FreeRange Concepts has opened Birdies Icehouse, a new icehouse-first bar and restaurant concept designed for sports watching, social play and group gatherings, located at 65 Hirsch Rd, within East River 9. Created by the team behind Texas favorites like The Rustic and Bowl & Barrel, Birdies Icehouse pairs casual food and hand-crafted cocktails with H-Town’s only lit, 9-hole, par-3 golf course, complete with a driving range, putting green and pickleball courts.
Birdies Icehouse overlooks Buffalo Bayou and the downtown skyline, offering some of the best sunset views in Houston just minutes from the central business district. Designed to feel welcoming whether guests come to play or just post up, the space blends indoor seating with a wide patio, abundant TVs and an oversized LED screen built for high-energy game watching. True to its icehouse roots, Birdies Icehouse leads with an easygoing bar program—cold beer, approachable cocktails and unfussy pours—supported by a tight menu of crowd-pleasing favorites. Guests can settle in for a game, catch golden hour along the bayou, then step outside to the course or courts at their own pace.
An opening celebration is planned for Wednesday, March 18, with festivities beginning in the late afternoon and rolling into sunset. Follow @birdies_icehouse for more event details.
Developed in partnership with East River 9, Birdies Icehouse marks FreeRange Concepts’ first entry into golf-driven hospitality blending the company’s people-first approach to dining with East River 9’s vision for an accessible, community-focused sports destination. The result is a playful but unpretentious venue designed for seasoned players, first-timers and everyone in between.
“Birdies Icehouse was created to be a true icehouse in both feel and function,” said Kyle Noonan, co-owner and CEO of FreeRange Concepts in a statement. “The focus is cold drinks, big screens and plenty of room to settle in—especially at sunset along the bayou. You can host a corporate event, stop by for happy hour, or catch a game. The space supports all three equally well.”
Designed for groups large and small, Birdies offers more than 25,000 square feet of flexible event space that can welcome gatherings ranging from 20 to more than 3,000 guests. The venue features a fully lit golf course and driving range, pickleball, lawn games and multiple large-format screens, making it a natural fit for corporate meetings, team-building events, watch parties, charity tournaments, happy hours and milestone celebrations.
Birdies Icehouse also features an extended happy hour Monday through Friday until 7 p.m., plus all-day happy hour on Sundays. Weekend breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday mornings through 2 p.m, offering an easy start for early tee times, casual meetups or game-day mornings.
“East River 9 is much more than a golf course; it is a place for the community to call its own.” said Clayton Freels, founder and developer of East River 9. “Together with Birdies Icehouse, we are elevating the atmosphere, service, and F&B quality to deliver a well-rounded experience for all. FreeRange Concepts does it right.”
Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more at eastriver9.com/birdies-
