NOTE: This article is now outdated, as many places that opened on 2/16 are unable to do so on 2/17 due to lack of water and power. Please check our homepage for the latest coverage of this crisis. 

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This list is being continually updated — please be patient and check back as we receive and add more information for other places across the area. Owners can email us if their businesses are up and running. Obviously, it’s not safe to drive on icy roads, and only those who are absolutely desperate should consider venturing out at all. Even then, they should only go to the closest open places where their basic needs can be met. 

As many in the Greater Houston area cope with power outages that have lasted in some cases for more than 24 hours, including last night, where temperatures fell to as low as 11 degrees, and with a wind-chill factor below zero, certain factors emerged to draw stark lines between the most and least fortunate.

Fireplaces, camp stoves, generators and natural gas have proven invaluable. Those without, though, are scrambling. Many went cold and hungry last night. Some resorted to essentially living in their cars, which at least offered heat and a way to charge mobile devices, or risked perilous journeys to reach areas that still had power and hot food. (Note: it’s of vast importance to do this outside in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Some have already died from it.)

Confronted with the pressing needs of the general public, some restaurant and other business owners are planning to reopen on Tuesday, February 16, while also trying to keep employees safe by not requiring them to report to work. Those who venture out should bring a dose of patience and expect a wait, as staff will be extremely limited.

To that end, here is a list of what’s open, organized by neighborhood. We do recommend checking social media or calling ahead as things can change rapidly, such as suddenly losing power or selling out of food.

Grocery Stores

H-E-B: The Greater Houston-area stores are only open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16. Expect lines. The same goes for the H-E-B-owned Central Market, Mi Tienda and Joe V’s Smart Shop (although the Joe V’s at Victory and Shepherd is completely closed today). That said: writer Sandra Crittenden informs us that
“the H-E-B in Sugar Land opened at 10 a.m., but had no way to run the registers because they don’t have power.” So, try and call the store before you attempt to go there.

Kroger: According to a representative, “store hours in the Houston area are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.” Unfortunately, the rep had no specific information on which stores do and do not have electricity and are actually open, and said that customers will have to contact the individual stores directly to confirm. Use the Kroger mobile app or store locator function on the website to find the one nearest you.

Randall’s, 2225 Louisiana: Reader Joshua Williams says that the store is open. However, it is important to know that the parking garage is closed, presumably due to being too icy to safely drive into and out of.

Warming Centers

KPRC Channel 2 has a list of warming centers in various areas. Be sure and read the descriptions, as some are fairly small and probably already full, and others don’t allow pets.

Briar Forest

Moderno Tex-Mex & Tacos, 10455 Briar Forest: Owner John Moore is personally manning the flattop today to toast tortillas for tacos and more. Update: unfortunately, the restaurant lost power and is again temporarily closed. 

Conroe

Asadero TXMX Grill, 721 West Davis: This stop for fajitas, enchiladas and other Tex-Mex staples should be open around 11 a.m.

Cypress

Mack’s Tenders, 8190 Barker Cypress, Cypress: Reader Brandi Grasser says this restaurant, which has chicken tenders and 30 different sauces, is open but there’s a lengthy wait for to-go orders — up to 90 minutes. The good news is that you can hit the nearby grocery store and come back for your order.

Nyam Nyam Café, 15201 Mason, Cypress: Consultant Chris Romani says that the restaurant specializing in hearty Russian dishes is open for dinner until 9 p.m.

Downtown

Spec’s, 2410 Smith: Reader Joshua Williams tipped us off that the downtown superstore location is open today until 5 p.m. with limited staff. Sounds like a good time to stock up on hot deli food, bourbon, and maybe also grab some whiskey for Irish coffee.

East Side/EaDo

76, 2002 Runnells, (713) 226-7578: If you’re looking for snacks, drinks and gasoline in the area, reader Liah Crumbley says this location is open.

Galleria

Chevron, 4423 San Felipe: While helping travelers in the Galleria area find any kind of food last night, we found this was the only gas station in the area that was open and with an attendant who answered the phone.

Roostar Vietnamese Grill, 5551 Richmond: The Galleria location is open until 9 p.m. and is taking online orders only. You can also place orders today for bread pick up tomorrow (from Kraftsmen Baking). Call (832) 767-3319 for more information, but bear in mind they are swamped and may not be able to answer. Owner Ronnie Nguyen says the store got “too many customers” and is once again closed.

Heights

Boomtown Coffee, 242 West 19th: There’s no food (and no kitchen), but it has power and piping-hot craft coffee, and that’s worth a lot right now.

Chick’nCone, 1919 North Shepherd: Open until 9 p.m. with hot fried chicken and waffles. Bonus: guests can charge their phones while they wait.

Coltivare, 3320 White Oak: Sister restaurants Coltivare and Vinny’s Pizza are joining forces to limit food loss and guests get the benefit of being first in line for the pop-up concept “Vin y Vare”. The menu includes pizza, lasagna, several sides and desserts. View the full menu and updates on the @coltivarehtx Instagram account and in stories. Available for walk-up only until sold out.

The Burger Joint, 2002 North Shepherd: Opens at 11 a.m. for to go only. Pick up burgers, hot dogs and sides such as fries, onion rings and mac and cheese. Order a milkshake if you’re feeling sassy.

Fat Cat Creamery, 1901 North Shepherd: Visit the Heights location for hot cocoa and ice cream from 1 to 6 p.m.; Garden Oaks is closed today due to limited staffing.

Good Dog, 903 Studewood: The full menu is available including gourmet hot dogs, sides, house sodas, lemonades, wine and draft beer (with the exception of the soda fountain, which is currently on the fritz). Visit until 10 p.m. for dine-in and to go. Call (832) 800-3647 for more information. The restaurant closed at 4 p.m. after a very busy extended lunch. The owners hope to reopen for regular hours tomorrow (Wednesday, 2/17).

Harold’s, 350 West 19th: Order regional and American fare such as burgers, fried chicken, gumbo, steak and shrimp & grits for dine-in, to go and curbside pickup until 5 p.m. Call (713) 360-6204 for more information and to order.

Onion Creek, 3106 White Oak Blvd.: Opens at 11 a.m. for sandwiches, burgers, pizza and more. They have a killer coffee counter, too, which would really hit the spot right now.

 

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Revolucíon HTX, 1231 W. 11th: The coffee, juice and acai bowl shop in the Heights is open.

The Taco Stand, 2018 North Shepherd: Opens at 11 a.m. for drive-through only to serve assorted tacos, quesadillas and burritos in housemade corn and flour tortillas.

Yale St. Grill, 2100 Yale: Reader John Frels reports that this casual counter service restaurant is open, but keep in mind you may have to wait up to an hour due to demand and staffing.

Katy

Phat Eatery, 20119 Colonial Parkway: The popular eatery in Katy Asian Town center is open for curbside pickup only with a limited dinner menu. Orders can be placed online. According to owner Alex Au-yeung, the restaurant lost power around 6 p.m.

Memorial

Midtown

Subway, 2314 Bagby: A reader reports that this location of the sub sandwich chain is open until 5 p.m. Call ahead to be sure.

Montrose

Barnaby’s, 604 Fairview: According to a Facebook post, the original Barnaby’s is back to business as usual on this very unusual day.

Brasil, 2604 Dunlavy: The reliable café and coffeehouse is open for coffee and breakfast. Barring any power outages, the staff expects to be able to serve lunch and dinner, too.

The Burger Joint, 2703 Montrose: Opens at 11 a.m. for to go only. Pick up burgers, hot dogs and sides such as fries, onion rings and mac and cheese. Order a milkshake if you’re feeling sassy.

La Mexicana, 1018 Fairview: This long-running stalwart of Mexican fare is up-and-running. Expect that it’s going to be a little understaffed, as not all employees might be able to make it to work.

Rudyard’s, 2010 Waugh: According to an Instagram post, the British-style pub is open today. Look for pizzas, snacks — both healthy and indulgent — sandwiches and cocktails.

Museum District

City Cellars HTX, 1801 Binz: Stop in for a very limited menu that includes hot coffee. According to this Instagram post, the food is generously priced as “pay what you can” in order to help as many people as possible. There are also plenty of outlets (spaced for social distancing) that all are welcome to use for charging devices; bring your own cord. The owner is working solo to keep his staff safe, so please be patient.

Revelry On Richmond, 1613 Richmond: The sports bar and restaurant is open from 2 to 8 p.m. today, and even has an $8 hot toddy special so people can warm up from the inside out. The full food and drink menu is also available.

Needville

Bayou Boys Po’ Boys at Needville Methodist Church, 8602 Church Street, Needville: Reader Leslee Williams let us know about these kind-hearted souls, who are giving away chicken tender baskets to those who are hungry and can safely get there.

 

Northwest/Jersey Village

 

Pho-jita Food Truck: As noted above, the truck is serving its Thai-Mexican fusion cuisine just off of 290 in Northwest Houston (nearest major cross-streets are Tidwell and Blalock).

 

Senate Avenue Brewing Company, 16000 Dillard, Jersey Village: The brewery has opened as a warming center, is serving coffee and is even welcoming people to charge their cell phones. While it had some breakfast foods as of this morning, expect that those might run out.

Pearland

Pho 518 Vietnamese Noodle House, 9330 Broadway: The shop is open with a limited menu for to-go only and intends to close around 3 p.m. according to a staff member we spoke with on the phone. Call (832) 736-9903 for more information and to confirm hours if after 3:00.

Rice Military/Washington Avenue

While we don’t have specifics yet, reader Pablo Valqui reports that the “area has electricity or at least most of it as I saw. Gas stations and some stores and restaurants are open.”

Down The Street, 5746 Larkin: Open with a limited menu of hot coffee, muffins and mimosas.

Ninja Ramen, 4219 Washington: Owner Christopher Huang is hosting a pop-up this evening and hopes to get started by 5 p.m. Don’t expect ramen; the restaurant has no power, so instead Huang and his helpers are going to make simple dishes outside with propane, such as tacos. Update: Huang expects to be cooking until midnight. 

Urban Eats, 3414 Washington: Is open with a “very limited menu and staff.” The downstairs market is open for dine-in and to go orders until about 6 p.m. (call (832) 834-4417 or follow on social media for the latest info). There’s lots of fresh, hot coffee too!

Richmond

Clancy’s Public House, 503 FM 359, (832) 847-4390: The Celtic-style pub with both Irish and American comfort food was reported by reader Liah Crumbley as being open.

River Oaks

Jenni’s Noodle House, 3111 Shepherd: Warm up with comforting plates of dumplings, egg rolls and steamed edamame or opt for warming bowls of Vietnamese soup, rice and noodles. The noodle shop is open today (February 16) 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for takeout. Call (713) 523-7600 to order.  Update: Co-owner Scott Tranweaver reports that the electricity has gone out, so this location, as well as the other Jenni’s Noodle Houses, are currently closed.

San Leon

Pier 6, 113 6th, San Leon, (281) 339-1515: This seafood spot is open today — and hopefully serving up hot bowls of oyster chowder and Blue Crab Grilled Cheese.

Spring

Caroline’s, A Healthy Eatery, 9440 Louetta, Spring: Owner Caroline Cobell made it to work and is making soup and hot coffee.

Sugar Land

Pacific Coast Tacos, 1525 Lake Pointe Parkway: The restaurant posted on its Facebook page that it is “serving fresh tacos and cold drinks until further notice”. The normal closing time is 10 p.m.

Tomball

After seeing so many without power and looking for places that are open we have made the decision to open tomorrow, Tuesday 2/16. This will include our dining room. However, we are NOT requiring employees to come in. We’re planning on it just being us so please have some patience with us as it may take longer than usual tomorrow for things. We’ll see you guys at 11 tomorrow!

2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ, 11711 Spring Cypress, (832) 559-3923: The owners are opening at 11 a.m. — and not expecting employees to make a dangerous drive to work to help, so have patience and expect lines. While the menu may be limited today, the joint typically serves traditional Texas barbecue, such as lean or moist brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and more, as well as sides.

Westchase/Mid-West

Popeyes, 9827 Richmond: A reader reports that it is open — and has a very long line of cars at the drive-through.