Hello!

(Welcome, and please take off your shoes.)

NOW OPEN in the Heights – Agnes and Sherman is a diner experience all about Asian American comfort food. Co-Owners Lisa Lee and Nick Wong are excited to bring a modern yet cozy new restaurant to the vibrant Houston Heights dining scene, honoring their unique third-culture Asian American roots, and everything that’s special about Houston. Inventive versions of familiar flavors are nestled alongside the golden rules of inclusion and belonging, as it’s now more important than ever to convey the values that have always been true: taking care of others is an act of love, and everyone is welcome here.

Named after Chef Nick’s parents, Agnes and Sherman is a spot for people who love food as much as they love Houston. The dishes are meant to be shared family-style, but can be easily enjoyed by small parties or solo diners. Menu highlights include savory scallion waffles with sambal honey butter, Taiwanese disco fries, and crawfish egg foo young. If you were a fan of Nick’s famous crispy rice salad back in the day, you may or may not find a version of it on the menu in the near future.

The leadership team is made up of a talented group of native Houstonians - led by General Manager Pam Cantú (Goodnight Hospitality), Sous Chef Karla Moreno (Rosie Cannonball), and Bar Lead David Perez (Lei Low).  

The wine program, curated by GM Pam, includes bottles and by-the-glass options, so guests can explore a range of playful, natural, and classic styles designed to pair with our food. The cocktail program, created by Bar Lead David, puts a modern spin on Asian flavors through a nostalgic diner lens - thoughtful and accessible without the fuss.

Special thanks to Houston-based 2X Studio for architecture and design, and much love to Dong Ping Wong (AD100) who shared invaluable inputs for interiors.

Food + restaurant photos (with corresponding attribution), team bios, and fun quotes are below. Photography was contributed by Arturo Olmos, Jenn Duncan, and Vivian Leba.

Follow our behind the scenes adventures at @agnesandsherman on Instagram.

Agnes and Sherman may just be a diner, but we hope you enjoy it as much as we have loved creating it.

STARTERS

  • Address: 250 West 19th Street Suite A, Houston TX 77008

  • Instagram: @agnesandsherman

  • Hours: 5 pm - 10 pm, Thursday - Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

  • Email: hello@agnesandsherman.com

  • Phone Number: (713) 965-6088

  • Reservations: OpenTable

SIDES

  • Street parking and parking lot diagonally across from the restaurant

  • We love kids and while Chef absolutely love dogs, only service animals allowed for now (patio seating to come)

  • Ask to buy merch in the restaurant! JV Sweatshirt ($50), Monogram Tee ($25), and Just a Diner Cap ($25) - online shop coming soon!

  • Gift cards are the best cards

MAINS

Savory Scallion Waffle

Dou Milk Shake

Chinese BBQ Club

Taiwanese Disco Fries

Crawfish Egg Foo Young

Pei Pa Koa Sundae

Dr. Wong

Jian-BLT

Wine Program

SWEETS

  • Nick Wong

    Executive Chef and Co-Owner

    Favorite childhood Asian dish: Congee with Thousand-Year-Old Egg

    Besides leading the UB Preserv team to win “Best New Restaurant” in Texas Monthly as their Executive Chef, Nick’s other claim to fame is turning brunch haters into big-time believers. Weaving in and around the cultural fabric of food has been a passion of Nick’s ever since his days at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. After graduating, he joined the renowned Momofuku Restaurant Group. In between stints at Gramercy Tavern (NYC) and Incanto (SF), and stages at Noma (CPH) and Bar Tartine (SF), he returned to Momofuku Ssam Bar in the role of Chef de Cuisine. Now, Nick is proud to plant roots in Houston with Agnes and Sherman, named after his parents.

    When he’s not cooking, you can find Nick vibing at an EDM show, crushing a spin class at CycleBar, or being gobsmacked at the sight of any cute dog.

    Follow Nick’s musings at @_nickwong_, and look up his features in Food & Wine, the Houston Chronicle, and the New York Times. When you’re done reading about his food, you should taste it for yourself at Agnes and Sherman. It’s smarter than licking a phone or eating a newspaper. 

  • Lisa Lee

    Managing Partner and Co-Owner

    Favorite childhood Asian dish: Tomato and Egg Stir Fry

    Lisa has always pursued her career with the motivation of living her values. Most recently as the VP of Global Culture and Belonging at DoorDash, Lisa knew that she would center Agnes and Sherman around her life’s work: empowerment, inclusion, and community. As a Taiwanese American immigrant raised in pre- and post-apartheid South Africa, her life lens has always been making “othered” people feel a sense of belonging.

    Lisa’s work with the Asian American community harkens back to 2012, when she was the publisher of award-winning magazine Thick Dumpling Skin, dedicated to positive body image. She’s also proud to sit on the boards of AACRE (Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality), and GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). To say that she’s good at turning concepts into reality is an understatement. 

    Say hi to Lisa at Agnes and Sherman, or follow her #workperks series on Instagram at @rrrlisarrr to see what the crew is serving for staff meal.

  • Pam Cantú

    General Manager

    Favorite childhood Asian dish: Thai Omelette

    Houston native Pam has launched iconic concepts like Uchi Houston and Rosie Cannonball, after curating wine selections at Montrose Cheese & Wine and managing at beloved fine dining establishment Bludorn.

    As Agnes & Sherman’s GM, Pam brings her passion for connection and community through thoughtful hospitality. As a dynamic and collaborative leader, her goal is to create a space where every guest truly feels at home.

    True to that spirit, Pam loves hosting dinner parties in her free time. Her other hobbies include traveling and playing sand volleyball.

  • Karla Moreno

    Sous Chef

    Favorite childhood Asian dish: Bun Bo Xao

    Karla was most recently at the Bib Gourmand-recognized Rosie Cannonball, after opening the beloved Heights restaurant Jūn. Prior to that, she was Sous Chef at March. Karla first met Chef Nick on the line at UB Preserv in 2020, where she started her culinary career. After UB Preserv’s closure in 2021, Nick and Karla knew they had to work together again, and years later Agnes and Sherman presented the perfect opportunity.

    A proud Houston native, Karla enjoys long walks with her puppies, cooking for her family, and unwinding with video games.

  • David Perez

    Bar Lead

    Favorite childhood Asian dish: Sesame Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice

    Born and raised in the Houston Heights, David has spent the last 13 years working in beloved neighborhood establishments. He got his start at D&T Drive Inn and spent the past decade growing into a leadership role at Lei Low. Most recently, he was part of the opening team at Maven Sawyer Yards. David is excited to bring his experience and energy to Agnes and Sherman.

    For an off-the-menu adventure, ask David to make a Ti Punch!

SOON-TO-BE REGULARS

Aaron Bludorn | Chef and Restaurateur

“I am really excited for the arrival of Nick Wong's first restaurant Agnes and Sherman. I’ve always loved Nick's cooking and cannot wait to see how his creativity continues to unfold in the Heights. It’s also self serving because I live close by and I cannot wait to be a frequent visitor.”

Christine Ha | Chef and Author

“I’ve known Chef Nick and his business partner, Lisa, for several years, and their combined talent and work ethic will undoubtedly contribute to their future success with Agnes and Sherman. Nick consulted for us when we were opening The Blind Goat as a full-service restaurant in Spring Branch in 2023, and recently, he collaborated with our smashburger and sandwich concept, Stuffed Belly, to do a General Tso Boy sandwich special, which was one of our most popular chef collabs ever. I met Lisa at SXSW back when she was head of DEI at DoorDash, and she’s a great sounding board for my HR-type questions. I respect her intellect, business sense, and wide personal and professional networks. I’m super excited and proud of Lisa and Nick for this new endeavor in their gastronomical lives and can’t wait to see how Agnes and Sherman contribute to the ever-growing, diverse landscape of Houston cuisine.”

Kayla Stewart | James Beard Award-Winning Journalist

"A super promising look at Houston's very first Asian American diner. Loved the ingredient and flavor representation from across the Asian diaspora. Great flavor profiles and a very talented chef who adores Houston at the helm. 2025 is going to be a fun year in restaurants."

Questions, thoughts, fan mail? press@agnesandsherman.com