Levi Goode Announces August 20th Opening for His Highly Anticipated Concepts: Credence and Sidebar

Guests can expect elevated American cuisine and high-end cocktails from the new restaurant and speakeasy

Reservations available through OpenTable

 Levi Goode, popular Houston chef, restaurateur and head of Goode Company Restaurants, announced the opening date for his inaugural stand-alone concepts: Credence and Sidebar. The restaurant and speakeasy will be located next door to each other at 9757 Katy Freeway, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77024 in The McKinley at Memorial City. Both are set to open on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

“I’m thrilled to see Credence and Sidebar come to life,” said Chef and Owner Levi Goode. “Years of work, heart and creativity have aligned to bring us to this moment. My hope is that both Credence and Sidebar serve as local havens where people can come together and enjoy a thoughtful meal, a handmade cocktail and a good time. We’re excited to continue to serve the Memorial area of Houston, which has been so good to us.”

Designed in partnership with Gensler, an influential architecture and design firm, the opening of Credence and Sidebar signifies the next evolution of Levi Goode’s journey as a restauranteur. Informed by a culmination of Levi’s rich travels, the purposeful spaces are infused with a collection of furnishings, finishes and materials from across the globe and further emphasize cooking as performance art. Menu offerings are carefully displayed to immerse diners in an intentional, curated environment that provides a window into the various flavors of the Credence experience. Sidebar, a speakeasy-style concept adjacent to Credence, makes its own unique visual statement and offers an edgy yet intimate space for those seeking access to an exclusive atmosphere.

“The design of Credence and Sidebar is inspired by Levi Goode’s storytelling abilities,” said Doug Detiveaux, Design Director at Gensler Houston. “As we listened to him recount his experiences, we intentionally crafted each space with a specific purpose and personality that is reflective of Levi’s refined tastes and adventurous spirit. The spaces showcase his desire to create a comfortable and down-to-earth experience accented by high design and luxurious materials.”

Curated art by Weingarten Art Group, an art advisory firm based in Houston, is showcased within the restaurant and speakeasy. Credence highlights artist Kourtney Roy, a photographer born in Northern Ontario, whose works are set in strange and enigmatic locations in Southwest Texas, including remote highways and deserted towns. As the principal subject of her work, Roy creates compellingly cinematic scenes that border the real and the fantastic. The artist lives and works in Paris, France. 

Sidebar showcases work by Patty Carroll, a widely published and celebrated artist known for her bold, intensely saturated photographs since the 1970s. “Glassy Eyed”, viewed within Sidebar, invites guests to explore the richly nuanced relationship between women and domesticity. It is part of her most celebrated series “Anonymous Women” and depicts an imagined interior room nearly camouflaging the lone figure of a woman, creating a humorous game of hide-and-seek for the viewer. 

The addition of Credence and Sidebar to the ground level of The McKinley at Memorial City further activates “The Lawn,” a dynamic greenspace situated in a quadrant of mixed-use establishments. The elevated offerings provided at both concepts perfectly complement the retail, office, residential and entertainment within Memorial City, MetroNational’s 300-acre mixed-use development, and position the area as an attractive destination for those interested in an upscale experience.

“Credence and Sidebar are outstanding additions to our food and beverage offerings,” said Jason Johnson, President and CEO of MetroNational. “An acclaimed operator and James Beard Award nominee, Levi Goode shares our commitment to excellence and delivering unique and unparalleled experiences. His decision to bring these highly-anticipated concepts to Memorial City adds to our standing as a dynamic hub for the Memorial area, as well as a top business and leisure destination for Houstonians and visitors alike.” 

Credence’s menu is a South Texas, ranch-inspired, upscale concept serving regional American fare that pays homage to Texas culinary traditions and live-fire cooking rooted in classic cooking techniques. Dishes include Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, Sweetwater Whole Duck and Wild Gulf Snapper served with trout roe, cooked directly on a custom-made hearth. The cocktail and wine menu at Credence is designed to pair effortlessly with the dishes, including elevated riffs on classic cocktails such as a seasonal take on a Paloma, a re-tweaked Negroni and a fun take on vermouth and soda. 

Inspired by the Texas oil boom of the early 1900’s, Sidebar is a reservation-only restaurant and cocktail bar that features well-executed classic cocktails, big, bold wines and highly-allocated champagne. Special cocktails like a classic gin Martini served with a sidecar and garnishes, a seasonal Pimm’s Cup and reworked Old Fashioneds and Manhattans are offered on the menu. The food menu will boast classic American fare with luster, featuring items like dry-aged steaks, oysters topped with caviar and more.

Reservations for Credence and Sidebar through the OpenTable links: Credence and Sidebar.

Credence and Sidebar both feature indoor and patio seating. For more information on the new concepts visit credencehtx.com and follow along on social media at @credencehtx and @sidebaratcredence.

PHOTO CREDIT: BRIAN KENNEDY