After nearly 10 years of serving Houstonians, this River Oaks restaurant will host its last brunch and dinner on Sunday, September 28. The Daily Dose Hospitality team is choosing not to renew its lease. JT Reed, cofounder of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, says in a release that it’s time for the group to reassess. “When looking at another 10 years at this location, we made the decision to consolidate our portfolio and focus on potential new opportunities for our brand in and around Houston,” he says. “We are currently innovating our menus, retooling our operations and looking forward to the next phase of our growth.” 

The restaurant became a go-to diner for its robust whiskey list of more than 240 varieties, and its innovative and playful weekend brunch, which included dishes like the Fruity Pebble French Toast and the Donut Burger, an assembly of double smashed patties, cheese, bacon, and sunny-side up eggs sandwiched between a pink-frosted doughnut with sprinkles. Bosscat’s other Texas location in The Woodlands will remain open, along with its sister restaurant TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar in River Oaks.

Neighbor to Bosscat, this Italian restaurant quietly closed earlier this year and is now listed as permanently closed on Google. Dante had seemingly lived a few lives. The restaurant originally opened as Concura Italian Bites in 2021, before reopening under new ownership as Dante in 2023. Heights & Co. owner Brian Doke repurposed the quaint and intimate restaurant, hiring executive chef Ilias Gugole to serve homemade pastas and gelato (the most memorable being a dill-flavored scoop served with apple pie).

This is the third place to shutter within this area of River Oaks. Eloise Nichols, also nearby, abruptly closed in late June after nearly a decade in business.

After a five-year run, this Italian restaurant in Montrose is saying "ciao." Chef Travis McShane said in Instagram post that he decided to close due to a combination of the current economic climate, strains on the industry, and personal reflections. McShane added that he'll be stepping away from cooking to focus on his family and "other exciting projects."

"Please know there will always be a special place [in] my heart for all that have supported us during this run," he wrote.

Diners still have some time to savor some of Ostia's best-sellers, including its homemade pastas, pizzas, and the iconic roasted chicken with salsa verde. Ostia will officially close on Saturday, September 13.

This Mexican bar and street food restaurant abruptly closed over the weekend on Sunday, August 31. John Offield, the owner of El Venado, and his team made the announcement on Instagram, thanking diners and bargoers for their support over the restaurant's three years in business.

"Thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebrations, your nights out, and your happiest memories," the post reads. "Every toast, every laugh, and every dance floor moment meant the world to us. Your support has been nothing short of amazing, and we're forever grateful for this journey with you." 

El Venado was known for its lively environment, agave cocktails, and dishes like street tacos, tostadas, and birria tamales. Its Steak Night was particularly well-known for adding Mexican flair to a popular Houston weekday tradition.