Houston, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Houston’s culinary scene is expanding with five new dining establishments. These openings feature a variety of cuisines, from progressive Creole at Augustine’s to Italian-inspired dishes at the new Hotel Daphne. Local favorites like Doc’s Texas Jazz Club and Donna’s cocktail bar are also set to enhance the vibrant food culture in the city this fall, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
Houston Welcomes Five Exciting Dining Spots This Fall
Houston is set to see the grand opening of five new dining establishments this fall, enhancing the city’s vibrant culinary scene. The anticipated openings include diverse offerings, from innovative Creole cuisine to Italian-inspired dishes, promising to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Augustine’s in Riverside Terrace/Third Ward
Among the highlights is Augustine’s, a new restaurant led by Chef Dominick Lee, which is projected to open in late fall 2025. Located in the historic, Black-owned Hotel King David, Augustine’s will focus on progressive Creole cuisine, blending elements from Lee’s rich background and his studies in European, African, and Indigenous Creole roots. This establishment aims to innovate traditional Creole classics such as gumbo and jambalaya, and its name pays homage to the first Creole family to trace their roots from France to Louisiana and ultimately to Texas.
Doc’s Texas Jazz Club in Montrose
In Montrose, the highly anticipated Doc’s Texas Jazz Club is set to open in the historic Tower Theatre this fall 2025. Owned by Doc Watkins, founder of San Antonio’s Jazz, TX, the venue will offer a supper-club-style dining experience, complete with Gulf seafood towers, steaks, cocktails, and nightly jazz performances, creating a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere for diners.
Oru & Hotel Daphne in the Heights
Also making an entrance in the Heights is Oru, a 24-seat hinoki counter restaurant managed by Comma Hospitality, projected to open in early September 2025. This intimate venue will serve an array of exquisite dishes like sea bream sashimi with recado negro vinaigrette and five spice–cured duck breast, promising an elevated culinary experience.
In November 2025, the Heights will welcome Hotel Daphne, a new property by Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels, featuring its restaurant and lounge, Hypsi. The establishment will focus on Italian-inspired cuisine and aperitivo cocktails under the guidance of Head Chef Terrence Gallivan. Hotel Daphne is expected to start booking rooms in January 2026, enhancing the area’s hospitality options.
Donna’s Cocktail Bar in Montrose
Lastly, in Montrose, Donna’s cocktail bar is anticipated to open this fall, overseen by notable figures Bobby Heugel and Jacki Schromm. Located in the former Ready Room space on White Oak Drive, Donna’s will embody a spirit of community and warmth, named after Schromm’s grandmother. Managed by Thorough Fare, the same group behind successful venues like Squable and Theodore Rex, Donna’s will feature a menu of cocktails designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
Additional Updates
As the dining scene evolves, it’s worth noting the closure of Ginger and Fork due to lease expiration. In addition, Texas Cocktail Week is currently underway, highlighted by special $7.13 cocktails available at over 30 bars throughout Houston. Furthermore, the inaugural Michelin Guide Texas restaurant picks are set to be announced on October 28, 2025, adding further excitement to the city’s culinary landscape.
FAQ Section
What are the names of the new restaurants opening in Houston this fall?
The new dining spots include Augustine’s, Doc’s Texas Jazz Club, Oru, Donna’s cocktail bar, and the restaurant Hypsi at Hotel Daphne.
When is Augustine’s expected to open?
Augustine’s is projected to open in late fall 2025.
What type of cuisine will Doc’s Texas Jazz Club offer?
Doc’s Texas Jazz Club will serve a variety of dishes including Gulf seafood towers, steaks, cocktails, and feature nightly jazz performances.
Where is Oru located and when will it open?
Oru will be located in the Heights and is expected to open in early September 2025.
What is unique about Donna’s cocktail bar?
Donna’s cocktail bar, set to open this fall, is named after Jacki Schromm’s grandmother and aims to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
What other events are happening in Houston related to dining?
Texas Cocktail Week is underway, featuring special cocktails across over 30 bars in the city. Additionally, the Michelin Guide Texas picks will be announced on October 28, 2025.
Key Features of New Dining Spots in Houston
| Restaurant Name | Location | Opening Date | Cuisine Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augustine’s | Riverside Terrace/Third Ward | Late Fall 2025 | Progressive Creole |
| Doc’s Texas Jazz Club | Montrose | Fall 2025 | American Supper-Club |
| Oru | The Heights | Early September 2025 | Hinoki Counter |
| Donna’s | Montrose | Fall 2025 | Cocktail Bar |
| Hypsi | The Heights (Hotel Daphne) | November 2025 | Italian-inspired |
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Houston’s Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings Fall 2025
- Wikipedia: Houston
- CultureMap: New Brunches in Houston Fall 2025
- Google Search: Houston restaurants fall 2025
- Houston Chronicle: Michelin Guide Texas October Ceremony
- Google Scholar: Houston cuisine
- CultureMap: Eastbound Barbecue Popup Introduction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston food culture
- Houston Chronicle: Cecil’s Pub Reopening Houston
- Google News: Houston Michelin Guide
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
