When the original Hearsay restaurant launched in downtown Houston 11 years ago, it opened in a building that has been in place since before the Civil War.

According to Shawn Collier, a marketing representative for Hearsay On The Waterway, the style of that building has been a touchstone for the other three locations, including the one in The Woodlands, which opened in 2020.

Along with its design philosophy, Hearsay On The Waterway features a menu composed largely of American classics and craft cocktails.

Modern chic

Owner and founder Lucky Chopra said opening the restaurant’s newest location in The Woodlands made sense because local regulars were coming to other locations in the Houston area.


“The original Hearsay Market Square enjoys a large following of patrons who live in The Woodlands and work downtown,” Chopra said. “So when the opportunity to open our newest location, Hearsay On The Waterway, became available, we knew the combination of chic antique ambience combined with eclectic American cuisine and custom craft cocktails would be a hit.”

Collier said each Hearsay has something unique about it. For The Waterway location, he said, the group wanted to bring a neighborhood feel to the area, and patrons there can come dressed up or casually.

“The space we are in already had a handful of the elements, but we brought more of the Hearsay elements to it,” Collier said. “You will see the exposed brick, the long, vertical wood strips, ... the aged mirrors, chandeliers on the inside. ... You will even see it on the outside of the building with the wraparound porch.”

Classics with a twist


Collier said the menu at Hearsay is periodically updated, but a few staples always stay on the menu. The idea is to keep American classics, such as cheeseburgers and charcuterie boards, but give them a unique twist, he said.

“Our charcuterie board is actually served in a Bavarian pretzel,” Collier said. “In addition to what you would expect in terms of meat cuts, we also serve sliced brisket to bring some Texas flair.”

Some menu items have also been changed based on patron feedback. According to Collier, one of the signature burgers at Hearsay, “The Byrd,” came about when a customer wanted more than just a cheeseburger.

“We had a patron that came in that was a regular who said he was super hungry and wanted everything on there,” Collier said. “On top of everything else on the burger, it’s got a fried egg, avocado, gouda mac and cheese, and it has rosemary-Parmesan fries on the side. It is a favorite, but it is a lot to eat.”


Along with its menu, Hearsay offers a variety of options for its bar, including signature cocktails, beer and wine.

Hearsay On The Waterway

20 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands

832-585-1723


www.hearsayonthewaterway.com

Hours: Sun.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.,

Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight