HiWay Cantina Tex-Mex Bar & Grill Opens

Agricole Hospitality’s latest concept, HiWay Cantina Tex-Mex Bar & Grill,  opened just before Christmas at 1201 St Emanuel Street. The vibrant Tex-Mex spot in Houston’s lively East Downtown neighborhood features high-quality Tex-Mex classics in a colorful, inviting atmosphere.

“As we open our contribution to Houston’s Tex-Mex community, we are striving to be genuine, comfortable, and exciting. HiWay Cantina’s food and drink menus have been approached with the curiosity, quality, and care found in Agricole Hospitality’s sister concepts,” say Agricole Hospitality owners Morgan Weber, Vincent Huynh, and Ryan Pera. “We hope it becomes a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to make their own tradition.”

HiWay Cantina’s menus are recognizable, familiar, and adventurous. The all-day food menu highlights Tex-Mex staples served alongside rice, beans, fresh house-made flour, and corn tortillas. Guests can expect classic starters like Chicharrónes, Chile Con Queso, and bright, refreshing guacamoles like the Guacamole Tropical. Dishes like Mesquite Grilled Fajita al Carbon, Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, Chipotle Glazed Shrimp Brochette, and ample Enchilada, Quesadilla, Taco, Burrito, and Chimichanga options ride along together to satisfy everyone at your table. Guests who have trouble choosing between options can opt for a HiWay Combination featuring several complementary dishes served with rice and beans.

Behind the bar, HiWay Cantina takes its inspiration from the cultural traditions of Texas and Mexico and their unique relationship. The expansive menu utilizes traditional tequila-based classics and explores Mexican spirits like mezcal, sotol, and rums. Highlights include Margaritas (House, Hellfire, Watermelon Mezcal, Margarita Al Pastor, and Top Shelf), Bloodies (Maria, Mary, Carrot Black Garlic), and Cheladas (Michelada, Chela Verde, Chelada Puro), while also boasting classics like a Mexican Martini (Blanco Tequila, Rio Grande Orange, Clarified Lime, Lime Oleo, Spicy Olives, Olive Brine), two types of Palomas, Ranchwaters, and Aguas Fresca. HiWay Cantina also offers a variety of creative cocktail spins, such as the Yucatán Sling (Mexican Charanda Rum, Mezcal, Xtabentún Honey Liqueur, Guanabana Liqueur, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Mango, Simple Syrup, Soda Water) and the Dulce de Leche Old Fashioned (Bourbon, Dulce de Leche, Chuchupate Bitters, Lemon and Orange Oils). Ice-cold beers are offered by the bottle and can, and a curated selection of red, white, and sparkling wines is available daily.

Situated in the heart of East Downtown, directly next door to Agricole Hospitality’s beloved New York-style pizza joint, Vinny’s, and casual live music bar, Lightnin’s Good Times, HiWay Cantina offers Houstonians and visitors alike an easy going environment to dine with friends and family in a nostalgic atmosphere. The space features ample seating indoors as well as on its outdoor patio. It features a sweeping colorful mosaic bar with vintage bar stools, a solid zinc bar top, and traditional Mexican art. HiWay Cantina is bold and vibrant with colorful lighting, masonry work, and bright blue-and-yellow tiled checkered flooring. The bar, a visual centerpiece of the restaurant, seats 16, while indoor and outdoor table seating can accommodate up to 130 guests.

HiWay Cantina Tex Mex Bar & Grill will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11am – 9pm and Friday & Saturday from 11am – 10pm. Brunch offerings will be announced at a later date.