Who's Moving into the Coppa Space on Washington Ave?

Coppa Ristorante Italiano abruptly closed last October after serving its signature spaghetti carbonara on Washington Avenue for three years. Clark-Cooper Concept, the restaurant group responsible for Coppa, has abandoned any plans of another restaurant in the area any time soon, instead turning their focus on The Dunlavy and SaltAir Kitchen, both expected to open this year. Now comes word that the former Italian space will soon be home to sizzling fajitas and margaritas.

Ula’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is moving into the suite at 5555 Washington Avenue in the coming months. Haven't heard of it? The family-owned restaurant opened its first location in Missouri City four months ago.  According to their website, the restaurant serves the "best Tex Mex & Mexican food in Southwest Houston." It's a bold claim to make but Yelpers seem very fond of it.

On the heels of Los Dos Amigos' upcoming departure from the corridor, Ula's could very well be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Despite El Tiempo located a block over and a legendary name attached to it (Laurenzo's - the family who once owned Ninfa's, home to Houston's legendary fajitas), Ula's offers a scaled down and less expensive menu that some may find attractive.

2015 is shaping up to be a better year for the Washington Corridor, which loss a number of restaurants and bars within weeks of each other (Chopping Block, Blue Moose, TQLA and others) . In addition to Ula's coming to the avenue, Commonwealth, Black Orchid, Grafittis at Union St, Mary'z Lebanese Cuisine and more are expected to open this year.