Mugsy's Shutters, Will Become Tavern Orleans

Upper Kirby Irish pub Mugsy's on Richmond will soon become Tavern Orleans. Named after longtime owner Greg Alston's father, the bar has been a fixture in Houston since 1994. Moving from its 3200 Kirby Drive digs in 2009 (when it was known as only Mugsy's) to occupying the former LZ Pub at its current address, the bar has seen its share of changes. After an ownership change in February (in which Alston was bought out), the new owners decided to go in a different direction.

Co-owner Randy Eddy disclosed he's retiring the bar's Irish theme, revamping it with a French Quarter concept. The eclectic food menu will be replaced with Creole and Cajun staples: gumbo, crawfish etouffe and shrimp creole. Other boasted entrees include chicory coffee-crusted pork chops and root beer braised short ribs.

Sunday, August 24, marked Mugsy's on Richmond's last day in operation. The bar will undergo renovations that will last into the first week of September. Last week, preparations were already underway. The umistakable bowler hat and mustache signage was being hauled off, the patio repainted and Mugsy's matchbooks were collected. Once the interior is outfitted to resemble a French Quarter tavern, Tavern Orleans is expected to open September 2.

No word on the future of the infamous Juice Box cocktail or Monday's steak night. Hopefully both won't go the way of other Upper Kirby restaurant and bars that have closed in the last four months, never to be seen again.
—Jakeisha Wilmore
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[Randall E./Yelp]