As Houston settles into summer, the city’s dining scene is experiencing a wave of change. While several exciting new restaurants are opening their doors, just as many are closing theirs. Some owners cite ongoing economic pressures, while others are still recovering from the string of weather-related setbacks they experienced last year. Below, Houstonia has rounded up some of this month’s most significant—and bittersweet—closings.

This list isn't exhaustive. Know of a spot we missed? Send tips to Sofia Gonzalez at [email protected].

Vuji Cafe

Vuji Cafe, the inventive Tex-Asian sandwich shop in the Heights, closed its doors on Sunday, July 20, after about a year in business. The café earned a following for its creative takes on Japanese-style sandos made with Texas toast and drew in diners from across the state for hits like the Negitoro Tuna (with tuna belly, roe, and scallions), Hainan chicken, and a decadent ube pandan dessert sandwich layered with strawberries, marshmallows, and ube foam.

In a farewell post, Vuji’s owners shared on Instagram that they “have not been able to do the business we needed to do at our current location.” Still, Vuji gave diners advance notice, announcing its closing day and a limited menu two days before on Friday, July 18. “It has been a pleasure serving you all! We are so touched that folks came from all over Texas and other states to try our food and experience our hospitality,” the owners wrote. 

The team isn’t disappearing entirely: According to their post, they’ll continue to offer catering and host events and pop-ups. Keep an eye on their Instagram or email list for updates.

Honey Art Cafe

Art classes, macarons, and coffee at Honey Art Cafe will soon come to a halt with the closure of its Shepherd location in August. In an Instagram post, the owners of the café said endless road work and landlord issues played a part in their decision to not renew their current lease. But, this isn’t officially goodbye—the café will reopen in a new spot in the Heights.

“The new Honey Art Cafe will be a little different, but at its core it will be exactly the same—a space to create for anyone, no matter your age or experience,” the post says.

Ginger and Fork

This beloved Chinese restaurant is giving diners plenty of time to say goodbye. The owners of Ginger and Fork announced on social media that after a recent summer break, they’ll close the restaurant for the last time on Saturday, October 25. “After a very intentional deliberation period, we have made the difficult decision to not renew our lease at the end of the year,” the owners wrote. The restaurant specializes in Cantonese classics and dim sum, featuring dishes such as Beijing duck bao, squid ink fried rice, and comforting silk egg chow fun.

Drift Bar

Drift, the tropical-themed sports bar and patio hangout, closed abruptly in early July. A short Instagram post on the Drift account thanked patrons for “the memories.” Now, the account has since been renamed @closedbarhouston, and bargoers are left wondering the reason behind the sudden closure. Known for its rotating food trucks, weekend watch parties, and festive atmosphere, Drift was a staple for social drinkers and sports fans alike.

Eloise Nichols

Adair Concepts (the group behind Los Tios and Buffalo Grille) shuttered this chic River Oaks bistro in late June after nearly a decade in business. Known for its upscale interiors, raw bar, and refined cocktails, Eloise Nichols was a more polished addition to the Adair portfolio.

In a farewell post, the owners hinted that this won’t be the last diners will see of Eloise: “This isn’t goodbye. We hope to bring her back in a new home down the road.”

Breweries Hit Hard This Summer

Elder Son Brewing

Both locations of Elder Son Brewing—one in North Houston, the other in the Heights—closed this summer. The Heights taproom, which opened during the pandemic, was open for around four years; the North Houston spot lasted about a year.

Founder Robert Frye reportedly called the decision “hard” in a since-deactivated Instagram post. He originally launched the brewery at the encouragement of friends and family, turning a homebrewing hobby into a community fixture at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Shepherd Brewing

Another independent brewery has gone dark. Owner Sam Wright announced in late June that North Shepherd Brewing would be closing after two years of producing great beer and supporting the North Houston community. “We’ve worked hard to meet that goal, but unfortunately life has gotten in the way and we can no longer stay open,” Wright wrote.

The brewery had become a North Houston favorite for its laid-back taproom and strong sense of community. Wright thanked customers, distributors, and retail partners for their support.

To view a full list of restaurants and bars that closed earlier this year, click here.