It’s Thanksgiving week, so things are a bit slow with restaurant openings. This week we have the wrap-up of November’s openings, plus a couple of places that you may want to hit before they close for good.
Recess, 1500 Waugh, is coming to River Oaks in early 2026. Its name suggests a playground, and that is exactly what it is, but for both kids and adults. It’s a two-story retreat with custom playscapes for little ones, plus workspaces and a full bar and bistro for parents.
The supervised play area was created by Rootlab, a Houston-based fabricator known for designing family-friendly projects with environments made for children and their parents, including installations at Houston Museum of Natural Science. Adults can work or unwind, with trained caregivers monitoring the playscapes as kids explore and play. The upstairs dining space gives parents a direct sightline to their children, plus there are smart wristbands to track each child at all times.
The second story space offers comfortable seating for adults to socialize or do a little computer work, while enjoying a coffee or cocktail. There will be a dining menu, as well as a dedicated kids menu.
Golden Chick, 2300 Main, has opened in Baytown, making number two for the area. It’s the first location for franchisee Sheazab Kapadia. The brand’s success has resulted in a strong market in its home state of Texas as well as its expansion into states throughout the south. It will be adding Nevada, Arkansas, Missouri and Arizona to its national portfolio in the coming year.
Currently, Houston locations of Golden Chick are donating 10 percent of sales of the Mini Funnel Cakes to local schools for classroom supplies, field trips and campus projects. The donation will continue through January 4, 2026.
Before it’s too late:
Over the past couple of months, several restaurants have announced their upcoming closures. Here is a list of places that you will want to make a farewell visit to, soon.
Ninja Ramen, 4219 Washington, will close December 30, according to CultureMap Houston.
Owner Christopher Huang opened the whiskey-centric ramen bar in 2014 and many people consider it the OG of Houston ramen restaurants. However, as more and more restaurants open in Houston, some longtime establishments are seeing their business affected as diners flock to new concepts, eager for something different.
In January 2024, Huang posted on Facebook of the difficulties the restaurant was going through and laid out his plans to bring clientele back in with bar specials and even adding an espresso martini to its bar menu. But it was the Japanese whiskey program, along with the tasty ramen, that brought in guests originally. With more and more Americans choosing to drink less alcohol, coupled with the trend toward tiny, expensive craft cocktails, whiskey bars are seeing less consumers.
Huang also told CultureMap that he was working 100 hours a week and that it wasn’t worth it to keep Ninja Ramen going. The restaurant will finish out December by still hosting its annual snow party December 19 through December 21.
However, the closure of his whiskey and ramen joint means Huang will get to focus more on Narwhal Jousting Club, his unique burger restaurant with chef David Ramos. He even hinted at possibly expanding the concept.
Pico’s, 3601 Kirby, has been saying farewell since August of this year, but its actual closure is getting down to the wire. “Sometime in January 2026” is the latest prediction. Currently, it is doing Farewell Dinners including a recent taco omakase. Its yearly tamale stand is up and running right now, just in time for the holidays. It will last through January 6 of next year. It offers tamales Oaxaquenos (banana leaf) and tamales Nortenos (corn husk) by the half and full dozen. For Black Friday, Pico’s is offering buy 5 dozen, get one dozen free.
Paulie’s and Camerata, 1834 Westheimer, will close December 31, so there’s still more than a month left for loyal fans to enjoy the home-cooked pastas and delicious paninis at Paulie’s or drop in for a glass of wine or two at Camerata.
Restaurants Reported Open November 2025:
Cupbop, 5116 Fairmont Parkway, opened November 14
Doc’s Jazz Club, 1201 Westheimer, opened November 15
Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs, 4630 Kingwood, opened November 6
The Henry, 700 Town and Country Boulevard, opened November 12
Lazy Lane, 923 Wakefield, opened November 25
Liberty Kitchen, 5212 Morningside, opened November 5
Live Mas Cafe, 19400 Interstate 45, opened November 20
On the Kirb, 6777 Woodlands Parkway, opened November 15
Oru, 746 W. 24th, opened November 18
Paris Baguette, 18203 Egret Bay Boulevard, opened November 3
Pizza Twist, 10760 Barker Cypress, opened November 7
Seven Sushi, 9889 Bellaire Boulevard, opened November 20
The Taco Stand, 1503 Westheimer, opened October 30
Tripping Tacos, 5600 Richmond, opened November 8
Restaurants Reported Closed November 2025:
Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, 20920 Katy Freeway, closed temporarily November 1. Reopens March 2026
Kitsune, 13251 Jones, closed October 30
Outback Steakhouse, 9753 FM 1960, closed early November
The post Openings and Closings: Recess Soon, Ninja Ramen Will Close appeared first on Houston Press.
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