Redbud Ice House, a new concept from the folks who brought us Olamaie, Little Ola’s Biscuits, and Maie Day steakhouse (among others), is opening in the space formerly occupied by Contigo at 2027 Anchor Lane in Spring 2024.
In what looks to be an eminently appropriate use of the space, Redbud Ice House will offer smash burgers, beers, and soft-serve ice cream, to be enjoyed on picnic tables on the huge patio that made Contigo such an attractive spot for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The interior design ethos of Redbud Ice House will gesture to the icehouses of Texas past under the vision of stylist and designer Ann Edgerton, who also designed First Light Books in Hyde Park.
Chef Michael Fojtasek, who helms MaieB along with Ben Fordham, collaborated with Noah and Laura Lit, co-owners of Batch Beer & Kolaches and the restaurant space soon to be occupied by Redbud, in conceptualizing the new concept. Batch will brew a special beer to be served at Redbud, and the two restaurants will host events together, including live music and game day watch parties. (The little archway connecting Batch’s backyard to Contigo’s parking lot will probably play a key role in this partnership.) Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo are also partners in the venture.
Contigo closed in December 2021 after a ten-year stint on Anchor Lane. During its tenure, it amassed a huge following of regulars from the Mueller area and adjacent neighborhoods, drawn by the accessible-yet-elevated Texan cuisine and convivial backyard atmosphere. (In fact, this writer celebrated her dissertation defense and hosted her first book launch at Contigo.) It was nearly impossible to get reservations for its final days of service in the waning days of 2021.
It was succeeded in the space by the short-lived BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya, which operated for about eight months before calling it quits, with the promise of reopening elsewhere down the line.
This article appears in December 15 • 2023.