Underbelly Hospitality’s take on Texas fare may be new to the Spring Branch District, but this isn’t Wild Oats’ first rodeo.
Previously located at the Houston Farmers Market, Wild Oats relocated late last year to a new development at 1222 Witte Rd., next to sister restaurant Underbelly Burger, and also The Decoy, a high-energy, multi-faceted bar where patrons can order 100-ounce beer towers — and also food from the two Underbelly ventures.
As a resident of the area Jeff Lindenberger, a partner in Underbelly Hospitality, said the company was thrilled to plant roots for Wild Oats on Witte Road.
“Whether it’s dinner with the family after a baseball game or a date night close to home, we wanted the neighborhood to have a restaurant they could count on for great food and attentive service in an inviting atmosphere,” he said, adding: “You can come to Wild Oats every night of the week and have a different experience and know it’s going to be a good one.”
Wild Oats just launched a new menu building on its original one from the previous location, Lindenberger said.
Looking to have a “light” lunch, I went for the Cowboy Cobb salad — Texas “caviar” (beans, corn, bell pepper) with goat cheese, avocado and chipotle ranch. Be warned: The portion could feed a quartet of cowboys.
My dinner companion went for the definitely not light Chicken Fried Steak — RC Ranch wagyu, jalapeño bacon gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans, which costs $20. He elected not to “Texas size” it for $10 more, but he did add a shot of chili to his order for $5. The Texas-style chili — “no beans, no ‘maters” — comes in a shot, cup or bowl.
If you have a Texas-style sweet tooth, go for the Dr Pepper chocolate cake with Dr. Pepper ganache, dried cherries and candied peanuts, served with vanilla ice cream.
In addition to their all-day menu, the restaurant offers a brunch menu on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wild Oats is open for dinner Monday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kids under 10 eat free Monday to Thursday with the purchase of an adult entree.
Soon, Lindenberger said, they will be open for lunch every day.
Happy Hour is Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Lindenberger said the restaurant is cooking up various activities for customers such as Mahjong Lunch Free Play on the first and third Friday of the month, crawfish every Saturday and bingo.
“We drew inspiration from our neighbors to build a space that combines great food and service in an approachable environment,” Lindenberger said. “So far, the reception has been great. We’re excited to continue seeing more familiar faces in our restaurant.”
Wild Oats
1222 Witte Rd.
346-293-8779
https://wildoatshouston.com/
— by Dorothy Puch Lillig
