Big Tex meets Bayou City as a Dallas-bred restaurant is all set to quickly become a new hotspot in Houston's dining scene. Haywire, the Texas-inspired eatery, is hitchin' a ride to the heart of Memorial City. This grand opening is scheduled for May 20, bringing a piece of the Lone Star State's charm to the Gateway Memorial City development at 947 N. Gessner. It ain't small potatoes – Haywire promises a sprawling 20,000-square-foot space, featuring a two-story building with bars on both floors, an open kitchen, and a dedicated room for high-end spirits, just to highlight a few attractions, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
The new joint isn't just about size; it's also about style. The decor is described as a "contemporary take of Texas but it’s not hokey," Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society which operates the restaurant, told the Houston Chronicle. Honoring Texas staples, the menu is to truly feature items like Gulf Coast seafood, elk tacos, oxtail stroganoff and—a crowd-pleaser—the 33-ounce tomahawk ribeye. Haywire also plans to serve up Southern comfort during lunch, dinner, and brunch from day one.
Haywire ain't alone in crowding Memorial's dining deck. The area has become somewhat of a culinary crossroads lately, with hot new entities like Bar Bludorn and eateries such as Via 313 and Pincho Burgers + Kebabs, joining the fray earlier this year. Haywire's entry is presented as an elevated farm-to-table concept, according to CultureMap Houston, boasting a hearty menu that includes classics like chicken fried steak, Texas whiskey barbecue ribs, and a brunch spread that visitors won't soon forget.
For those looking to celebrate in big Texas style, Haywire is to also offer a 2,000-square-foot "party barn" with its own bar, teed up for private events. And let's not forget the whiskey lovers – with over 200 bottles to choose from, connoisseurs will be to sip their way across a vast collection of rare spirits. That's one reason this restaurant earned a spot as a nominee for Restaurant of the Year in the 2021 CultureMap Dallas Tastemaker Awards – a little factoid that whispers success for this anticipated new location.
While some might see shadows of similar restaurants in the new Haywire, MetroNational's vice president of retail leasing, Danna Diamond, clarified saying, "Haywire provides an elevated farm to table dining experience... Haywire offers a broader menu and has more of a steak focus." As noted in CultureMap Houston's coverage, the existing restaurant State Fare trots out a different vibe with a contemporary twist on southern favorites. So pull up a chair, Houston – there's a new sheriff in town, and it's servin' up Texas tradition with a side of contemporary flair.
