Opus Bistro & Steakhouse Makes Encore Appearance at South Shore Harbour Resort Hotel

After a two-year hiatus, local favorite, Opus Bistro & Steakhouse, has reopened in their new home inside the hotel of the South Shore Harbour Resort. Originally located in Clear Lake Shores, Opus Bistro first opened in January of 2010. For seven years, the Bistro thrived, earning a reputation as one of the area’s premiere restaurants until Hurricane Harvey forced the restaurant to close. Meanwhile, owners Charlie Felts and (the late) Chris Simon had already opened their new venture, Opus Ocean Grille (1510 Marina Bay Dr., Building #124, Kemah) but were looking for a new location for the original Opus Bistro & Steakhouse when they were approached by South Shore Harbour Hotel executives who were wanting a restaurant in their hotel that could satisfy the dinner crowd. Opportunity met desire, and Opus Bistro found a new home. Construction was completed in January 2019, and the Bistro reopened their doors in early February 2019. 

Opus Bistro was known for their five-star continental cuisine and impeccable service, and they are staying the course, playing the hits, so to speak, in their encore performance. And although much of the menu is the same, with classics like their Crab Cake appetizer, Coquille St. Jacques, Red Snapper with Shrimp and Crabmeat and Asparagus Parmesan appetizer. The new Executive Chef Robert Kennedy has put his own spin on the dishes with plans to add new menu items over the next few months. They will also have featured dishes throughout the week and chef specials on the weekends as well.

“Overall response has been great,” said General Manager Brent Holubec, “The regular customers from the old Opus Bistro (location) are simply thrilled that we have reopened. The fact that it is in the South Shore Harbour Resort is basically an added bonus because of the views, the pool, and proximity to the marina and South Shore Harbour residents.”

Situated in the corner above the newly remodeled Oasis pool, the new space is expansive with a long wall of windows in the dining room offering incredible views of the marina and pool below (which is lit up at night adding to the overall ambiance). In addition to regular tables, there is also booth seating in the dining area. A fireplace located next to the extensive wine rack keeps the large space warm and cozy during the cooler months. The bar area is a bit more casual; and given the fact that Opus Bistro stocks their well with Tito’s, Bacardi, Jack and Titanium Tequila (typically considered “call” liquors) and a $5.50 price tag for well drinks… the bar stays pretty busy. A large outdoor patio offers additional seating with unobstructed marina views and both water and fire features to set the mood and continue the ambiance outside. Banquet areas are available for private parties, and there is plenty of space in the dining room to host large parties.

The main entrance is located on the street level across from Pier 11 of the marina with plenty of public parking. Hotel guests can use the outside entrance (upstairs from the pool) or just walk through the Paradise Reef restaurant to the Opus entrance. 

The restaurant will be open a little earlier on Mother’s Day (3 p.m.) and reservations were still available at press time, however they anticipate filling up quickly. Call 281-334-5225 to make reservations. On “normal” days, reservations are encouraged but not required.