The Burger Guys Downtown and Uchi Houston Announce Opening Dates

The first dish of Uchi Houston, according to Philip Speer.

A new downtown location of the popular burger joint was just one of two exciting announcements today sure to get Houston's food lovers buzzing over the next couple of weeks.

The other was that Uchi Houston finally announced its opening date after Uchi's culinary director and pastry chef Philip Speer hinted over the weekend that the Montrose restaurant was nearing completion.

"First dish of Uchi Houston!" Speer said on Twitter, along with a photo (seen at right) of dishes on Uchi's brand new line. Sure enough, a press release from Uchi sent out this afternoon announced that the Austin import is set to open on February 2.

"We have been looking forward to becoming a part of the Houston community for many months," said owner/chef Tyson Cole in the press release. "It's a thrill to open our doors -- we are looking forward to accommodating our guests."

At the Houston incarnation of Cole's wildly successful restaurant -- which garnered him a coveted James Beard award last year -- the restaurateur promises an experience that will "meld the best offerings of the first Uchi and Cole's second Austin concept, Uchiko." Kaz Edwards, who worked at the original Uchi, will be the chef de cuisine here in Houston, while Monica Glenn, a longtime protégé of Philip Speer, will be the pastry chef.

Uchi co-owner Daryl Kunik warned us last year that Uchi Houston would require reservations, and the restaurant still isn't kidding about that. The press release noted that the restaurant will begin taking reservations tomorrow, January 18, online and by phone at 713-522-4808.

No word yet on where The Burger Guys's downtown joint will be located, although we're just happy to have them inside the Loop. Cafe sua da milkshakes and duck fat fries are definitely worth the drive, but it'll still be nice to save the gas.