Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

A MOD TAKE on a retro-savvy soda fountain, Ben Berg announced that his Buttermilk Baby restaurant will open this fall in the M-K-T Heights development.


Renderings of the all-American diner reveal a minimalistic yet colorful aesthetic, with neon lights and fun furniture dotting a sizable patio. As for the food? Expect Berg's spin on diner food, a la fried chicken, burgers and biscuits, served in a fast-casual setting. “Our goal is to create an experience-driven concept that evokes happy childhood memories for adults and that they can now share with their kids," said Berg, a dad of two, in a statement. "It really will be a treat for Houstonians of all ages."

Speaking of treats, Buttermilk Baby will have a mouthwatering ice-cream bar featuring Carvel soft-serve, milkshakes, sundaes and ice-cream cakes. “Carvel has my favorite soft-serve and is the originator of soft-serve ice cream," continued Berg. "With the brand being from the Northeast, I am happy to bring it to my new home. And everyone should try a Fudgie the Whale Cake at least once in their life!” (Fudgie boasts layers of ice cream, fudge, chunks of cookies and more — we're sold.)

Berg Hospitality Group is also slated to open a pair of brand-new concepts next-door to Berg's original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington in April. At Benny Chows, Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim sum bites and classics like Peking duck, along with a sure-to-be exquisite filet mignon-and-broccoli. Expect Chinese-inspired design elements and, upstairs, a rooftop bar boasting a coveted skyline view. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor space will have a retractable roof and an indoor-outdoor decor scheme, a la rattan furniture, water features and tons of greenery.

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

Food
‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
How did you get to where you are today? I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth-generation jewelry designer behind my great grandfather, grandfather, and father. It was my duty to carry on the family business and continue the hard work and success they built from nothing, beginning in Torino, Italy in 1905. I was surrounded by jewelry and its craftmanship as a young child and was taught the business from a very young age.
Keep Reading Show less

The four-bedroom home at 3 Briarwood Court, listed by Compass’ Robert Bland for $27.5 mil, has verdant courtyards and a whole-home generator.

IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate

HOW DO YOU get more than a million streams, two singles in the Top 40 on the Texas Regional Radio Report Chart, and Grammy-winning Country music superstar Brad Paisley to play on your album? Practice! Just ask Katy native and up-and-coming singer and guitar slinger Hayden Baker.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment