8th Wonder Brewery
2202 Dallas, Houston TX 77003
www.8thwonderbrew.com

The brains behind Houston’s Eatsie Boys food truck and Eatsie Boys Cafe have branched out with another concept, 8th Wonder Brewery.
Located in EaDo and named after the city’s iconic Astrodome, this brewery produces seasonal selections and limited-edition offerings. The brewery began offering tours in May 2013.
Practicing their craft in a dome-like warehouse on the edge of Downtown and in the shadow of the major sports stadiums, these brewers say they are making Houston’s “craft beer for the home team.” 
The brews themselves are unique, ranging from the Rocket Fuel (Vietnamese coffee infused Porter) to the MCA Rauch, a classic Bamburg Rauch beer.

Atrium Ready to Wear
2202 Dallas
www.atriumrtw.com

The brains behind Houston’s Eatsie Boys food truck and Eatsie Boys Cafe have branched out with another concept, 8th Wonder Brewery.
Located in EaDo and named after the city’s iconic Astrodome, this brewery produces seasonal selections and limited-edition offerings. The brewery began offering tours in May 2013.
Practicing their craft in a dome-like warehouse on the edge of Downtown and in the shadow of the major sports stadiums, these brewers say they are making Houston’s “craft beer for the home team.” The brews themselves are unique, ranging from the Rocket Fuel (Vietnamese coffee infused Porter) to the MCA Rauch, a classic Bamburg Rauch beer. 

Casa de Novia
2040 West Gray St. Suite 120 
www.casadenoviabridal.com

In 2005, Luvi Wheelock opened her couture bridal boutique, Casa de Novia, in Houston’s exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, giving area fashion forward brides access to the wedding industry’s most sought after designers.
The elegant boutique boasts art gallery-like interiors marked by crisp white walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed-ducts overhead. 
Eye-catching statement necklaces and peep-toe pumps double as interior art, displayed near racks of soft lace and tulle confections by designers like Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez, Reem Acra and Melissa Sweet. In spring 2012, the popular salon also had the honor of unveiling Houston’s only Vera Wang in-store boutique, which spotlights Wang’s coveted bridal and ready-to-wear collections.

The Federal Grill
1001 Texas Ave. Houston 
www.kobecuegrill.com

The fast casual Korean restaurant Kobecue, which got its start on Richmond, has expanded Downtown.
The restaurant at the corner of Texas and Main streets offers Korean BBQ rice bowls, hot stone bowls, BBQ plates, Korean tacos and kimchi cheese fries just to name a few menu items.
Everything at Kobecue is made from scratch daily using authentic Asian ingredients, spices and sauces. The restaurant is a healthy option for those in a hurry—except for those onion rings.

Ruggles Green - Heights
748 East 11th Street 
www.rugglesgreen.com

Federico Marques and Robert Guillerman have expanded their Certified Green Restaurant concept, Ruggles Green, with a fourth location in Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood. Located in the former home of 11th Street Cafe, the new outpost opened in April 2013, featuring eco-friendly interiors and menu style that made the original Ruggles Green a local favorite.
The space makes use of green building materials like nontoxic paint on the walls, bamboo booths and energy-efficient LED lighting. Rooftop solar panels, along with a strong composting and recycling program, help the restaurant to reduce its carbon footprint, repurposing 65 percent of its total waste output.

The Wine Cellar
540 Texas Ave.
www.thewinecellarhouston.com

Located adjacent to the Italian restaurant Little Napoli in the Downtown entertainment complex, The Wine Cellar offers a list of more than 20 wines available by the glass and approximately 400 by the bottle. The shop also has an extensive selection of international beers and a menu of light bites. 
The interior space is cozy and intimate, ideal for a pre-show glass of wine (Sundance and the Theater District are just steps away) or a post dinner libation. 

La Casa de Caballo

322 Westheimer Rd. Houston TX 77006
www.lacasadelcaballo.com

After nearly 10 years operating one of Saltillo, Mexico’s most popular steakhouses, restaurateur Carlos Abedrop has expanded his La Casa del Caballo with a second location in Houston’s Montrose area.

Set in La Strada’s former space, the fine dining concept specializes in prime and certified Angus beef, prepared in authentic Saltillo-style. Though the restaurant’s menu spotlights everything from veal chop and chicken to seafood and lamb dishes, beef remains the star at the fine dining venture. Fans of traditional Mexican fare will find plenty to choose from in items like the stewed pork tacos, enchiladas and Coctel de Camaron—a colossal wild shrimp dish from Mexico, served in a spicy Mexican-style cocktail sauce.
La Casa del Caballo is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday.

Fusion Dive Bar and Grill
5317 Washington Ave., Ste B, Houston TX 77007 
www.fusiondive.com

Booze, billiards, games and grub. That’s the tag line of Washington Avenue’s new Fusion Dive Bar and Grill. The name comes from the selection of hand-crafted, infused liquors offered here, but it could also represent the eclectic crowd that is gathering at this watering hole.
Multiple pool tables, darts and video games offer patrons a way to be competitive. A wide range of mostly Texas beers and an above-par food menu are keeping them coming back. 
Smoked gouda fried cheese and pickle spears are musts on the appetizer menu and a selection of quarter-pound hot dogs offer something for every taste. 

El Tiempo Cantina - Navigation
2814 Navigation Blvd. Houston TX 77003  
www.eltiempocantina.com

El Tiempo Cantina locations, as well as a specialty market, the team behind one of Houston’s Tex-Mex empires has returned to its roots, adding a fifth location in the family’s Old Neighborhood.
Dusky lighting, chummy servers and enjoyable salsa tunes make patrons feel like they just landed in a classy, crowded border-town cantina. El Tiempo attracts a brisk, discriminating happy-hour crowd for good reason: Stout, limey margaritas paired with chips and the legendary tomatillo sauce inherited from Mama Ninfa.

Witchcraft is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Macaron by Patisse
2033 W. Gray, Houston TX 77019  
www.macaronbypatisse.com

Enjoy macarons? You won’t want to miss this European-style bakery in the River Oaks Shopping Center.
Macaron by Patisse creates beautiful versions of the classic French pastry. The colorful, light-filled shop shop also serves mini pies, cake balls, mini cupcakes, profiteroles, and mini éclairs. Loose leaf teas and other drinks help make this a perfect after-dinner stop, particularly those looking for a romantic setting.
Macaron by Patisse offers catering services if you’re looking for a sweet addition to your next event.

Oak Leaf Smokehouse
1000 Telephone Rd. Houston TX 77023 
www.oakleafsmokehouse.com

Just two miles east of Downtown, nestled in Houston’s historic Eastwood neighborhood, Oak Leaf Smokehouse opened in February 2013, promising locals delicious and tender barbecue, served with sides tasty enough to stand on their own.
Created by Houstonians and husband-wife team Lisa Kuhfeldt and Brian Lewis, Oak Leaf Smokehouse aims to raise the bar of barbecue in the nation’s fourth-largest city. 
As every barbecue enthusiast knows, region plays a big part in style of sauce and preparation—elements the restaurateurs plans to highlight in their diverse menu approach. Diners will find a line-up touting everything from Carolina-style renditions to Memphis BBQ and Kansas City-iterations, though the Texas variety will remain the main emphasis.
Oak Leaf Smokehouse is now open daily for lunch service.