While the fate of the Houston Astrodome remains undetermined, Houstonians can indulge in a serving of nostalgia at Mac Haik’s coming Kirkwood restaurant.
Opening on May 11, Kirkwood is a concept from Mac Haik Restaurant Group. A division of Mac Haik Enterprises, the group manages franchised concepts like Maggie’s Coffee, Starbird Chicken, and First Watch Restaurants. Kirkwood marks the group’s debut signature concept.
The Kirkwood kitchen is led by Stephen Chiang. The executive chef and culinary director’s past experiences include UB Preserv and The Blind Goat in Houston, as well as Per Se, Del Posto, and The NoMad in New York. At Kirkwood, Chiang has curated a menu of elevated American fare. Touted dishes include:
- Double-Bone Duroc Pork Chop
- hamachi crudo
- truffle parmesan ravioli and steak frites
- miso tuna wonton tartare
Additionally, the restaurant offers the carved-tableside Chateaubriand, center-cut prime McClaren Farms beef tenderloin (serving 2-3) as well as the golden osetra caviar service with quail deviled eggs and hashbrown coins.
In addition to a thoughtfully-sourced wine list, spirits, and beer selection, Kirkwood will offer Texas-sized martinis as well as a range of signature, barrel-aged, and zero-proof cocktails. Featured cocktails include The Kirkwood Old Fashioned, spun with beef tallow-infused Woodford Reserve and the French 75-inspired Oiler 86. The latter, a nod to Mac Haik’s jersey number.
Kirkwood will occupy a 6,997-square-foot space on the ground floor of Energy Tower II in the Energy Corridor. The 242-seat restaurant was designed by gin design group, the renowned design firm behind some of Houston’s most striking concepts that include Haii Keii, The Lymbar, JŪN, and countless others.
Adorned with original art pieces, dark woods, and rich leather, one of the restaurant’s most notable design features is the Astrodome-inspired entryway. Haik himself has a special relationship with the Astrodome, as he was the first recorded player to score a touchdown in the stadium.
Other Easter eggs at Kirkwood include the Porsche-style seats at its wraparound bar. A thoughtful touch that nods to the fateful frustrating car-buying experience that lead Haik to create his customer-focused automotive dealerships.
“Kirkwood is about creating a sense of place, one rooted in warmth, character and a strong connection to the community,” said Mac Haik Enterprises (MHE) Vice President Alec Poynter, Haik’s grandson. “Every detail was chosen with intention, and every space tells part of a larger story.”
Kirkwood opens at 11720 Katy Fwy on Monday, May 11 2026.
