LAST YEAR, A landmark gift from the Kinder Foundation fastracked plans to expand Buffalo Bayou Park east of Downtown. It’s yet another indicator that Houston’s East End neighborhood is one worth visiting. Of late, it seems to be an especially popular choice among restaurateurs.

Watering hole Eight Row Flint, known for its ranch water and stellar tacos, recently opened a second location on Harrisburg near popular wine bar How to Survive on Land and Sea. A custom rick house anchors the expansive main dining room, and eclectic art decorates the walls. The stairway leads to an open-air rooftop patio with seating for 80.

Meanwhile, the Gatsby Hospitality Group, which made waves last year with Gatsby’s Prime Seafood and, before that, Gatsby’s Prime Steakhouse in Montrose, quietly opened its latest concept on Navigation. With an aim of being an area go-to, the “craft-casual” Gatsby’s Grill homages the El Segundo neighborhood with Latin-tinged offerings and chic comfort food.

And on the other side of the bayou, the nine-hole public course East River 9 has bowed, with a driving range, putting green and pickleball courts — and a full-service restaurant that boasts a mean burger.

Riverhouse Houston's Gulf Coast Shrimp Street Tacos and Classic Cheeseburger

Eight Row Flint

Calle Viejo at Eight Row Flint

Gatsby's Grill