It’s not uncommon for long-established, successful restaurants to have to occasionally step back and take a look at refreshing the concept. That is exactly what executive chef David Cordúa says was needed at the Américas location located right next to the Woodlands Waterway. It has been rebranded into the sixth location of Churrascos, a well-loved Houston staple. We were invited to come check out the new digs.

The top-floor nightclub outlived its trendiness, so it’s now gone. Instead, now there’s a spacious downstairs dining room with a big, rectangular bar as the centerpiece. “It really changed the energy of the space,” said Cordúa. “I love how the dining areas are now more intimate and the energy radiates out from the center where the bar is.”

Of course, the terrific happy hour deals from 4 to 7 p.m. are still firmly in place. Seven different wines by the glass and five cocktails are $4.95 each. These include a gentle but potent margarita. “I hate the ones that make your mouth pucker!” said Cordúa with a grin. The wines include the Spanish Marqués De Cáceres rosé from Rioja and an Argentinean Tintonegro Malbec from Mendoza. At same price is comforting Idiazábal mac & cheese (Idiazábal is a naturally smoky sheep’s’ milk cheese from Spain).

Our favorite happy hour deal, though was the new Pork Cubano sandwich. Crusty bread is filled with achiote braised pork, sliced pork belly, provolone, smoked mustard and pickled relish before being pressed and toasted. “There really aren’t many Cuban sandwiches in the area,” Cordúa pointed out.

While there, diners will discover a new perspective on the menu as well. “When my family first opened, we tried hard to differentiate ourselves from Mexican food, because that’s all that was available in Houston at the time,” explained Cordúa. “I think South American cuisine is established enough that if we’re calling something ‘Pan-Latin,’ we can’t ignore Mexico. Their influence on gastronomy in the U.S. and Latin America is huge.” So, expect some familiar flavors to make appearances on the menu.

With there now only being one Américas location at 2040 West Gray (originally located on Post Oak), Cordúa says to expect some adventurous new takes on the cuisine there as well. “Américas allows me to be a little more aggressive and push the envelope farther,” he said. (Look for an in-depth look from us on the new dishes there in two weeks.)

Churrascos in The Woodlands is at 21 Waterway Avenue. There is both a valet and the convenient Marriott parking garage. (The restaurant will validate tickets from this garage.) Hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also on Sundays, a brunch buffet is available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Phaedra Cook

Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.