Mack Allen’s Opens Its 16,000-Square-Foot River Oaks Restaurant

Houston’s newest upscale dining room is now open near the intersection of River Oaks and Uptown. Mack Allen’s made its debut September 14 at 4400 Post Oak Parkway, bringing a 16,000-square-foot restaurant to the 5POP office tower.

The project comes from restaurateur Mack McDonald, who spent more than 15 years leading the Rouxpour brand before moving into a more ambitious fine-dining format. The restaurant is designed around a broad menu rather than a single specialty, with prime steaks and Australian wagyu sharing space with seafood, sushi and globally influenced dishes.

What diners can expect

Executive chef Carlos Andrade leads the kitchen alongside regional chef Manuel Viveros. Early menu details include dishes such as seared sea scallops, escargots with bone marrow, rack of lamb, Chilean sea bass and braised beef short ribs. Lunch leans a little more casual with options such as a pork belly bowl, steak salad and Cobb salad.

There is also a seafood tower and caviar service for diners looking for a larger splurge. A sushi program is led by chef Matthew Mui, while pastry chef Karen Romero is handling desserts including mascarpone cheesecake and tiramisu.

The space is part of the attraction

Mack Allen’s is built to function as more than a traditional dining room. The restaurant includes a 2,000-square-foot lobby lounge, a large U-shaped bar, private dining rooms and a landscaped courtyard. One smaller private room has its own wet bar, fireplace and separate entrance.

The beverage program is equally extensive. Wine director Anthony Salazar oversees a large wine collection, with certified sommelier Shaun Stockton helping guests navigate the list. The bar also emphasizes premium spirits and rare bottles.

Why this opening matters

River Oaks and Uptown already have one of the densest collections of high-end restaurants in Houston, so a new 16,000-square-foot entrant has to make a sizable statement to stand out. Mack Allen’s is clearly aiming to do that through scale, multiple dining experiences and a menu that stretches from steakhouse classics to sushi and seafood.

For Houston diners, the opening adds another major special-occasion restaurant to the Post Oak area and gives McDonald a high-profile next chapter beyond Rouxpour.

Source: Details were reported by Houston Press on September 11, 2026.

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