The popular casual dining concept, Ojo de Agua, debuted its first Houston outpost on Wednesday, May 17. With 40 locations across Mexico City, Houston will be the second U.S. location following a successful landing in Miami in 2021.
“We’re excited to give Texas a first taste of Ojo de Agua’s vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients,” said Rafael Montero, partner at Texas-based Gitano Capital in a statement. “Our healthy menu and our extensive menu of juices and smoothies will resonate with Houston’s diverse clientele.”
Located in River Oaks District, Ojo de Agua is positioned at the corner of Westcreek Lane and Bettis Drive, directly across the street from Hopdoddy Burger Bar.
Upon entering the 3,200 square-foot-space, guests are transported to a Tulum-inspired atmosphere lush with greenery and vibrating with beachy electronic music. The tropical-chic restaurant blends natural elements such as cool wood tables, native succulents and wicker chairs with bright colors and artisan-style décor facets. Fixtures include milk bottle boxes-turned-light fixtures, lemon squeezers-turned-napkin holders and hanging wicker chairs that are collectively sourced from Mexico or from Mexican artists.
A colorful mural of a mockingbird commissioned by local graffiti artist, Daniel Anguilu, complements the juice bar and verdant foliage. Known for his bright, abstract designs driven by his Mexican culture, Anguilu’s mural of the Texas state bird perfectly pairs Houston with Ojo de Agua’s roots in Mexico City.
In addition to 110 indoor seats, the casual concept will have another 30 seats across the patio and terrace. The patio, lined with tall foliage, offers a more hidden dining option, whereas the floral-filled terrace is a prime alfresco seating option along the busy sidewalk. Both will be equipped with the necessary features to beat the heat in the summers and stay warm in the winters.
Ojo de Agua is known for its menu of dishes and juices. The restaurant’s juice bar serves an array of fresh juices and smoothies with a laundry list of immunity boosting, energizing, hydrating, anti- inflammatory, cholesterol lowering and antidepressant ingredients. Any super juice on their menu can be a smoothie packed with protein and vice versa. Guests can opt to sit along the juice bar, furnished with eight seats. The artisan market, stocked with locally sourced fresh fruits and veggies and authentic Mexican candies, is located near the counter for shoppers and consumers on the go, as is the grab-and-go refrigerator also stocked with pre-made juices and wellness shots.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu does not compromise complex flavors or creativity with their popular offerings such as their signature Acai Bowl with scoops of frozen acai pulp topped with fresh fruit, shredded coconut and organic honey; Chilaquiles Rojos or Verdes filled with shredded panela cheese and topped with tomatoes, onions, avocado slices, sour cream and served with your choice of chicken, egg, cochinita pibil or ribeye steak; the Chutney Mango Chicken Sandwich served with melted Oaxaca and Manchego cheese and their special chutney made with mangos and yellow bell peppers; and a Pesto Bowl served with either parmesan-crusted salmon or tuna on a bed of zucchini and mushrooms, topped with sprouts and sesame seeds.
Touting authentic Mexico City dishes with a healthy twist, Ojo de Agua’s variety of tacos include Ribeye Tacos, marinated in chimichurri; Lobster Tacos marinated in curry paste and served with mango, celery and mustard seeds; or the Salmon Tacos marinated in five different chili sauces and served with pineapple, pico de gallo and guacamole.
The beverage program features seasonal wine-based fruit cocktails, such as the Dragon Fruit Margarita served with rosé, dragon fruit and lime; the Mojito served with cabernet sauvignon, mint, raw sugar and sparkling water; the Lavender Martini made with sauvignon Blanc, lavender tea and vermouth; and a Michelada made with beer, lime, an assorted sauce and lined with salt.
Ojo de Agua is located at 4444 Westheimer Road, D-140, Houston, Texas, 77027. Ojo de Agua is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
