Welcome To The Neighborhood: Montrose Businesses That Have Opened In 2015
We’re already halfway through 2015, and new businesses in the neighborhood have been busy. While, yes, there has been much ado about a handful of mattress stores opening here, there have also been a wide variety of restaurants, bars, residential developments and even a one-of-a-kind co-working space to grace Montrose with continued diversity and excitement. What is missing from this list? Please tell us in the comments.
La Grange / 2517 Ralph
Located in what used to be EJ’s is a laid-back, coastal-Mexican themed bar from the purveyors of Cottonwood in Garden Oaks and Liberty Station on Washington. The 7,000-square-foot spot has plenty of room — complete with three bars — to grab refreshing cocktails like the watermelon fresca with tequila blanco, Aperol, watermelon juice, lemon juice and salt. It’s also big on the outdoor elements with both a downstairs and rooftop patio. And don’t forget the food; whether you’re in the mood for light bites or an entire fried tilapia, it’s all here. Bonus: Brunch on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mala Sichuan / 1201 Westheimer
One of the most beloved institutions on Bellaire made a big jump, adding a second location in Montrose this year. A favorite of food lovers all over the city, this tongue-tingling cuisine is now available at 1201 Westheimer. Famous for their spicy Sichuan dishes with names like “couples lung slices” and “top notch pot of the outlaws,” the new Inner Loop location also added a few items to their repertoire like green peppercorn beef and dry pot prawns, which CultureMap reports, are more than worthy of any spice-lover’s attention.
The Susanne / 3833 Dunlavy
The luxury apartments located conveniently across the street from H-E-B’s Montrose Market finally have their first tenants. As of April, there were nine residents living in the complex, with close to one-third of the property leased. Thankfully for those that have moved into the building, the pool should be finished by now to ward off the summer heat, and common areas are scheduled to open sometime this month as well. The remainder of construction should be complete by fall, filling up soon after with the remaining committed tenants.
Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana / 1000 West Gray
Montrose seems to be the hotspot for many of Houston’s critical restaurant darlings, as evidenced by the fact that Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana opened its second location in the neighborhood. Sporting double the authentic Italian pizza ovens as its original location in Memorial — two to be exact — and plenty more room for diners, the place is comfortable, but casual and conveniently BYOB. You can’t go wrong with their housemade mozzarella and array of classic ingredients atop that perfectly blistered crust, which cooks in 90 seconds in their 900-degree ovens.
Woodbar / 3939 Montrose
So perhaps this one snuck in a little earlier than the beginning of this year (opening in December of 2014), but it would be unfair to leave off this addition to Canopy, which starts out strong and finishes smooth. The new café space opens for breakfast, serving coffee, tea and delectable pastries in the morning, and stays open throughout the day. The evenings transform it into a sleek cocktail lounge with the kind of bar bites you’d expect from a restaurant founded by chef Claire Smith — which is to say — very tasty.
Kung Fu Tea / 3224 Montrose
Kung Fu Tea is bringing boba teas to the heart of Montrose. This branch of an international chain caters to those that love milk-infused teas loaded with chewy globes of tapioca at the bottom, slurped up with extra large straws. The cozy shop also shares a space with a boutique soap and candle shop, making for quirky random fun if you’re in need of some vegan-friendly items for yourself or a friend.
Montrose Shop / 1723 Westheimer
Simply named and simply adorned, Montrose Shop is one of the newest shopping spaces in the neighborhood. Touted for its clean, minimalist layout as well as their “clean edit of independent brands” in clothing and housewares, they aim to help keep your closet and your home filled with one-of-a-kind items. Look for the renovated bungalow at Westheimer and Dunlavy with plenty of calming white space on the inside.
Lovett Center / 900 Lovett
Thought of as a neighborhood conducive to shopping and eating, Montrose is also an area with a concentration of mental health resources. Among those are the Montrose Center, Legacy Community Health Services, and The Women’s Home. Add to that the Lovett Center, a co-working space that opened earlier this year designed to foster the independence of psychologists and mental health professionals through innovative options for temporary and part-time leases. The result means more access for patients in need at more affordable rates.
Equal Grounds — Inside Montrose Center / 401 Branard
The all-volunteer run coffee shop and “snacketeria” inside the Montrose Center is a convenient place to recharge your computer and your energy level. It’s located on the first floor in the Cultural Center and began as a place to relax and get organized before and after meetings taking place at The Montrose Center. The LGBT-friendly spot has plenty of lounge space, free Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and of course, healthy snacks, coffee and beverages.
Lucky Cat Beauty Studio / 212 Stratford
Makeup mavens Aubrie Layne and Laura Landry are the founders of this studio and unique line of cosmetics, which includes items like vegan-friendly false eyelashes. In addition to their own brand, you can find carefully curated beauty products from brands like BrowGal and Beauty For Real. Call for an appointment and consultation to see which products are best for your look.
