Houston’s dining scene experienced major closures in 2025, as several restaurants shut their doors due to strained financial conditions. Together, these closures left a noticeable void in Houston’s vibrant food scene. Many of the restaurants shared messages of gratitude, thanking longtime customers for their support over the years.
Iconic Restaurants Closed in Houston in 2025
From global favorites to family-run spots, several Houston restaurants closed this year. Some of the restaurants cited rising costs and growing financial pressure as reasons for their closure. The list below highlights some of the beloved restaurants that closed across Houston this year.
1. Shanghai River Restaurant
Shanghai River Restaurant closed its doors on January 31, after 55 years of service. The restaurant menu featured Hunan and Sichuan dishes in a cozy, traditional setting. Popular items included Trish’s Chicken, Shredded Spicy Beef, and fortune cookies.
When: January 31, 2025
2. Artisans Restaurant
The French-inspired fine dining restaurant, Artisans Restaurant, closed permanently in May 2025. The restaurant relocated from Midtown to Westheimer in December 2023. Some of the popular dessert menu items included Bread Puddings Macaroons, and Black Truffle Ice Cream.
When: May 29, 2025
3. Dak & Bop
An 11-year-old Korean place, Dak & Bop, has shut down. Opened in 2014, the restaurant became a go-to spot for spicy Korean fried chicken. Jason Cho, the owner of the restaurant, said that due to rising costs in the city, the restaurant has decided to close.
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Recommended items on the menu were fried dumplings, classic Poutine, and Seoul fries. The restaurant also served delicious baked goods like waffles, kimchi pancakes, and truffle bread.
When: September 24, 2025
4. Lola
Lola, a modern diner located on Yale Street, served its last meal on September 26. The cafe ran successfully for 18 years and was a neighborhood favorite spot. From famous chicken waffles to a variety of pasta dishes, the restaurant was the go-to place for casual hangouts and special occasions. The menu at Lola offered Chicken Salad Sandwich, Chicken Soppressata, and Pasta Frankie.
When: September 26, 2025
5. This Is It Soul Food
A 66-year-old beloved soul food establishment, This Is It Soul Food, has permanently closed its doors this October. The family-run restaurant began its journey in Fourth Ward in 1959 and then later moved to Third Ward. Some of the local soul food favorites include oxtail, fried chicken, pepper steak, and candied yams.
Although the restaurant has closed, it shared a hopeful message on social media, assuring fans it will return with a new concept. While the Blodgett Street location has shut down, the brand has plans for expansion in the North Side outpost in Houston.
When: October 12, 2025
6. Kim Son
Kim Son, a Houston local favorite since 1982, has shut its doors after decades of service. The restaurant served authentic Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine and was popular for its bold Asian flavors. Kim Son closed the restaurant doors in October; its catering service will continue through the end of 2025. Popular menu items included Steaming Beef Stew, Pho Tai, Bun Rieu, and spring rolls.
When: October 12, 2025
7. Jenni’s Noodle House
Located in the heart of Houston, Jenni’s Noodle House has been a staple place for a decade and a half. The restaurant was popularly known for its flavorful and comforting Vietnamese cuisine.
Owned by Jenni and Scott Tran-Weaver, the noodle shop introduced fast-casual Vietnamese food to the Houston community. The restaurant menu featured Infernal Chicken Curry, Shrimp spring rolls, disco dumplings, and crispy tofu.
When: October 26, 2025
8. Stuffed Baked Potato Factory
Stuffed Baked Potato Factory closed down on December 3. The establishment, owned by Michael D. Moore, served crispy, hot, and loaded potato dishes. The potato dishes are paired with meats, veggies, cheese, butter, cream, and other food choices. Several fan favorite menu items included Trash Can Potato and Swamp Monster Potato.
Both the locations on Martin Luther King Boulevard and Hiram Clarke Road have shut their doors.
When: December 3, 2025
9. Hartz Krispy Chicken ‘N’ Roll
Well-known for its Fried Chicken, Hartz Krispy Chicken ‘N’ Roll has also closed its doors on Christmas. The restaurant became popular for its fast and casual atmosphere, along with its classic American style. The restaurant served Southern-style sides, homemade yeast rolls, and crispy fried chicken.
When: December 25, 2025
10. Ninja Rmen
A viral ramen spot, Ninja Ramen, has closed after 12 years in business. The restaurant, located on Washington Avenue, featured steaming hot bowls of original ramen and miso ramen. Along with ramen bowls, the restaurant menu also offered noodles and other Japanese dishes.
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Operated by Christopher Huang, the restaurant also served refreshing drinks like Jeppson’s Malört Negronis, Blue Malört Kamikazes, Malört-Mushroom Old-Fashioneds, and Malört shots.
When: December 30, 2025
Though the restaurant business continues to grow, the loss of these iconic restaurants will deeply impact the community. The Houston community will always cherish the memories and connections created in these decades-old locations.
