Downtown Houston’s historic Rice building has a new dinner destination. Bungalow Dining is moving into the former Sambuca space at 909 Texas Avenue, bringing a refreshed menu, a bar, a patio and three private dining rooms to its next chapter.
The restaurant’s early-November reopening keeps it just two blocks from its original Main Street location. While regulars can expect familiar favorites, cocktails and hospitality, the new address gives diners more ways to spend an evening—from an after-work drink to a private birthday dinner.
A Historic Downtown Address With A New Dining Draw
The Rice provides the backdrop for Bungalow’s next chapter, with a main dining room, bar area and patio accommodating everything from casual drinks to a full dinner.
“You can come in for cocktails, have dinner, celebrate a birthday, host a private dinner or spend an evening on the patio,” said co-owner Jonathan Reitzell.
His partner JR Martins, who also co-owns A-Life Hospitality, described the move as “the next chapter of Bungalow.”
The relocation also brings executive chef Mark Holley into the kitchen, with an updated menu combining Gulf Coast influences, bold global flavors and classic steakhouse dishes.
A 32-Ounce Tableside Tomahawk Leads The Steakhouse Lineup
The menu’s biggest centerpiece is a 32-ounce tableside tomahawk, joined by a Cajun ribeye for diners leaning into the steakhouse side of the experience. But Holley’s menu gives seafood and slow-cooked dishes just as much room to stand out.
Starters include snapper crudo with coconut milk leche, lime and Scotch bonnet oil; jerk Wagyu meatballs with honey barbecue sauce; and sticky lamb ribs finished with miso glaze, kimchi pickles and spiced peanuts.
For mains, halibut and crabmeat come with orzo and lemon butter, while a 48-hour oxtail ragù pairs pappardelle with allspice and habanero. The combination puts Gulf Coast ingredients alongside Caribbean and other global influences, rather than keeping the menu within traditional steakhouse boundaries.
The sides continue that approach, with creamed kimchi collard greens and braised oxtail hoppin’ John. To finish, there’s New Orleans-style praline cheesecake or lemon buttermilk chess pie.
Three Private Dining Rooms For Celebrations And Events
Bungalow’s new location includes three private dining rooms across the first and second floors, seating approximately 20, 25 and 30 guests.
The upstairs room overlooks the main dining room below, while the different room sizes give groups options for birthday celebrations, corporate dinners and other private events. The added private dining space is a key part of the restaurant’s move into The Rice.
For guests who aren’t booking an event, the bar and patio offer an alternative to a full sit-down dinner—whether that means starting the evening with cocktails or staying outside for the night.
When Does Bungalow Open At The Rice?
Bungalow’s reopening is planned for early November, although an exact grand-opening date has not been announced in the supplied opening information. October coverage reported that the restaurant had already begun soft-opening service at the new address.
The announced operating hours are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 4–11 p.m.
- Friday–Saturday: 4 p.m.–midnight.
Find Bungalow Dining at 909 Texas Avenue in downtown Houston. Reservations are available through the restaurant’s official booking page.
