HOUSTON – One of downtown Houston’s most popular live music venues is making a comeback, and it’s getting a major upgrade.
Construction is now underway on the new downtown location of The Rustic, the Texas-inspired restaurant, bar and live music venue that became a staple for Houstonians after opening near the George R. Brown Convention Center in 2018.
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The new venue will rise at the southwest corner of Jackson and Pease streets, just two blocks south of Toyota Center and next to the city’s expanding convention district.
Houston First Corporation announced the project alongside FreeRange Concepts, the company behind The Rustic, on Tuesday.
The previous Downtown Houston location closed late last year after plans for the massive new GRB South convention center expansion impacted the original site.
Now, The Rustic is preparing for a much larger return.
The new location will span 18,300 square feet across an entire city block bordered by Jackson, Pease, Jefferson and Crawford streets. Plans include expansive indoor and outdoor gathering spaces designed for everything from casual happy hours and brunches to large private events and concerts.
Known for its Texas comfort food, extensive drink menu and free live music throughout the week, The Rustic has long been a gathering spot for locals, visitors and sports fans heading to nearby games and events downtown.
“This new location allows us to create an even bigger gathering place for great food, great music, and remarkable memories while continuing to be part of the energy and growth of Houston’s future,” said Kyle Noonan, co-owner of FreeRange Concepts.
The Rustic’s return is also part of a much larger transformation happening in downtown Houston.
The restaurant will help anchor Houston First’s new convention and entertainment district surrounding the expanded George R. Brown Convention Center. The district’s first phase includes the new 700,000-square-foot GRB South building and a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza designed to host festivals, major events and large gatherings.
Future phases are expected to bring additional dining, nightlife and entertainment options to the area.
“Houston First is proud to continue our relationship with FreeRange Concepts and The Rustic by bringing the venue to the heart of what will be a new entertainment district downtown,” said Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman.
The new Downtown Houston location of The Rustic is expected to be completed in March 2027.