Just as Houston waves farewell to any last remnants of its chilly winter months, a new drinking establishment is arriving for Houston dining and drinking enthusiasts, patio, pizza and pets, that will be opening of Woodland Social. Woodland Social is an expansive patio bar and casual lounge, complete with games, volleyball courts, and high-definition TVs inside and on the patio to keep Houston’s young professionals, area neighbors in need of a new spot to hang (and to cheer on the Houston Astros), and visitors from far and wide satiated with cold beer on tap, delectable cocktails, and gourmet pizza.
Named for its address at 313 E. Woodland St. in one of Houston’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods near downtown, Woodland Social is the brainchild and newest project from brothers’ Justin Piper, West Piper, and Brandon Piper of Piper’s Hospitality Group developed Houston dining concepts including Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery, and Piper’s Burgers as well as the former Piper’s BBQ & Beer and Piper’s Cantina. To realize Woodland Social, the Piper brothers joined forces with developer Will Garwood, instrumental in bringing White Oak Music Hall to fruition.
Set on a vast, 2-acre footprint, Woodland Social cleverly weaves together today’s most popular and sought-after dining and entertainment passions in one striking destination where guests can expect to experience an ‘elevated bar experience.’ Brick oven pizza, 20 beers and cider on tap, frozen and handcrafted cocktails, 30 wine choices, 21 (75-inch) televisions inside, while the patio boasts a grand 20-foot LED screen, lawn games, three regulation-size volleyball courts, cabanas, and swings and hammocks all neatly work together at the expansive venue in the Woodland Heights neighborhood enviably situated between Downtown and the Heights.
The main 8,000-square-foot bar area (repurposed by Piper Construction Group from an original empty structure) leads out to 15,000 square feet of patio space outfitted with sectional seating and seamlessly integrating 10,000 square feet of lush turf space within. The play areas are designed to be kid- and pet-friendly.
“There really isn’t another venue of our size, scope and location to compare it to,” said Brandon Piper in a statement.
“Woodland Heights lacked a destination for all ages that was family friendly and pet friendly where people could socialize in a lively atmosphere. We created this indoor/outdoor entertainment destination that will attract sports watchers, happy hour hangouts, families, and people who just want to relax to great music,” West Piper adds.
The family-run Piper Construction Group designed the concept and built out the project themselves from construction to design featuring 18-foot-high arched ceilings, skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors with detailing of Brazilian teak, brick and stucco as well as green, plush seating and large booths throughout. The focal point within the spacious reconverted structure is a striking 80-foot bar with seating for 32 (in addition to 172 seats indoors and 360 outdoors). Scattered around the patio are various seating vignettes from cabanas to picnic tables as well as a wraparound seating area around an oak tree, boasting more than 80 years of history. Complete with a wooden deck and hanging chairs.
“Our vision was to build a bar that would stand out and showcase the natural light and outdoor scenery from every seat,” Justin Piper said. “There isn’t a bad seat anywhere.”
Woodland Social’s dining program includes a menu of hand-formed brick oven-fired pies. Fashioned from house-made dough, the pizza offerings include the Classico (tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and olive oil), Meat Me (pepperoni, Italian sausage, capicola, Genoa salami, mozzarella, and provolone) and Local Favorite (mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, and hot honey). Gluten-free and cauliflower crust options also are available.
Patrons can enjoy the pizzas with an extensive beverage program featuring wine by the glass and bottle, tap beer, frozen cocktails and flights, classic and creative cocktails (and mocktails) and a list of premium tequila, whiskey and bourbon. A weekday happy hour will feature $12 specialty pizzas and $2 off all house wines and spirits, frozens, and signature cocktails. And weekend brunch will bring mimosas by the carafe, micheladas and Bloody Marys to pair with brunch-inspired pizza creations.
Woodland Social is located at 313 E Woodland St, Houston, TX 77009. Open Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday to Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm.
