Correction: The spelling of Crystal Allen's name has been corrected. The story has also been updated to include information about David Littwitz representing Mack McDonald in the lease signing.

A new seafood option is opening near Uptown and River Oaks after officials with Mack Allen's signed a lease for 15,858 square feet on the ground floor of the 5POP office building.

Officials with the commercial real estate companies CP Group and Transwestern Real Estate Services announced the lease in a May 30 news release.

CP Group, which owns the building, was represented by Transwestern's Crystal Allen in the lease signing. Mack McDonald and Mack Allen’s were exclusively represented by David Littwitz, a restaurant real estate broker affiliated with Littwitz Investments, Inc. of Houston.

Mack Allen's is a concept from Houston restauranteur Mack McDonald, who also operates the New Orleans-style Cajun restaurant, The Rouxpour, four locations of which can be found in Greater Houston.


Another location of Mack Allen's will open in The Woodlands in 2025, Community Impact previously reported. The eatery is known for its fresh seafood, full oyster bar and prime steaks. The new Houston location, located in Briar Hollow next to River Oaks, will feature a bakery/to-go section and 4,000 square feet of private dining space, according to the release.

“We will feature a large variety of unique char-grilled oyster recipes, a wide selection of fresh gulf seafood, premium steaks, a lively bar highlighted by a city-leader selection of whiskeys, and private dining capable of hosting parties as large as 75 people,” McDonald said in a statement.

The 28-story, 566,773-square-foot 5POP building underwent $12 million in capital improvements after CP Group acquired it in 2021, according to the release. Improvements included upgrades to lobbies and common areas, the construction of a full floor of new flexible spec suites and the opening of a new grab-n-go coffee bar.