Bungalow Dining is cooking up something special in the historic Rice building in Downtown Houston. According to a press release, Bungalow Dining is preparing to reopen its doors at 909 Texas Ave, marking a new chapter for the elevated dining concept.
“This move represents the evolution of Bungalow and what we believe the brand can become,” co-owner of Bungalow Dining and A-Life Hospitality, JR Martins, said in the press release.
“We had an opportunity to create a space that builds on what our guests already loved about Bungalow while giving us more ways to serve them. From the new menu and private dining rooms to the patio and bar, we were very intentional about creating a restaurant that feels like the next chapter of Bungalow.”
The upscale steakhouse and seafood concept, owned by ALife Hospitality Group, first opened at the Main Street location in 2022, then closed around July 2026 to prepare for the transition to its larger, redesigned space in the Rice building, taking over the former Sambuca space.
The new 10,226-square-foot space allows for three private dining rooms, a larger bar, an expanded patio, and a dedicated venue for private parties, birthdays, and cocktails. Led by executive chef and operating partner Mark Holley, the expanded location blends classic steakhouse fare with Gulf Coast influences and global flavors such as sticky lamb ribs with miso glaze, kimchi pickles, and spiced peanuts.
“Under Executive Chef Mark Holley’s direction, Bungalow’s updated menu brings together Gulf Coast influences, bold global flavors and classic steakhouse offerings. Highlights include snapper crudo with coconut milk leche, lime and Scotch bonnet oil; jerk Wagyu meatballs with honey barbecue sauce,” the press release reads.
“Main courses range from halibut and crabmeat with orzo and lemon butter to 48-hour oxtail ragu with pappardelle, allspice and habanero, alongside a Cajun ribeye and a 32-ounce tableside tomahawk. Sides such as creamed kimchi collard greens and braised oxtail hoppin’ John add a distinctive twist, while New Orleans-style praline cheesecake and lemon buttermilk chess pie provide a sweet finish.”
Mojeed Martins and Jonathan Reitzell co-founded ALife Hospitality Group and launched Bungalow Dining as a luxury lounge-style steakhouse and surf-and-turf destination with plush velvet seating, marble floors, a rooftop patio, and a hidden second-floor speakeasy-style room. Known for an “Old Hollywood” glamour vibe, arriving guests are greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne.
“We want Bungalow to be a place that can be part of so many different occasions,” Reitzell said in the press release.
“You can come in for cocktails, have dinner, celebrate a birthday, host a private dinner or spend an evening on the patio. This new location gives us the ability to create those different experiences under one roof, and we’re excited for Houston to see what we’ve been working on.”
Check it all out for yourself when Bungalow Dining officially reopens at 909 Texas Ave this fall.
(This is a developing story. As more information is made available, we will update this article. Stay tuned!)
