The restaurant/hospitality/entertainment gods have been good to Houston this year. From the openings of two exciting pickle ball venues, to the long-anticipated opening of The Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark, an immersive new interactive art venue – not to mention all the fantastic new bars and restaurants in the city.
But the year is not over yet. As we gradually transition out of the late stages of summer, we’re eagerly anticipating exciting new openings in Houston in 2024. From the re-opening of beloved venues, to new blockbuster additions, here are the openings that we are most looking forward to Houston this year.
1. River Oaks Theatre
Established in 1939, the River Oaks Theatre stood as a popular destination for movie enthusiasts. Its classic art-deco architecture and thoughtfully curated film lineup endeared it to the local community and cinephiles alike.
Nevertheless, in the midst of the economic challenges triggered by the pandemic, the River Oaks Theatre closed four years ago in 2020. In 2022, however, the theatre was pulled back from the clutches of closure after its purchase by Star Cinema Grill, which plans to uphold the theatre’s legacy.
In a recent interview with Houston Chronicle, the theater’s new artistic director, Robert Saucedo, stated that the theater aims to re-open in October.
📍2009 W Gray St.
📅 October
2. Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is an avant-garde, expansive art space dedicated to crafting unbelievably imaginative immersive encounters.The experiment art venue has multiple locations across the country and each one is different. Since the announcement that it would be opening a permanent portal in Houston’s 5th Ward community, the venue has continued to reveal details about what to expect.
While Meow Wolf Houston has yet to reveal its theme, the venue has announced that it would be opening a secret psychedelic dive bar inside its venue as well as numerous easter eggs throughout the experience.
📍2103 Lyons Ave Bldg 2
📅 Fall
3. P. Terry’s
For those unfamiliar, P. Terry’s is a fast-food burger franchise that harks back to the nostalgic charm of classic burger joints from the 1950s. Emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients, P. Terry’s offers a menu replete with burgers, milkshakes, lemonades, and freshly-cut fries.
The famed Austin burger joint plans to open two locations in the Houston area – one in Fort Bend County, the other in spring. Construction on the Fort Bend County location aims to wrap up in October, followed by a fall opening.
📍9207 FM 723 & 20255 Champion Forest Drive
📅 Fall
4. Mi Luna
The beloved Spanish tapas restaurant formerly located in Rice Village has been sorely missed since it closed in 2004. This fall, Mi Luna is coming back with a location in Montrose Collective under the same ownership.
In addition to an exquisite assortment of tapas and traditional Spanish dishes, Mi Luna will feature sangria pitchers, live acoustic guitar performances, and live Flamenco dancing.
📍Montrose Collective at 888 Westheimer Rd
📅 Fall
5. Punch Line Comedy Club
The storied San Francisco-based comedy club where comedians, stand-ups, and headliners have honed their craft for 45 years is slated to open a location in Downtown, Houston on September 13.
Tickets for the comedy clubs shows are already on sale, with scheduled performances from Dave Chappelle, Ian Finance, and Liza Treyger.
📍1204 Caroline St.
📅 September 13
6. Buttermilk Baby
Hailing from the minds behind B & B Butchers, Turner’s, Emilia’s Havana, The Annie, and others, Buttermilk Baby is set to bring a nostalgic soda fountain experience with a contemporary twist, featuring sundaes, shakes, and ice creams. Scheduled for an opening this September, the retro-inspired concept also aims to present a menu of Southern-inspired comfort food.
📍600 N. Shepherd
📅 Early September
7. Uniqlo
So-called the Japanese Zara, Uniqlo is a Japanese-based retailer in the midst of expanding their fashion footprint in the United States. This October, Uniqlo is set to not open one, but two locations in the Houston area.
Its coming location in Memorial City Mall is set to open on October 11, while its outpost in First Colony Mall in Sugar Land will open on October 18. Both openings will coincide with giveaways, prizes, and other ceremonious festivities.
📍Memorial City Mall at 303 Memorial City Mall & First Colony Mall at 16535 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land
📅 October 11 & October 18
8. The Kennedy
Fancy yourself fancy? Experience the refinement and elegance of a Kennedy this summer in Montrose/River Oaks at The Kennedy. The posh new piano bar will take over the 7,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Muse.
Here, patrons will be able to enjoy live music from pianists and DJs alike, lounge seating, a duel-side fireplace, as well as a shaded lounge patio. Food-wise, owner Andres Castro tapped chef Adriana Maldonado to create a menu of American fare-based shareable plates.
📍 3210 W Dallas St.
📅 Summer
9. De Fortune
Inspired by the “World’s Best”, De Fortune is a luxury cocktail lounge slated to open in Regent Square late 2024. The “hospitality-first experience” combines influences from the likes of Atlas Bar in Singapore and The Clumsies in Athens, aiming to serve cocktails that wow along with light bites.
📍3515 West Dallas
📅 Late 2024
10. Pok Pok Po
From Kahani Social Group, the team behind The Woodlands’ adored Amrina restaurant, comes Pok Pok Po. Coming to Midtown this fall, Pok Pok Po will center on an exquisite range of fried chicken options as well as inventive sides and homemade condiments. Like Amrina, Pok Pok Po will also feature an inviting, social ambiance.
📍3201 Louisiana Street, Suite 108
📅 Fall