Must Try Eats for the New Year
These new dining spots hit the mark
The last year was a tough one for restaurants but for all our favorites that closed, a lot more opened their doors and there are some highly anticipated ones still to come in 2026.
Hypsi
hypsirestaurant.com
346.613.1265
Inside the Hotel Daphne in the Heights, this breakfast, lunch (coming in January), happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch spot is hip and delicious. Opened in December, Hypsi marks the return of chef Terrance Gallivan, whose Italian fare dazzles with lamb meatballs, pork Milanese, and lovely pastas. The décor is typical whimsy from Bunkhouse Hotels, resembling a vintage speakeasy. Also fun, the rolling cheese cart.
Candente
candentehtx.com
713.590.7333
Also just opened last month, the new location of the Micheline-acclaimed Tex-Mex Candente in Bellaire. Taking over the former Mandito’s Tex-Mex on Bellaire Blvd., the claim to fame here is flame. The first location in Montrose was next door to sister eatery The Pit Room, renowned for its barbeque. And if you eat nothing else here, you must try the brisket queso, one of the best quesos in town. Also divine, the wood-grilled fajitas (particularly the pork carnitas), and the combo plates are huge. Owner Michael Sambrooks said, “It’s a privilege to open in Bellaire and get to know and serve a new clientele.” We think Bellaire will agree.
The Finn Houston
thefinnhou.com
713.581.7163
Downtown’s culinary destination food hall, The Finn has filled its available vendor stalls with last month’s addition of two concepts. Texas smokehouse Dozier’s BBQ and a new hot chicken concept Hot Peckers. “Bringing in Dozier’s and Hot Peckers allows us to expand our offerings while maintaining the high standards and guest focused approach that define our vision for this space,” said Food & Beverage Director Terra Velasquez. Dozier’s BBQ dates back to a barbeque joint in Fulshear started in 1957 that is still going strong and lining them up for its smoked meats. Hot Peckers has hot chicken, from tenders to sandwiches, with six levels of heat. In the Jones on Main, The Finn now has almost a dozen food vendors, a Japanese inspired vinyl listening lounge, and a rooftop patio.
Doc’s Jazz Club
docsjazzclub.com
The historic Art Deco Tower Theatre in Montrose has been home to everything from a live theater to a video store, to more recently El Real Tex-Mex and then Acme Oyster Bar. Now it’s Doc’s Jazz Club, a super club with live jazz from San Antonio’s Doc Watkins whose Jazz, TX club inside the Pearl Brewery in SA, is a hot spot for cool jazz and good food. Based on the New Year’s Eve menu for Doc’s, it will serve fine American cuisine. A good option for dinner and a show in Montrose.
COMING UP …
???
James Beard award-winner chef Justin Yu (of Theodore Rex) and beverage king Bobby Huegal (Anvil) are working on an as-yet unnamed restaurant they are calling “an ambitious, full-service neighborhood restaurant.” Word is it is set to open in early spring of this year at 1931 Fairview, former home of Vibrant, a health eatery. Keep an eye out for updates, this should be one to try.
Chrôma
instagram.com/chromahtx/
Clair Smith’s new eatery at least has a name, but you’ll have to wait until this winter to eat at the new resident of Bistro Menil on The Menil Collection campus. Smith, famous for Shade, Canopy, and Alice Blue, is expected to serve similar dishes at the museum spot when it does open. Think comfort food with world flavors like her popular crab remoulade and chicken flautas. Right now, all we have are an Instagram account, and the address of former Bistro Menil, 1512 Sul Ross.
