Agricole Hospitality announced that their latest concept, HiWay Cantina Tex-Mex Bar & Grill, opened its doors at 1201 St Emanuel Street at 11:00am on Saturday, December 23. A vibrant Tex-Mex spot in Houston’s lively East Downtown neighborhood, HiWay Cantina features high-quality, Tex-Mex classics in a colorful, inviting atmosphere.
“As we open our contribution to Houston’s Tex-Mex community, we are striving to be genuine, comfortable, and exciting. HiWay Cantina’s food and drink menus have been approached with the curiosity, quality, and care found in Agricole Hospitality’s sister concepts,” say Agricole Hospitality owners Morgan Weber, Vincent Huynh, and Ryan Pera in a statement. “We hope for it to become a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to make their own tradition.”
HiWay Cantina’s all-day food menu highlights Tex-Mex staples served alongside rice, beans, and fresh house-made flour and corn tortillas. Guests can expect classic starters such as Chicharrónes, Chile Con Queso, and guacamoles like the Guacamole Tropical. Dishes like Mesquite Grilled Fajita al Carbon, Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, Chipotle Glazed Shrimp Brochette, and ample Enchilada, Quesadilla, Taco, Burrito, and Chimichanga options ride along together. Guests who have trouble choosing between one option or the other can opt for a HiWay Combination featuring several complementary dishes served with rice and beans.
Behind the bar, HiWay Cantina takes its inspiration from the cultural traditions of Texas and Mexico and the unique relationship they share. The menu utilizes traditional tequila-based classics alongside an exploration of Mexican spirits like mezcal, sotol and rums. Highlights include Margaritas (House, Hellfire, Watermelon Mezcal, Margarita Al Pastor, and Top Shelf), Bloodies (Maria, Mary, Carrot Black Garlic), and Cheladas (Michelada, Chela Verde, Chelada Puro), while also boasting classics like a Mexican Martini (Blanco Tequila, Rio Grande Orange, Clarified Lime, Lime Oleo, Spicy Olives, Olive Brine), two types of Palomas, Ranchwaters, and Aguas Fresca. In true Agricole Hospitality fashion, HiWay Cantina also offers a variety of creative cocktail spins, such as the Yucatán Sling (Mexican Charanda Rum, Mezcal, Xtabentún Honey Liqueur, Guanabana Liqueur, Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Mango, Simple Syrup, Soda Water) and the Dulce de Leche Old Fashioned (Bourbon, Dulce de Leche, Chuchupate Bitters, Lemon and Orange Oils). Ice cold beers are offered by the bottle and can, and a curated selection of red, white, and sparkling wines is available daily.
HiWay Cantina is situated in the heart of East Downtown, directly next door to Agricole Hospitality’s New York-style pizza joint, Vinny’s, and casual live music bar, Lightnin’s Good Times. The space features ample seating indoors as well as on its outdoor patio. It features a sweeping colorful mosaic bar with vintage bar stools, a solid zinc bar top, and traditional Mexican art. HiWay Cantina has bold and vibrant colorful lighting, masonry work, and bright blue-and-yellow tiled checkered flooring. The bar, a centerpiece of the restaurant, seats 16, while indoor and outdoor table seating can accommodate up to 130 guests.
HiWay Cantina Tex Mex Bar & Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am – 9pm and Friday & Saturday from 11am – 10pm. Brunch offerings will be announced at a later date.
