With the whirlwind holiday season upon us, we wonder how we’re going to enjoy all the new culinary offerings in the state. Leave it to our editors Lance Avery Morgan (Austin), Cynthia Smoot (Dallas), Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Alexandra del Lago (San Antonio), to recommend the best of the newest.
AUSTIN
LET’S GO HIGHER
Higher Ground is Austin’s newest social club catering to elevated souls with enlightened spirits. The new multi-level venue is a place to dance the night away and a house of worship to culinary delights and designer cocktails. Our favorite part? Beyond all the stained glass, we love the DJ booth that resides in a former pipe organ.
SOHO ON SOCO
The new SoHo House on South Congress is the only SoHo in Texas. Taking its cue from the region’s art and environment, it’s an option for the creative types and those who love them. The clubby menu for cuisine and cocktails is exactly what you’d expect, and it’s perfect for lighter fare. We love the rooftop pool with a view of downtown and that it’s also a hotel.
At SoHoHouse.com.
MOD MEX
Comedor (Spanish for dining room) is a new and elevated Mexican cuisine experience. The chic space in downtown Austin offers a pleasant vibe as well as superior Latin food. Famous for its fusion of spices, the menu offers many choices for any palate.
At ComedorTX.com.
DALLAS
ADVANCED MIXOLOGY
Experience worldly fare and craft cocktails at Milkshake Concepts’ striking new restaurant, Harper’s. The 7,655-square-foot restaurant features an alluring atmosphere and gourmet cuisine. With its top-notch culinary and mixology talent and vibrant ambiance, Harper’s was designed to stand out.
STEAK SUPERIOR
Dakota’s Steakhouse has been a downtown Dallas dining icon for over 37 years. This cool oasis is complete with a 20 foot, 5-tiered granite water wall, multi-tiered landscaping, lava rock fire pit, and black granite bar. The new below-ground patio has long been considered one of the city’s most romantic dining spots.
WELL, HAY THERE
Haywire recently opened a second location nestled in Uptown. The concept offers guests delicious farm-to-table recipes and signature Texas dishes with southern favorites like fried chicken steaks and whiskey BBQ ribs to craft beers and a Texas-sized whiskey list. Pro tip: If you have six or more in your party, ask to be seated in the custom Shasta trailer on the spacious patio.
HOUSTON
ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT
The EaDo-style mega clubs, Sekai Nightclub and Dayclub and Wyld Child, both by Sekai Hospitality, offer an immersive, festival-like feeling of sights and sounds that will envelop guests in the largest indoor/outdoor space of its kind in the city. Its unrivaled and unforgettable guest experiences, paired with exceptional service, in dynamic, one-of-a-kind environments and locations are throughout Houston.
TULUM, TX
The new Casa Nomad is nestled in an intimate patio setting decked out in tropical and Tulum-worthy finishes. The concept sports a sultry-chic vibe and will feature music in the “jungle disco” style from the sand-covered streets of Tulum. Located in the Heights, join family and friends to enjoy delicious food and unique cocktails, then sit back to enjoy live music on the lawn or take in an on-site event.
CATCH THE 915
Lovers of new Mexican fare unite. The 915 (a nod to El Paso’s area code) brings a taste of El Paso to the Heights by serving up innovative south-of-the-border specialties. Most popular is surely the red chile enchiladas, green flautas ahogadas, brisket-stuffed flautas a la Chuco, and the nachos Montados.
SAN ANTONIO
OYSTER’S BAY
From a dream formed while dining on oysters in Paris, voilà, the concept was born for Little Em’s Oyster Bar. With a wide array of both seafood and other delicious fares, the Dressed Oysters, with caviar, crème fraiche, and champagne, is a favorite on the varied menu.
OH, MY DARLIN’
We love that Clementine is a family-owned, neighborhood restaurant serving up seasonal eats inspired by global flavors…in a casual setting. The New Orleans-inspired cuisine contains an array of seasonally fresh flavors and unique plates. The decadent desserts will spoil your taste buds.
CLASSIC CUISINE
Old school culinary techniques meet farm-to-table best describes Restaurant Gwendolyn. Its unique old-school approach includes an 1850s inspired menu…and no electric tools are used in the kitchen. A classic in the city, it’s a treat for both large groups and more intimate gatherings.