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It looks like Heights Korean eatery Republic Diner and Noodle Bar will be replaced by a Japanese spot called Blackbird Izakaya.
A job posting on Poached for the new restaurant indicates that it will open in the space currently occupied by Republic Diner at 1221 West 11th Street in the Heights. According to that posting, the restaurant bills itself as the first “true izakaya” in Houston, an ambiance that’s created by the restaurant’s open kitchen that will allow interaction between the chefs and diners.
Chef Billy Kin looks to be in charge of the project, which appears to be under the umbrella of Delicious Concepts, the hospitality group behind Republic Diner, Pink’s Pizza, Ritual, and The Ready Room, among other spots. He’s been showing off potential dishes on Instagram, including a raw big eye tuna, Asian pear, and kimchi offering that he insists isn’t poke, yakitori, and miso soup with matzo balls.
Eater has reached out to Kin for more details on his forthcoming izakaya. Last month, the chef posted on Instagram that he expects for it to open before the end of July.
