Republic Diner Shutters to Make Way for Blackbird Izakaya

Republic Diner and Noodle Bar in the Heights has officially closed its doors to make way for Blackbird Izakaya.

Signage posted on the restaurant’s door at 1221 West 11th Street announces its temporary closure to transform into the new restaurant. As Eater reported back in July, chef Billy Kin has been busy staffing up the new restaurant, which promises to be Houston’s first “true izakaya.” It’s unclear whether or not the space will get a major revamp, but diners should expect significant changes to the fare that’s on offer.

Kin has been previewing dishes that he’s planning for the new restaurant, and plenty of decadent ingredients await. No menu has been announced yet, but photos posted to the chef’s Instagram show off a foie gras slider called “The Duckadent,” yakitori grilled over binchotan charcoal, and uni-topped pasta. Scope out some of the restaurant’s potential offerings below:

It looks like Blackbird Izakaya is set to open on August 14. Stay tuned for more details on the restaurant’s menu and official hours of operation.

• It Looks Like A New Izakaya Will Replace Republic Diner [EDFW]