This iconic Mexican restaurant will soon serve its last meal after 40 years of service. Known for creating the Perfect shaker margarita—a simple concoction of Herradura Silver tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice served with a side shaker to top up your own drink, Picos gained a Houston following for its menu that highlights the seven regions that make up Mexico’s cuisine. Some of Houstonia’s favorite plates included the ceviche, chile en nogada, and the chicken breast stewed in mole rojo (red) poblano.

“This was not a decision made lightly,” Picos founder and owner Arnaldo Richards said in a press release. “We’ve weathered many seasons over the past 44 years, but the current economic climate and changes in how people dine have made it impossible for us to continue operating in the way our guests have come to know and love.”

Although an exact closing date is unknown, diners can enjoy the restaurant through the end of September. In the coming weeks, Picos will hold a series of farewell dinners (no dates have been announced yet). 

“We’re deeply grateful to our loyal guests, our dedicated staff—past and present—and the community that has embraced us for so many years,” Richards said. “Your support has meant everything.”

One of Houston’s only vegan Mexican restaurants is putting a pause on its business after a five-year run. “This isn’t a goodbye forever, but for now, we’re closing our doors,” the restaurant’s team wrote in an Instagram post. “We don’t know what the future holds, but maybe, just maybe—we’ll see each other again.”

Cascabel is known for preparing vegan renditions of Mexican favorites, including tacos, tamales, and a deceptively cheesy, spicy chile con queso and chile relleno burrito. On the post announcing its closure, many Instagram users reacted to the news, with at least one person calling the closure “sad and unwanted.” Others held onto hope that Cascabel would return as a food truck, pop-up, or as another restaurant in an entirely new location. For now, owners say it will remain open for the remainder of the month, allowing Houstonians to enjoy their favorite dishes one last time.

This restaurant slung its last burger on Sunday, July 27. Despite a successful 10-year run, Burger Nation’s owners announced on Facebook that they decided not to renew their lease on NASA Parkway. Beyond its food and milkshakes, Burger Nation earned a reputation for its welcoming environment that made it a popular hangout spot for birthdays, first dates, and even a marriage proposal. 

“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of our journey,” the post says. “From the first sizzle on the grill to the last fry in the basket, your warm smiles, kind words, and enthusiastic support have fueled us every step of the way. Whether you were a regular who’s [sic] order we knew by heart or a first-time guest stopping by on a whim, you welcomed us with open arms—and for that, we’re profoundly grateful.”

The gayborhood has lost one of its most beloved nightlife destinations. After nearly a decade of business, lively dancing, and Pride parties, the Eagle’s time in Montrose has come to an end. According to Chron, a notice to vacate the property was posted on the door. The notice stated that Eagle’s lease was terminated by its landlord, and cited several violations, including the absence of valid sales tax and occupancy permits. The Eagle also reportedly did not have a valid Houston health permit, according to the notice.

This longtime staple for Houston’s hockey fans is no more. A sign on its door dated July 31, 2025, states the property has been seized for nonpayment of taxes owed to the state of Texas, according to a social media post.

The Maple Leaf Pub regularly displayed hockey, football, baseball, and basketball, and its late-night kitchen made it a popular place for folks looking for a post-game meal. According to the Houston Chronicle, the pub’s owner, Sean Blair, said he’s reorganizing the business and “he’s proud of what its staff has built.”

Gabriela’s Group, the Austin-based hospitality group known for its Instagrammable locations, Bad Bunny-themed drinks, and appetizing Mexican food, opened its first Houston restaurant, Seareina’s, in October 2024, but the Sinaloa-inspired bar didn’t last long. In a February Instagram post, the restaurant announced that all events were canceled, but it has not posted since. According to Google, the destination is now permanently closed. Seareina’s served plates like tostadas with ceviche and fish, enchiladas, and birria tacos. 

After an eight-year run, this modern American restaurant is closing its doors for good on Saturday, August 30. Riel earned a following for its eclectic menu crafted by chef Ryan Lachaine, who specializes in Gulf Coast cuisine. Following its launch in January 2017, the Montrose restaurant captivated diners with dishes like butter burgers, housemade caviar tater tots, crawfish rolls, and its pierogies, a nod to Lachaine's Ukrainian heritage. 

Like many chefs and owners of other restaurants, Lachaine attributes Riel's closure to recent changes within food and hospitality, market uncertainty, and price increases on ingredients. It's becoming much more difficult to compete with corporate-backed franchises and restaurants, he says. 

“It's really tough out there right now," Lachaine said in a press release. "It's as bad as I have ever seen it. Our lease is up, and we've just decided not to go forward with Riel anymore." 

Despite the closure, Lachaine says that he plans to stay in Houston. He hinted at some exciting announcements that will come at a later date. For now, his focus is on going out with a bang, with a new round of menu items to debut in Riel's final month.

This Garden Oaks pub officially said goodbye to Houstonians on Saturday, July 5. The closure was announced in an Instagram post, but its owners did not clarify why they chose to shut down the bar. 

"While we may not have been successful by traditional business standards, we like to think we were successful in creating a place within our neighborhood to come and enjoy good food, good drink and good company," the post states. 

The Upside Pub was known for its monthly burger specials, fun game-day events, and no-frills drinks.