A powerful line of severe thunderstorms swept through southeastern Texas and Louisiana on Thursday evening, causing the deaths of at least four people, and leaving more than 800,000 Houstonians without power and electricity. The storm battered the Houston metropolitan area, and winds reported as high as 78 mph damaged local businesses, shattered windows in high-rise buildings, and toppled transmission towers that hold power lines — leaving numerous Houstonians without power for over 12 hours.
As city workers work to clean roads and highways, The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and National Weather Service encouraged everyone to stay off the roads. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) canceled classes for the day, and many businesses are also weathering the impact. Some restaurants and bars are facing extensive damage, and many restaurants have announced closures on Friday due to ongoing power outages. Some Houston chefs are providing hot meals to those in need as the city recovers from the storm.
As locals wait to regain power, Eater Houston will be tracking the establishments that have closed for the day, restaurants that are still open for business, and restaurants that have suffered extensive damage from the storm. We’ll also update this story with information on any food service and donation efforts to support those in need of hot food and services. Check back to this space for more information as it becomes available.
Who’s Helping
Who’s Open
These restaurants have announced that they will be open for regular business hours on Friday, May 17
- Kolache Shoppe — All locations, except in the Heights, are open Friday.
- Brennan’s of Houston — Brennan’s of Houston is open during its regular hours on Friday.
- Belly of the Beast — The restaurant will be open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.
- Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant — The Durham and North Freeway locations are open.
- La Mexicana — The restaurant announced that it’s open with power and a full bar.
- Taste Kitchen and Bar — The restaurant is open during its regular hours on Friday.
- Trash Panda Drinking Club — The bar will open at 4 p.m. on Friday.
- Dish Society — The West University and Katy locations are open on Friday.
- Duck N Bao — The Memorial location is open on Friday.
- Hongdae 33 (Chinatown) — Open on Friday.
- Bagel Shop Bakery — Open on Friday.
- New York Deli — Open on Friday.
- Hugo’s — Open on Friday.
- Caracol — Open on Friday.
- Xochi — Open on Friday.
- Pizaro’s — The Montrose location is open on Friday.
- The Original Ninfa’s Uptown — Open on Friday.
- Willie’s Grill and Icehouse — All locations, except Copperfield and Barker Cypress, are open on Friday.
- Molina’s Cantina — All locations are open on Friday.
- 8th Wonder Brewery — Open on Friday.
- Gatlin’s Fins and Feathers — Open on Friday with a limited menu.
- Axelrad — Open on Friday.
- Buc-ee’s — All locations are open on Friday.
- Backstreet Cafe — Open on Friday.
- URBE — Open on Friday.
- Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen — The Elridge location is open on Friday.
- Etoile Cuisine et Bar — Following a power outage on Thursday night during the storm, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Friday.
- State of Grace — Open on Friday.
- Kokoro — Open on Friday.
- Little Rey — Open on Friday.
- Cocody Restaurant & Bar — Open on Friday.
- il Bracco — Open on Friday.
- Doris Metropolitan — Open on Friday.
- Phat Eatery — Open on Friday.
- Christian’s Tailgate — Open on Friday.
- Slowpokes — The Levy Park and West University locations are open on Friday. Both locations offer WiFi, coffee, food, and cell phone charging stations.
- Lucille’s — The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Friday.
- Paradigm Brewing — The brewery is open and has available WiFi.
- Field & Tides — Open on Friday.
- Angel Share Houston – The bar is open on Friday and will offer ice, water, food, beer, and bar games. The bar has AC, and visitors may charge their phones.
- Comfort Foodies — The restaurant is open on Friday and will offer meals at a reduced price of $9.95 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Betelgeuse Betelgeuse — The Montrose location is open on Friday.
- Catbirds — Catbirds is open on Friday.
Who’s Closed
The following restaurants have announced closures due to the local storms and associated power outages
This story has been updated to include additional information about restaurants, and local efforts to support those in need of food services.
