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Next month, Atlanta-based restaurateur Ford Fry’s Superica and La Lucha will make their much-anticipated debuts in the Heights.
The side-by-side spots will occupy the space at 1801 North Shepherd Drive, formerly occupied by Hunky Dory and Bernadine’s. Superica, a Tex-Mex spot that first opened in Atlanta, will serve classics like queso, tamales, and tacos, along with margaritas like the Matador, made with pineapple and cilantro. Non-alcoholic libations, including jamaica tea and agua frescas, will also be on offer. He may be bringing sand to the desert with Superica — Houston has plenty of excellent Tex-Mex institutions — but perhaps Fry’s status as a native Houstonian will earn him some extra credibility from the city’s diners.
Next door, La Lucha will serve as an homage to Fry’s beloved San Jacinto Inn, where he dined as a child. The brand new restaurant will occupy 4,000 square feet and boasts an outdoor area that will offer lawn bowling and patio seating. As far as the menu is concerned, diners can look forward to dishes like Gulf oysters, chicken fried to order, and burgers. Perhaps most importantly, La Lucha will stay open late on Saturdays and Sundays.
Both La Lucha and Superica will arrive on September 17. Superica will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. La Lucha will be open Monday through Thursday 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday 5 to 11 p.m; Saturday and Sunday from noon ‘til about 11 p.m., the bar will stay open later.
Update 8/28/18, 11:25 a.m.: The restaurants’ opening date has been pushed back a week due to construction delays, and this post has been changed to reflect the new opening date of September 17.
