Here's a closer look at Houston/San Antonio's newest eateries, lounges, hotels, conference areas and other spaces available for events this spring. The new and renovated Houston/San Antonio venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, galas, bachelor/bachelorette parties, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to COVID-19, or they may be operating at a lower capacity. As venues begin to slowly reopen across North America, we encourage event organizers to contact the venues to verify current capacity restrictions.
J-Bar-M Barbecue
New Houston barbecue spot J-Bar-M Barbecue serves brisket, pork ribs, spicy creamed corn and banana pudding in an airy dining room with striking light fixtures. The 8,330-square-foot restaurant boasts indoor seating for 177, as well as a 5,477-square-foot main outdoor patio with seating for 254. That patio also includes a stage with full AV capabilities, along with views of downtown Houston's skyline.
Photo: Robert J. Lerma
Omni La MansiĂłn del Rio
Omni La MansiĂłn del Rio, a historic San Antonio property that dates back to 1852, unveiled a multi-million-dollar guest room and suite renovation in the spring of 2020. White Space Interiors reimagined the hotel's 300 luxury guest rooms and 38 suites while retaining its hacienda-style charm. The upgrades include new carpet, light fixtures, furniture and artwork, as well as remodeled bathrooms. Select hotel rooms include balconies overlooking San Antonio's famous River Walk while other rooms offer views of the Omni La MansiĂłn del Rio's garden courtyard.
Photo: Courtesy of Omni La MansiĂłn del Rio
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk
In March, Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk unveiled a new 6,500-square-foot, open-air rooftop event space with a sizable lawn and views of downtown San Antonio. Dubbed Terrace on 5th, this fifth-floor rooftop gem can accommodate up to 150 seated guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Toro Toro
Chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval opened an outpost of his Pan-Latin restaurant Toro Toro at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston in October, serving Rodizio-style Churrasco steaks, exotic game and seafood as well as shareable plates of empanadas, tacos and ceviche. Designed by New York City-based design firm Meyer Davis, the restaurant's decor highlights include marble fireplaces, blackened steel shelving and artwork from female Latina artists. Toro Toro seats up to 154 guests in its dining rooms and bar, with room for an additional 10 seats in a private dining room. A 2,700-square-foot private event space within Toro Toro can seat up to 150 or accommodate up to 175 standing guests.
Photo: Courtesy of Don Riddle
Trattoria Sofia Houston
Berg Hospitality Group opened a rustic Italian eatery called Trattoria Sofia in November in Houston's Heights neighborhood. The restaurant serves plates of pizza, pasta and pollo alla parmigiana, plus includes its own covered and climate-controlled terrace. In the outdoor space, Trattoria Sofia can accommodate up to 80 guests for a seated dinner event or up to 125 guests for a cocktail reception event. For a full buyout, the restaurant can accommodate 80 in the main dining room and 80 on the patio for a total of 160 seated guests. For a cocktail reception spanning the whole space, Trattoria Sofia can accommodate up to 200 standing guests—75 in the main dining room and bar and 125 on the patio.
Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Watson
