After operating a pop-up for the last five years and earning fans from around Houston, Joseph Boudreaux is taking his smashburgers to the next level. The chef opened Boo’s Burgers, his first brick-and-mortar in the East End, on Saturday, July 26. Boudreaux’s specialties include the signature OG burger—a 44 Farms beef patty on a buttered challah bun that’s topped with melted American cheese, shaved onions, spicy pickles, sliced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Other options include gooey grilled cheeses, a Shroom Sammie made with marinated oyster mushrooms, and seasoned fries tossed in Boo’s special spice blend. Once Boudreaux gets settled in, the chef plans to expand the menu with new additions like soft serve ice cream, sandwich specials, and a “you buy, we fry” feature.

Indulge in sliders and chicken sandwiches at this new restaurant by Southern Standard Catering. Chef Vince Boisaubin tells the Houston Chronicle his goal is to create a burger joint that emanates a fun, light-hearted environment. Think 2.5-ounce all-beef patties with grilled onions, American cheese, and Chubbie sauce that’s similar to a Cajun remoulade. Other dishes include the cheekily named Rodeo Clown, a bacon burger topped with an onion ring and cheddar cheese, and the Cowgirl brisket burger that's loaded with grilled onions and barbecue sauce. Starting Monday, August 4, Chubbies will also sell shakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, banana cream, and mint chocolate.

Johnny Cheung of Hong Kong Food Street in Katy is on to his next venture. This fast-casual diner gets its inspiration from cha chaan teng, (a common Cantonese term for a “tea restaurant” in Hong Kong), and like diners in America, it's aimed at affordability. The menu features plates such as Hong Kong French toast made up of two bread slices stuffed with peanut butter and served with butter and syrup; bubble waffles; wonton soup; and congee, a traditional rice porridge that its sister restaurant is also known for.

Autry Park welcomed Mayahuel, on Friday, July 18. The brainchild of Netflix-famous chef Luis Robledo Richards and Culinary Khancepts (Liberty Kitchen, State Fare Kitchen & Bar, the Audrey, and Leo’s), this Mexico City–inspired restaurant and bar is named after the Aztec goddess of agave and fertility. Expect dishes like tamal de pato made with duck confit, black beans, salsa verde, and cotija cheese; filet mignon with mole negro, hazelnut puree, and date gastrique; carne asada; and tacos mar y tierra, with gulf shrimp in adobo, beef cheek confit, avocado, and a crispy, cheesy crust.

Explore Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina’s River Oaks location further and immerse yourself in its mezcal-focused concept, Bar Buena. The dimly lit bar features agave-based cocktails, such as the Oaxacan old-fashioned, made with reposado tequila, mezcal, piloncillo, and mole bitters; a classic mojito; frozen mezcal margaritas; and a Tequila y Tonic, curated with blanco tequila, agua de Jamaica, lime, cucumber, and aloe. If you weren’t able to dine at Goode Co. ahead of time, no worries. Bar Buena offers small plates like carnitas flautas, salsa trio, and Gulf crab tostadas. 

The drinking options in the Heights just keep getting better. Robin Berwick of Double Trouble debuted her latest concept, Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, on Friday, July 4. The new bar offers boozy delights, such as La Bruha, a tequila-based frozen cocktail made with spicy ginger beer, habanero tincture, and elderberry liqueur, and the Crocodile Tears Martini, a refreshing blend of coconut water and vodka. When you work up an appetite, dig into the chicken wings, smash burger, or Bikini sandwich, its Catalan-inspired version of a Cubano.

Earlier this month on Wednesday, July 2, Montrose’s intergalactic pizzeria and cocktail bar, Betelgeuse Betelgeuse, welcomed this new whimsical cocktail experience. Launched by Betelgeuse owner Chris Cusack and Brian Dibala, who is also known as Neon Thrash at trippy museum Meow Wolf, this immersive, gothic tiki speakeasy is filled with hidden doors, interactive art, and, of course, beverages galore. Cocktails include the Fog Cutter, made with rum, cognac, gin, lemon, orgeat, and oloroso sherry; the See Mystery lights, with bourbon desert gin, passion fruit syrup, grapefruit, lime, agave, and sparkling water; and the Jet Pilot, with rum, lime, grapefruit, cinnamon syrup, falernum liqueur, Pernod, and bitters. But beware. It’s likely to get weird. According to its Instagram, the best way to describe the bar is “somewhere between death and vacation.” 

The Marlene, a nine-room boutique inn in Montrose, welcomed this new cocktail bar on Saturday, June 28. It’s thanks to Lily Barfield of Houston antique store Lily’s Vintage Finds and beverage professional expert Tom Hardy, who’s known for his work at Navy Blue and Hotel Saint Augustine. Bar Madonna features eight signature cocktails, half of which are inspired by Paris and New Orleans, including a Sazerac that blends rye whiskey and cognac with Peychaud’s and absinthe, and the Southeastern, a riff on an Eastside cocktail that’s made with gin, lime, cucumber, and a custom bitters blend fused with bay, oregano, and thyme. Wine is also available, but the bottles are exclusively French.

Diversión officially made its comeback on Thursday, June 19. Known for its inventive and playful approach to cocktails, the bar first opened in Spring Branch but was forced to close after experiencing costly damage from Hurricane Beryl. Now, it’s ready to entertain Houstonians again in its new Harlow District home, where it transforms one of Emma Jane’s tea houses into a moody, dimly lit space, perfect for a nightcap. The cocktails are the star of the show, with sips like the Operation: White Flame (vodka, dry vermouth, Earl Grey, and caviar) and the Sand Dollar Beach, a mini martini crafted with Blue Whale Gin. Don’t sleep on the food. Bites include a crudo hot pot with tender Wagyu and Hawaiian sweet shrimp, accompanied by a savory custard. Also on offer are Korean fried chicken with a variety of sauces and a charcuterie board loaded with cheeses, honey, and meats, all sourced from Texas.

Looking to enjoy modern Latin cuisine and a vibrant nightlife? Look no further than Tulum-inspired restaurant Tago. The restaurant, which opened in late June, is modeled to feel like a beach club by day and a high-energy hangout at night. This Midtown hot spot dishes mouthwatering bites, like grilled quail smothered in mole amarillo, mushroom risotto, and potato and meat flautas, plus boozy drinks, such as the Old Fashion Naranja (Don Julio Anejo, agave, and orange and chocolate bitters), and the Paradise in Tulum (Teremana reposado, triple sec, blackberry, lime and ginger beer).

Travel out to The Woodlands to experience the newest location of this popular restaurant and bar. Set to open on Thursday, August 21, Local Public Eatery serves up American classics, including sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, and features a drink menu that includes cocktails, draft beers, and wine. The interior will make diners feel right at home: The 5,140-square-foot space boasts rustic charm, with reclaimed Texas pine cladding, Douglas fir ceiling joists, vintage lighting, and cozy rugs.

Wine and charcuterie lovers, take note. Husband-and-wife-chef-duo Carly and John Whitehurst are opening this new Memorial hangout on Friday, August 1. Located in CityCentre, the Board Room will operate as a casual counter-service grab-and-go spot during the day, serving different styles of sandwich wraps, bowls, and salads. By night, the Board Room will transform into a lively, full-service destination with a variety of boards, including a Meat Lover’s Butcher board and the option to build your own. Diners looking to do more than graze can order entrées like seared redfish and chicken piccata, and take their pick from its extensive drinks menu, which features a dedicated section for spritzes and over 100 wines to choose from.