Chris Shepherd’s Casual Counterpart to Steakhouse Georgia James Opens Today

Georgia James Tavern, the much-anticipated, more casual offshoot of chef Chris Shepherd’s luxe steakhouse Georgia James, will officially make its debut today.

The restaurant is set to kick open the doors at 777 Preston Street, inside the Market Square Tower, at 5 p.m. on July 27. As previously reported by Eater, Georgia James Tavern is intended to be a more affordable, casual offshoot of the Montrose steakhouse he opened in 2018 to rave reviews. At the new restaurant, the priciest thing on the menu is still a whopping $85, but that’s for a wagyu ribeye that’s seared in a cast-iron skillet, then served with potato hash and crispy tobacco onions.

For those who can’t afford to drop $85 on a steak on Tuesday night, Georgia James Tavern boasts dishes like a burger made with 44 Farms beef and served on a Kraftsmen Baking potato bun, priced at $25. Entrees like hearth-roasted chicken served with papaya salad and sticky rice are also on offer, along with snacks like confit chicken wings flavored with Viet-Cajun spices, baked pimento cheese, and Gulf shrimp stuffed with blue crab and corn.

Chef Matt “Tally” Coburn, formerly sous chef at Georgia James, will lead the kitchen at the new spot, while pastry chef Victoria Dearmond will serve up a tight selection of desserts that includes key lime pie custard parfait, hearth-baked apple crumble, and the “Elvis” cookie, which combines peanut butter, banana, and bacon.

In addition to a list of wines selected by wine director Matthew Pridgen, a slew of compelling cocktails is on offer at Georgia James Tavern. Consider the Kremlin, a mix of avocado leaf, vodka, guajillo chile, and ginger, or perhaps a Hall Pass, a drink that blends together bourbon, banana, and bitters.

When Georgia James opens today, the restaurant will serve dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Lunch service is set to follow in the coming weeks.

• Chef Chris Shepherd’s Much-Anticipated Steakhouse Georgia James Debuts Tonight [EHOU]
• Chef Chris Shepherd Will Open a More Casual Offshoot of His Popular Steakhouse Georgia James in Downtown Houston [EHOU]