Washington Avenue Corridor
The Washington Corridor is by far seeing the most changes this fall. Since Jan. 1, 2009, more than 20 TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) permits have been issued for new restaurants and bars along Washington Avenue.
Sawyer Park – Opened July 2009
2412 Washington Avenue, 77007
In the heart of the booming Washington corridor is Sawyer Park. This high-end sports lounge is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 4pm to 2am and Saturday-Sunday from 12pm to 2am. The bi-level space has a rentable clubroom, great for game-watching and a roof top patio with one of the best views of the city. The venue also offers a full service kitchen serving such tasty fare as gourmet burgers and smoked brisket quesadillas. Patrons can also enjoy live music and DJs and this local hot spot.
Block 7 Wine Company - Opening late July 2009
720 Shepherd Drive, 77007
www.block7wineco.com
This 8,000-square-foot retail wine warehouse, tasting venue and event space will be a welcome addition to the booming Washington Corridor. Customers can buy bottles in the climate-controlled retail store, which will offer a rotating selection of over 500 carefully chosen wines from around the world. They can then take the wine into the restaurant, as the wine prices in the store and restaurant will be the same.
Block 7 will offer free public tastings every Saturday for guests to try new and featured wines. It will feature a 35-foot tasting bar and a full-service restaurant featuring wine-inspired cuisine. The menu was created with the slow food philosophy and inspired by the cuisine of chefs such as Alice Waters and Tom Collicchio.
There are multiple event spaces available for private and semi-private functions.
Block 7 has partnered with local arts nonprofit Spacetaker to program a revolving exhibition space. The first art exhibition will feature mixed media artist Matt Messinger and will run through Aug. 31. Local bands will frequently perform.
510 Shepherd - Opening Fall 2009
510 Shepherd, 77007
510 Shepherd, designed by award-winning hospitality designer Joel Mozersky, will be a unique neighborhood restaurant concept reminiscent of a traditional London gastro pub, yet modernized in design and updated to take into account American tastes.
The menu will change seasonally. Emphasis will be on local organic meat and produce, locally-sourced fish and seafood, and an extensive cured meat and charcuterie program. A friendly, inviting bar will feature hard to find, value priced wines in the $15-$40 per bottle range, import beers and microbrews and signature cocktails, including housemade vodka and rum infusions. Bar menu will also feature local distillers, small batch bourbons, single malt scotches, true French-style absinthe and innovative classic cocktails.
Partners are Chef David Grossman, Culinary Institute of America graduate and formerly with Gravitas and Reef in Houston, Oceana, Gotham Bar & Grill and Daniel in New York, Alinea in Chicago, La Folie in San Francisco and The French Laundry in Napa, along with Augustine Bui, owner-operator of Bond in Houston and partner of Vessel in San Francisco and Heat Sushi in Chicago.
Bronx Bar Washington – Opening Fall 2009
4520 Washington Avenue, 77007
www.thebronxbar.com
Bronx Bar is located on Washington Avenue and is the third Bronx Bar to open (Rice Village was the first location to open in 1997). This Bronx Bar location is the first to have a full kitchen for lunch, dinner, or a late night snack. At night get ready to dance and hang out while the DJ spins a mix of rock, house, and hip-hop. Take your party outside and enjoy the view of the heights from a beautiful roof top and massive deck.
