As the food scene in Houston seems to get more and more dynamic each year, it’s safe to say that this year was an especially memorable one. Aside from the most obvious and exciting for DiningOut, which was its foray into Houston’s editorial market after the site’s launch in September, 2024 brought many milestone moments to the table. Here’s a look back at all the news that made for one unforgettable year.
DiningOut Houston is just getting started
After hosting Top Taco in April, and the second annual Rare Steak championship in October, DiningOut Houston made its official debut this fall. Led by Managing Editor Megha McSwain, and under the direction of DiningOut’s Denver-based publishers Jeff Suskin and Josh Dinar, the site serves as the voice of Houston’s independent restaurant community. Working in tandem with DiningOut Events, the brand is charging full speed ahead in Houston, with plans to launch DiningOut Dallas early in the new year.
The Michelin Guide made its mark
After years of watching restaurants in other regions being acknowledged by the lauded Michelin Guide, Houston finally got its chance to shine after the inaugural Texas Guide was announced this fall. As an added bonus, Houston served as the host city for the event, which drew in chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals from across the state. Along with earning multiple Michelin Guide recognitions and Bib Gourmands, six Houston restaurants were awarded stars, further cementing the city as one of the great food destinations of the U.S.
Buttermilk Baby’s milkshake brought everyone to the yard
Berg Hospitality’s family-friendly restaurant, Buttermilk Baby opened at M-K-T Heights over the summer, and along with its whimsical space and playful, pastel design, the modern day soda fountain served as the Texas debut for Carvel. The beloved, decades-old ice cream company is known for its Original Soft Serve, which is incorporated into Buttermilk Baby’s milkshakes and spiked “boozy” shakes, making the new Heights destination a hot spot for kids and adults alike.
All-day dining ruled
Chalk it up to more remote working or the insatiable need to want to transition from coffee to cocktails in one sitting, but it’s apparent that all-day dining concepts had a moment in Houston this year. Rex Hospitality, led by Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., Juan Carlos de Aldecoa, and Jimmy Doan, debuted Maven at Sawer Yards, a full-service restaurant and extension of the popular Maven Coffee Company. The restaurant keeps extended hours, beginning at 7 am daily, and features an all-day menu curated by chef Nico de Aldecoa, showcased alongside coffee, wine, and cocktails.
After a successful run at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market under the name Tláhuac, Stephanie Velasquez, Nicolas Vera, and Marlén Mendoza debuted a brick-and-mortar location for their pop-up bakery in the Heights, opening as Ema in the spring. The more permanent space allowed them to broaden their offerings from baked goods, pastries, and coffee to savory dishes like mole enchiladas and Oaxacan croquettes. Open daily at 7 a.m., and 8 a.m. on the weekends, the restaurant is a coffee shop, a pastry shop, a breakfast destination, and lunch destination all in one.
And, five years after opening Traveler’s Table in Montrose, husband-and-wife team Matthew and Thy Mitchell debuted Traveler’s Cart, a casual, counter-service restaurant dedicated to global street foods, which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and until midnight on the weekends. The expansive menu, which draws inspiration from countless countries around the world, gives guests the opportunity to stop in for tapas, cocktails, or a more involved multi-course meal.
The Return of River Oaks Theater
The marquee at the iconic River Oaks Theater shines brightly once again, as the landmark cinema reopened this fall after an extensive multi-million dollar restoration. With its transformation comes an opportunity to appeal to even more audiences, as the space can now be used as a full-service venue for live events, shows, performances, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and authors. Movie-goers will find much more than classic movie snacks, like popcorn and candy, as the theater now offers a full food and beverage menu with seat-side service in all of its auditoriums.
More, more, more at the Montrose Collective
The hip fast-growing pocket of Montrose, coined the Montrose Collective, developed in a major way this year with the addition of Okto, a modern Mediterranean restaurant with international influence from Sof Hospitality; the return of tapas bar and restaurant Mi Luna under its original ownership; and the debut of Sophie, a European-inspired rooftop cocktail bar from the team who conceptualized Ciel.
Toca Madera goes Texan
Houston’s summer season reached its peak temperature when West Hollywood hot spot, Toca Madera, opened its first Texas location on the ground floor of the Pavilion at The Allen in June. The modern Mexican restaurant, known for its live entertainment and fire dancers, offers an electrifying experience during weekend brunch, dinner, and a vibrant Taco Tuesday happy hour.
The End of an Era for Damian’s
The year revealed many unfortunate restaurant closures, but Johnny Mandola announcing that Damian’s would shutter in August after 41 years was a particularly sad moment for Houston. The cherished family-owned restaurant, known for its tableside Caesar salad, Mama Mandola’s meatballs, and countless other Italian traditions, was a place where umteen birthdays, anniversaries, and proposals had been celebrated by locals over the last four decades. While the restaurant will be sorely missed, Houstonians can take comfort in knowing that some of Damian’s signature dishes will still be available by way of Mandola’s Catering.
