Houston’s First Live-Fire Steakhouse Is Closing Just Months After a Rebrand

Andiron Grille and Patio in Montrose is closing this March after roughly two years in business

Andiron Grille and Patio, the live-fire steakhouse on Allen Parkway in Montrose, is coming to a “bittersweet end” after two years of business, according to its owner, restaurateur Michael Sambrooks.

A representative for the restaurant announced on Monday, February 24, that Andiron will close on Saturday, March 1. “While it’s always an extremely difficult decision to close a concept, I am incredibly proud that our team brought to life something unique on the Houston dining scene, and continuously delivered the highest levels of food and service,” Sambrooks said in an emailed statement to Eater. “Andiron was a magical place, and we are proud of the experiences we were able to create for our community.”

Sambrooks Hospitality, the restaurant group that operates the Pit Room and Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant Candente, opened the swanky, live-fire steakhouse in April 2023. The restaurant quickly became known for its vibey ambiance, unconventional decor, and a menu that touted dishes like wagyu katsu sandwiches, salt-crusted sandwiches, and beef carpaccio, all of which incorporated live fire.

The restaurant faced some unfavorable rumblings from Houston diners early in its tenure, particularly about the menu’s higher price points and the unique location — tucked into a small street off Allen Parkway. The departure of executive chef Louis Maldonado just months after its opening also left some questions unanswered.

Sambrooks announced in November 2024 that he would rebrand the restaurant as Andiron Grille and Patio, a more casual destination that would center its relaxed patio area and chic cocktail garden. In an interview with Eater, Sambrooks said the new Andiron was meant to be versatile — a place diners that could visit for any occasion. Along with the new patio, the restaurant debuted a revamped menu, combining its live-fire mainstays, like salt-crusted steaks, with a more extensive selection of small plates and bar snacks.

The announcement of Andiron’s closure follows multiple Houston closings this year, including the steak-focused restaurant Tris and Killen’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands.