Originally published in Motorcycles On The Road Again, October 2005.
By Larry Gore
1535 Brittmoore Rd.
Houston, Texas 77043
713-932-7797
The Brittmoore is not one of the old Texas ice houses, but it is authentic nonetheless. Opened in 1992 the Brittmoore is in a building that once housed a transmission shop.
Garage doors open to the front where it is easy for people to keep an eye on their motorcycles and other garage doors open to the back where there is a picnic area complete with barbecue pits, shade trees and a well kept lawn.
Inside photos of past events are grouped on one of the walls, while a large assortment of neons add their own unique touch to the place. Pool tables, I think the law requires them in ice houses, and people sitting around in small groups socializing with each other. The theme from the TV show “Cheers” had a line in it “where everybody knows your name” and you get that impression here. Everyone knows everyone else — and if they didn’t when you came in they will know you before you leave. This is down home, Texas friendly hospitality at its best.
Texas ice houses have a long standing tradition of being a focal point of their communities. Times have changed and the ice houses are not so much part of their geographical communities anymore, but they have replaced that by being the center of their communities of people with similar interests. Those might be truck drivers, people with classic cars, cowboys or motorcycle riders. Each ice house seems to be special to one or two such groups.
Ice houses tend to have special events. Thursday night at the Brittmoore is steak night and you will always find a crowd enjoying their steaks and getting a real bargain on them. Unlike most ice houses the Brittmoore serves food and has a menu that ranges from buffalo wings and fried mushrooms to hamburgers, grilled pork loins and deep fried hot dogs.
But most of all, Texas ice houses are about people. Friendly people who like to get together, visit with each other and just have a good time — and since the character of the Brittmoore includes a lot of people who ride motorcycles it is a good place to come hang out, meet some new people or renew friendships with people you have met before.
Texas ice houses. Each one has a flavor of its own, come on out to the Brittmoore and check out their flavor.