The Saddest Houston Restaurant Closings to Know This April
It’s been a rough year for Houston-area pizza joints and steakhouses
Houston is well into the spring season, and while there are many anticipated and new restaurants, there are just as many closing. Owners continue to cite a challenging economy as the reason behind their closures, while others are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Beryl and last year’s other weather disasters. Here are some of the most noteworthy and heartbreaking closings this month.
The list is by no means comprehensive. Have information on another closing? Send all tips to houston@eater.com
Sharky’s Tavern
Known for its live music nights, this Galveston bar and pizza joint announced its immediate closure on social media on Wednesday, March 27, due to failure to negotiate its lease. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we know it will be disappointing to many of you who have been part of our journey. We want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, loyalty, and the incredible memories we’ve built together. It has been an honor to serve this community, and we will cherish the connections we’ve made along the way,” the Sharky’s team wrote in a Facebook post. “While this chapter is coming to an end, we hold onto hope that our paths will cross again in the future.” Sharky’s had originally announced that it would temporarily close days before the announcement to “remedy” an issue. The restaurant has been at odds before, particularly during the pandemic, when it reopened and went against state-mandated guidelines in May 2020, according to a Chron.com report.
Avenida Brazil
Steakhouses in The Woodlands area haven’t had the best luck this year. Following the closing of Tris and Killen’s Steakhouse, the Shenandoah outpost of Brazilian steakhouse Avenida Brazil announced its closure on Sunday, March 23, on its website. The restaurant’s team says that it’s “thrilled to pass the torch of authentic Brazilian flavors” to nearby restaurant Sal e Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse. “We’re confident they’ll continue to bring the true taste of Brazil to The Woodlands community,” they wrote. Avenida still has Houston area outposts in Stafford and Clear Lake, and one location in San Antonio.
Kirin Japanese Seafood & Sushi Buffet
Houston Chronicle reported that this sushi and seafood restaurant closed its doors earlier this year. The restaurant, which last posted on its social media in June 2024, served a variety of sushi, including nigiri, hand rolls, and sashimi, plus bento boxes, rice and noodle dishes, and entrees like baked quail and salt and pepper shrimp.
Passerella Ristorante & Wine Bar
The Washington Avenue location of this Italian restaurant, which opened in May 2023, closed sometime this year. The restaurant, which is owned by Gr8 Plate Hospitality (Union Kitchen, Jax Grill), offered pizza, pasta dishes, including a lobster mac and cheese, seafood, and a 10-layer dessert lasagna. Passerella still has a sole location in Cypress at the Boardwalk at Towne Lake.
Grace Pizza & Shakes
Known for its pizza, shakes, and sandwiches, the Heights outpost of this small pizza chain closed its doors in mid-March after just over a year in business. Grace’s team announced the closure on social media, noting that they decided to close “despite [their] best efforts and optimism for this location.” “While we had hoped for better success, we remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing our expansions – with grace,” they wrote. Fans of the restaurant can still visit its location in Pearland. The Alvin location, however, is temporarily closed for the next several weeks as it undergoes renovations and “important modifications to the restaurant, the kitchen, and the menu,” according to a Facebook post.
