Rick(ster) and Sherrie Williams, owners of Rixster’s Hangar, have created something very special. This family restaurant has a concept different from any other in the area. Rixster’s is accessible not only by land, but diners can also fly right up to the back of the restaurant. Located at 10515 West Main in La Porte, the restaurant is located on the edge of the La Porte airport. Rixster’s opened amid much fanfare on June 14 of this year. Residents, daily commuters and pilots took notice of the daily progress in converting a hangar (built in 1947) into a restaurant. The excitement grew, and soon people began to honk and wave as they drove by the work in progress. A few even doubted that the couple would be able to accomplish the feat. Not only did they accomplish the feat but they also have done a fabulous job that must be seen in order to truly appreciate.

“We wanted to build a restaurant for the entire area,” Sherrie said. “We wanted to bring something to the city that was different and something that offered more dining variety.”

Inside the 6,000 square foot restaurant are concrete floors along with furnishings and decorations that come from mostly recycled items. Antique signs adorn the walls, along with shot glass collections, antique tools and sort of a hodge-podge of anything old and interesting. Despite the large size, this restaurant has a close and comfortable feel. In keeping with the idea that this is a family restaurant there is a nice size video game room for kids.

As Rick will proudly tell you, “you never know who you will see or meet at Rixster’s.”

Mayors, city officials and local musicians are only part of the interesting customer mix. The Houston Astros’ Richard Hildalgo is a frequent diner whenever he is in town.

The food at Rixster’s is equally interesting. In keeping with Rick and Sherrie’s desire to create family-style variety, the menu covers a wide spectrum of food. Cajun food is very popular (you cannot miss the giant crawfish painted on the roof). Red beans and rice with sausage, boiled crawfish (when in season), unbeatable crawfish etouffee, chicken and sausage gumbo, and Cajun style Po-boys are some of the highlights. The crawfish are delivered straight out of Louisiana. Angus beef is used in the ever-popular hamburgers and ribeye steaks. Texas-style barbecue is another great choice. An unusual and tasty barbecue choice is the Deep Fried BBQ Spud. It is baked, breaded, deep-fried, cut open and filled with mouth-watering barbecue. Wednes-day night is all-you-can-eat fried catfish night. The catfish is fresh and hand-breaded. At Rixster’s everything is hand-breaded including the shrimp and chicken fried steak. Appetizer choices include Cajun, seafood, Mexican, chicken wings and more. Of course there are desserts; banana pudding, carrot cake and chocolate cake are all excellent choices. Do not forget about Monday Night Football at Rixster’s. The restaurant serves up 25-cent chicken wings and $5 pitchers of beer.

The couple had plenty of food experience behind them prior to opening the restaurant. Rick and Sherrie operated a very successful catering business for the past eight years. Now Rixster’s Hangar can cater for your group, large or small. Be sure to call them about your next party. The restaurant has a nice sized party room that is a perfect spot for business luncheons and meetings.

If all this is not enough for you, Rixster’s has live music on the outdoor patio every Friday and Saturday. The music spans all genres, and it is kept at the perfect volume. The music is loud enough to hear inside the restaurant, but it is not so loud that a group cannot carry on a conversation. Rixster’s recently began Open Mic Night on Thursdays. This event is really gathering steam as more talented musicians show up each week. Many popular area performers show up on Thursday nights to jam and practice. Every week is different. The outdoor patio is a busy area and a lot of fun. While enjoying the musical talent, diners can view lights from the runway and from the Fred Hartmann Bridge.

Words alone do not do justice to Rixster’s. This is one restaurant you must try. The concept, food and music combine to make a fantastic fun-filled evening for everyone. So far Rick and Sherrie Williams’ dream to provide the area with something it did not have before is wildly successful. If you have any questions or would like to have your next party catered, give them a call at 281-842-7559.