Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace was founded by Alli Jarrett, a resident of the Heights since 2002. Alli’s love for the Heights stems from her upbringing in Kingstree, a small town in the low country of South Carolina, where she grew up in a family wholesale business that her grandparents started and operated for 52 years. We had a chance to talk to Alli, who shared with us a few tidbits about the restaurant, their food, concept, and business philosophy. Here’s what we learned:
FriendsEAT: Can you tell us about Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace?
Alli Jarrett: Harold’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace is a southern cuisine restaurant located in the heart of the Heights on West 19th Street where Chef Antoine Ware and I make it our mission to know our farmers. Chef Antoine ties in his New Orleans flare to my South Carolina classics, creating upscale southern dishes served in a welcoming environment. The restaurant resides in a 95-year-old building on the second floor, featuring original brick walls from the previous tenant, Harolds in the Heights, a neighborhood clothing store that was in business for more than 61 years. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or dinner as diners can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Heights shoppers from a bird’s eye view while noshing on classic Southern, Creole dishes and sipping on refreshing cocktails.
Shrimp and Grits
FE: Have you won any Awards?
Alli Jarrett: Harold’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace has been recognized by the Houston Chronicle by being included on the 2014 and 2015 Top 100 Restaurants in Houston lists curated by the Chronicle’s food critic, Alison Cook.
In 2014, the Houston Business Journal awarded Harold’s the 2014 Landmark Retail Award for the building renovation and transformation from a clothing store to a restaurant.
FE: What is your restaurant philosophy?
Alli Jarrett: At Harold’s we make it our mission to know our farmers. Knowing where our food comes from and the farmers who cultivate it is extremely important to everyone on staff at our restaurant. Chef Antoine Ware creates dishes that include local and seasonal ingredients from farmers he has a relationship with. All of the food at Harold’s is sourced from local farms in Texas and Louisiana, and the only thing not made in house is the ketchup and blue plate mayo! Southern hospitality is key to Harold’s success, so we make every effort to ensure you feel at-home and welcome the second you step foot through our doors. From the comforting, Southern food on the menu to the warm greeting you get at the door, you will feel right at home whenever you visit Harold’s.
Fried Chicken from Harold’s Restaurant Bar and Terrace
FE: What is your most popular dish?
Alli Jarrett: One of the most popular dishes at Harold’s is the fried chicken. Chef Antoine Ware double-brines his chicken and cooks it in a cast iron pan to create a thick, crispy, crunchy exterior sealing in juicy chicken meat. The fried chicken is served with a generous helping of creamy mac n cheese and braised greens, just like Chef Antoine’s mother used to make. The fried chicken dish epitomizes the Southern charm and care of Harold’s. Chef Antoine’s special touch of double-brining the chicken in sugar and salt before frying it in a cast iron pan makes it even more mouthwatering. The portions are also quite generous as we serve half of the chicken!
FE: Does your bartender make any amazing cocktails?
Alli Jarrett: Harold’s Bar Manager Lauren Muse loves to make a Negroni cocktail. It is one of her personal favorites because it has such a uniquely bitter flavor. She can definitely appreciate anyone who has a similar palate!
FE: In a few sentences, can you tell us what makes your restaurant different?
Alli Jarrett: Dining at Harold’s is a unique experience for anyone in Houston. The historical elements from the previous tenant, Harold Wiesenthal, are still alive and well in the upstairs dining room. I have made every effort to preserve the original brick wall from the seamstress’s clothing store, and even included the grandiose women’s dressing room mirror as decoration in the main dining room. Aside from the preservation elements, Harold’s is the perfect destination for rooftop dining as the upstairs terrace stays cool and shady even during the hot summer months in Houston. There’s not one night where the rooftop terrace isn’t completely full of guests as everyone vies for a seat outside. All of this combined with the Southern, Creole cuisine from Chef Antoine Ware is the ultimate recipe for a relaxing, enjoyable restaurant in the heart of the Heights.
The Terrace
FE: By any chance do you offer deals or specials?
Alli Jarrett: Happy Hour drink specials are offered Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 3 ” 5 p.m. This special offer applies to all house wine ($5 glass), craft beer ($4), premium beer ($3) and domestic beer ($2.50). Happy Hour food is served from 4 ” 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, featuring a variety of appetizers, such as pork debris sliders, duck fat-roasted cauliflower and Creole meatballs. Handcrafted cocktails are also offered on the Happy Hour menu.
Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 10 a.m.
Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace is located at 350 W. 19th Street, Houston, Texas 77008
[mappress mapid=”265″]Nearby Landmarks: Heights General Store, Comerica Bank, Houston Heights Tower, and HITS Theatre
Phone Number: (713) 360-6204
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday ” Wednesday: 11:00AM – 09:00PM
- Thursday ” Friday: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
- Saturday: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
- Sunday: 10:00AM – 08:00PM
Dining Style: Casual
Cuisine Type: Southern and Creole
Dress Code: Casual
Price Range: $11-$30
Payment Methods Accepted: Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover and Cash