Hughie’s on North Main Officially Opening Next Week With One Arm Tied Behind…er…Next Door

For years now, Hughie’s Tavern & Vietnamese Grille (1802 West 18th), located in a former Timbergrove-area Dairy Queen, has been wildly popular destination for those craving craft beer and good Vietnamese grub. Earlier this year, word spread that Phillip Pham and fam had leased the former Foreign Correspondents space at 4727 North Main, then came the news that the shuttered Canard venue next door was to become a bar called One Armed Scissor.

Can you smell the fish sauce in the air? The grand opening date is Monday, August 14. Fans of the original location will feel at home in the larger North Main location, which has transformed into a much more inviting space than its previous occupant. The diagonally patterned wood accents, beer signs and the large beer list display give the dining area and bar that familiar Hughie’s look. The triangular patio area offers covered and uncovered seating and is dog friendly, with a gate directly from the parking area.

The only Dairy Queen touches are found on the menu, which, for now, is the same as the original location. Diners can still can still enjoy the cheeseburger and chicken fried steak, along with Vietnamese favorites, such as spring rolls, fried wontons, bánh mi and vermicelli bowls. The big difference is full bar service, AND the connected cocktail bar, One Armed Scissor, run by partner Michael Molina (formerly at Moving Sidewalk and Wooster’s Garden).

Molina took the bar name from a ’90s punk rock song and says other favorites fuel his creativity behind the bar. The sound system showcases local rap, hip hop and punk rock songs from the ’80s and ’90s, while walls, tables, and more are decorated with posters, album covers and vinyl.

Molina and his team of talented bartenders have crafted an initial line up of featured cocktails, which are riffs on classic libations. This list includes a several standouts born out of the bar team’s collaboration, such as the One Armed Sizzurp, featuring a blue Thai shrub, a sweetened vinegar-based syrup infused with Thai Basil; the easy-drinking Don’t Call Me Blanc, a martini variation, which combines mild and citrusy Brooklyn Gin, Dolin Blanc Vermouth and a subtle floral tincture; and the Trinidad James, made with Rittenhouse Rye and a toasted black sesame Orgeat. A good selection of beer and wine are also available.

Food-wise for now, One Armed Scissor will serve cheeses and meats, but the team hopes to roll out a special bar bites menu in the coming months, including late-night Vietnamese treats, such as egg rolls, dumplings and pho.

Hughie’s Tavern & Grille will be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday until 11 p.m., while One Armed Scissor will be open nightly, Monday through Saturday until 2 a.m.

Did you get value from this article? We rely on our readers and sponsors to cover expenses each month, such as writer and social media fees, administrative costs, web development, software, online services, website hosting and more. Did you get value from this article? We rely on our readers and sponsors to cover expenses each month, such as writer and social media fees, administrative costs, web development, software, online services, website hosting and more. Can you chip in just $5 to keep our coverage going? (Not tax deductible.) Thanks in advance for supporting local journalism! To become a sponsoring business and advertise on Houston Food Finder, email us.