The May Hit List: Fegen’s in the Heights, Coltivare, Acme Oyster House, and More

When Lance Fegen and his partners at F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group sold the Liberty Kitchen franchise last year, but kept the original Heights location on Studewood, we knew it wouldn’t be long before he cooked up something new. Debuting last month, the eponymously named Fegen’s is his most personal project to date. The ambiance is low-key sophisticated, and the food — billed as classic American with a nod to his Southern Italian-American roots — is pure comfort, in the form of steak with au jus, linguine with clam sauce, and Neapolitan-style pizza.

Dining status: Open for dine-in, with takeout via Toast.

With legions of fans and a no-reservations policy, this legendary New Orleans oyster house has been packed from the moment it threw open its doors in mid-April. Located in the former Tower Theater building in the heart of Montrose, it’s hard to miss the neon sign out front, which acts like a beacon, drawing customers in. Once you’re there, it’s the food that shines: Think plates of flavorful chargrilled oysters, soulful gumbo, fried seafood platters a-plenty, and Houston-only menu items such as fried oyster tacos.

Dining status: Open for dine-in. More info here or call 346-571-2071.

As far as fine dining experiences go, nothing in Houston at the moment is anywhere remotely in the same league as March. From the stunning design, to the meticulously composed pre-dinner snacks and avant-garde menu by chef Felipe Riccio, to the outstanding service by the restaurant’s sommelier-server “captains” — not to mention the 80-page wine list overseen by master sommelier and partner June Rodil — March is in a class of its own. Choose from a six- or nine-course tasting menu, opt for either the Classic or Premier wine pairing, and get ready to be wowed.

Dining status: Open for dine-in via ticketed reservation.

Those who might remember Coltivare’s pre-COVID wait times will be glad to know that they now take reservations. (!!) Book early to snag a coveted table on the restaurant garden patio, then enjoy all the things that make it the beloved restaurant that it is: cacio e pepe pasta, pea and arugula salad, and the house-smoked pepperoni pizza (made from pasture-raised Yonder Way Farm hogs). Mid-May also marks the start of tomato season, the best time to enjoy what chef Ryan Pera calls “the splendor of tomatoes.”

Dining status: Open for dine-in with patio seating and takeout service.

A cult-favorite Filipino chain for more than 70 years — and though Max’s has locations worldwide, this is the first to open in Texas. A huge draw for Filipino families, who flock to the restaurant for everything from their legendary fried chicken to their phenomenal crispy pata (pork hock), and here’s what they’ll tell you: Come hungry, bring people to help you eat, and then order family-style, to sample delicious tried-and-true dishes like the oxtail kare kare, pancit Canton, and halo halo for dessert.

Dining status: Open for dine-in and takeout. More info here, or call 713-664-7227.

Debuting inside La Colombe D’Or Hotel after an extensive remodel and redesign, the stunning new interiors by Rottet Design Studio are just part of the draw at this new Montrose hotspot. Come early for a drink at Bar No. 3, then let yourself be carried away by chef Jonathan Wicks’ menu of European and Southern fare, with dishes ranging from Gulf Coast crudo, to classic French steak fries, and snapper à la meunière.

Dining status: Open for dine-in and patio seating. Call 713-517-1001 for reservations.

One of the most innovative and exciting restaurants to open during the pandemic, at five months in, Brandon Silva’s Spanish-Mexican tasting menu restaurant in Spring Branch, is already evolving. With its own organic vegetable garden, and a team of excellent sous-chefs, Degust’s eight-course menu changes according to what’s seasonable and available. Representative courses include the scallop and tomatillo aguachile, herbed bread with cultured butter and preserves, and duck recada rojo with tortillas. For those seeking a more elevated experience, the optional beverage pairing is highly recommended.

Dining status: Open for dine-in via ticketed reservation from Thursday through Saturday.

Longtime industry veteran Kerry Pauly has been a beloved figure in the Houston food scene for years, but it wasn’t until he stumbled on the a space in Town & Country Village that he finally did something about it. Enter KP’s Kitchen, a charming neighborhood American bistro where the music and service are always great. Now offering BYOB (until they get their liquor license), the menu is approachable and family-friendly, with dishes ranging from a double patty cheeseburger (inspired by Chicago’s Au Cheval), to whole racks of barbecue ribs, and kid-friendly chicken fingers.

Dining status: Open for dine-in and patio seating, with online ordering available. More info here, or call 281-974-5366.

Billing itself as a “Culinary Craft Beer Destination,” this is the place to be if you’re into beer and food together. With stellar happy-hour offerings and one of the best patios in the greater Heights, the large food menu has something for everyone. Try a shareable vegetarian plate of roasted cauliflower or roasted sweet potato tots, indulge in a dreamy cheeseburger or Cubano sandwich, or go lighter with a chicken salad, then wash it down with your choice of craft beer. Come Sundays, the boozy brunch is super fun with items like the BLEAT — a bacon, lettuce, fried egg, avocado and tomato sandwich.

Dining status: Open for dine-in and patio seating.

Chef Justin Turner of Bernie’s Burger Bus fame returns with a new Italian concept, this one in the Northeast Houston’s Generation Park. Expect seasonal, locally-sourced chef-driven fare like baby gem lettuce salad, clams in white wine sauce, carbonara pasta, and pizza, with a full cocktail bar and desserts like tiramisu and peanut butter chocolate semifreddo.

Dining status: Open for dine-in with online ordering via Toast.