Longstanding Heights establishment
Big Star Bar announced it would close sometime after May 31, after its lease ends at 1005 W. 19th St., Houston. The bar will celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 25 and 26, with a final send-off event when a formal closing date is set, owner Brad Moore said.
"We love and have enjoyed our time here," Moore said. "The thousands of memories have been amazing, bizarre, and hopefully meaningful to those who experienced them."
The bar could reopen in another location if the opportunity arises, he said. 281-501-9560.
www.bigstarbar.com
Here are eight other local businesses that made moves in April:
Bar Victor, located at 4321 Montrose Blvd., Houston, closed April 21. The bar offered a live DJ, champagne and cocktails as well as happy hour specials throughout the week. 713-521-2002.
www.barvictor.com
California-based Greek Restaurant
Daphne’s Mediterranean opened April 19 at 107 Yale Street, Ste. 600, Houston. The fast-casual chain features gyros, falafel, grilled seafood and customizable bowls with quinoa, rice or greens as a base. 713-714-8101.
www.daphnes.biz
Mayfield Social Club, 5555 Washington Ave., Ste. A, Houston, opened April 18. The bar and restaurant includes a poker club, which charges for games by the hour. It is open 24 hours a day from Thursday through Saturday, and 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday. 832-516-8586.
www.mayfieldclub.com
Polanquito HTX opened April 15 at 404 Shepherd Drive, Houston and operates under its soft opening breakfast and lunch hours with plans to add dinner service. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican fare from various regions of Mexico including Sinaloan inspired fish tacos and Yucatan-style confit pork. 713-485-4047.
www.polanquitohtx.com
A new seafood restaurant boasting over 100 varieties of gin,
1751 Sea and Bar, opened April 2 at 191 Heights Blvd., Houston. The name is a nod to the Gin Act of 1751, a British tax on the liquor to discourage overconsumption. According to a news release, the restaurant will feature fresh seafood selections prepared myriad ways, including oysters, poke and caviar service. 832-831-9820.
www.1751houston.com
Spenga hosted a grand opening on April 1 at 243 Westheimer Road, Ste. 100, Houston. The fitness studio combines spin classes, strength training and yoga sessions for a balanced, hour-long workout program. 713-588-2315.
www.spenga.com
The Rice Box opened its River Oaks location in early April at 1111 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston. The Chinese-American takeout restaurant is known for its neon signs and self-described “edgy ambiance.” The restaurant also offers craft beer and nitrogen-infused tea.
www.riceboxed.com
The vegan food truck
Verdine opened its a brick-and-mortar restaurant in early April at 449 W. 19th St., Ste. C-200, Houston. The cafe has a patio and serves beer and wine as well as all plant-based food.
www.eatverdine.com