Lowbrow in Montrose gets injection of panache A fresh injection of panache fills fast-casual Montrose spot

Rigatoni bolognese with herbed ricott at Lowbrow Food & Drink, 1601 W. Main. Rigatoni bolognese with herbed ricott at Lowbrow Food & Drink, 1601 W. Main. Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff Photo: Melissa Phillip, Staff Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Lowbrow in Montrose gets injection of panache 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

THE CONCEPT

A Montrose neighborhood bar/café that recently got a shot of panache with a new team, design and menu. The spot is still owned by the Creek Group of restaurants, but it's now under the direction of chef John Sheely and his partner, Chris Ray.

THE SPACE

A cleaner, fresher aesthetic has replaced pub décor. It looks more grown-up but is still inviting. The generous patio is only a stone's throw from the Menil Collection.

THE FOOD

More casual fare from Sheely, who spent more than a dozen years in the fine-dining world at the shuttered Mockingbird Bistro. That means dinner dishes such as rigatoni Bolognese with herbed ricotta; pan-seared sea scallops on creamy grits with braised greens; Atlantic salmon on white bean and andouille sausage cassoulet; and a pork chop on black eyed peas with braised mustard greens. For lunch, look for farm-fresh omelets; Croque Madame; and a chicken schnitzel sandwich with crispy iceberg slaw on a toasted challah bun.

THE DRINKS

Ray has elevated the wine list with new selections including some fun rosé wines and bubbles. There are some signature cocktails, too, including the peach-tinged Lowbrow Mule, the Almond Berry Smash, an apple/pear frozen Mojito; and a wild berry frozé.

THE WORD

"I think fine dining in the past few years has been on the decline," Sheely said. "People are looking for something more casual, more approachable."

THE DETAILS

1601 W. Main, 713-527-8647; lowbrowhtx.com. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays