can Sundays, weekly events known for their party-like atmosphere and swoon-worthy food and drink specials.
This summer, that beloved chapter of Houston’s dining history will come roaring back to life, if only for a day.
On Sunday, June 28, Chardon (1711 Allen Parkway) will host the return of Riel’s legendary “Booze Can Sunday,” reuniting chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine for a one-day celebration of nostalgic dishes, throwback drinks, and Canada’s 159th birthday. Miller spent years working alongside Canadian-born Lachaine, where the pair helped develop the dishes and traditions that made the restaurant a Montrose favorite.
The one-day-only event, running from 3 to 9 p.m., offers longtime Riel fans a chance to revisit some of the restaurant’s most memorable dishes while introducing a new generation of diners to one of Houston’s most talked-about Sunday traditions.
“Riel was a special place for a lot of people, and Booze Can Sunday was always one of the most anticipated events of the week,” Miller said. “Ryan and I wanted to bring back that energy for one day, celebrate the restaurant that meant so much to us, and give guests a chance to revisit some of the dishes and memories they loved.”
At its peak, Booze Can Sunday became a weekly ritual for many Houstonians, combining playful dishes, strong drinks and an anything-goes atmosphere that embodied the spirit of Riel itself. The June 28 revival aims to recapture that energy, with Miller and Lachaine curating a menu packed with fan favorites and Canadian comfort food classics.
Among the highlights are truffle and caviar pierogies, steak au poivre poutine with cheese curds, Montreal smoked meat sliders on rye buns with French’s mustard, the beloved Deli Dog, Torche kolaches, mushroom empanadas and gator karaage. Dessert comes in the form of a decidedly over-the-top maple whiskey soft serve finished with foie caramel.
The beverage lineup leans heavily into nostalgia, featuring Canadian Jell-O shots, Molson X, Canadian Club, Old Grand-Dad and the medicine cups that became synonymous with Riel’s carefree Sunday gatherings. Adding to the throwback atmosphere, DJ Seek—better known to many Houstonians as Robin Wong of Blood Bros. BBQ—will provide the soundtrack throughout the afternoon and evening.
While the event undoubtedly taps into nostalgia, it also reflects a broader trend within Houston’s dining community: honoring the restaurants, chefs and experiences that helped shape the city’s culinary identity. For former regulars, Booze Can Sunday promises a welcome trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of Houston restaurant lore firsthand. Either way, the event promises to be a celebration of Canadian heritage, Houston hospitality, and the enduring legacy of a restaurant that left a lasting mark on the city.
Reservations for Booze Can Sunday are available on Eventbrite.
Chardon, 1711 Allen Pkwy., Houston, chardonhouston.com
