HOUSTON | 3601 Kirby Drive | FT | FLOORS

[Wattleigh]

Could the current home of Picos (which will soon close) be the site of another highrise along Kirby? Sounds that way based on this article from the Chronicle.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-re...ing-date-mexican-restaurant-22218703.php

Picos, restaurant that helped introduce Houston to regional Mexican cuisine, sets final closing date

By Aviva Bechky,
Staff Writer
April 21, 2026

After 42 years serving regional Mexican food and playing host to countless families' celebrations, the trailblazing restaurant Picos announced its closing date: August 30.

Arnaldo Richards first opened the restaurant on Bellaire, selling food from all over Mexico at a time when most of the offerings available in Houston were Tex-Mex. He introduced people across Houston to seafood dishes they'd never tried. In 2014, he expanded to a much larger Upper Kirby spot, covering the walls with favorable press and setting up lockers to store his regulars’ tequila.

But by last year, as restaurants all over Houston struggled to stay afloat, Picos saw sales drop dramatically. In September, Richards announced plans to close.

Then he pushed back the closure: first to remain open through the winter holidays, and again through the spring. But, Richards said in a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon that his building will soon be developed into a high-rise. Picos can’t stay past August.