By: Adele Chapin | From: BizBash

Here's a closer look at Houston/San Antonio's newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated Houston and San Antonio venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.

Mexico Ceaty

Chef Jason Dady opened his unique spin on a food hall in April inside Rivercenter's former food court, creating a 25,000-square-foot "culinary city" centered around Mexican cuisine. Mexico Ceaty boasts direct access to San Antonio’s famous River Walk, with murals by local artist Colton Valentine and floral installations by David Garcia of Statue of Design, bringing vibrant color to the 462-seat venue. The Plaza is at the center of Mexico Ceaty, flanked with counters where diners can see tortillas crafted out of heirloom masa, shop in a mercado, or order a street taco.

Multiple sit-down restaurants within Mexico Ceaty are available for events, including the full-service restaurant Tres Arcos (pictured) that serves chiles rellenos and a classic San Antonio puffy taco. For full buyouts, Tre Arcos accommodates 180 guests. The private dining room at Tre Arcos accommodates 75, the main dining room accommodates 55, and the bar accommodates 200 standing guests.

Dos Cantinas is a 300-seat bar that includes sunken garden seating at the plaza level and elevated loft views overlooking the San Antonio River Walk, extending into Rio Vista, a river-facing seating area just beyond the bar. Dos Cantinas' East Loft accommodates 40 guests, the East Garden accommodates 50 guests, the West Loft accommodates 40 guests, and the West Garden accommodates 60 guests. For full buyouts, Dos Cantinas accommodates 200 seated guests or 500 standing guests. Then there's agave-tasting room El Último, where you can open a refrigerator door into a speakeasy experience with artisanal mezcals and aged tequilas. El Ultimo accommodates 25 guests for full buyouts. Mexico Ceaty's standing capacity is 1,500, and the seated capacity is 1,000.

The Faust Hotel

What once was known as The Traveler’s Hotel when it opened nearly a century ago in 1929 is now reborn as The Faust Hotel. Lark Hospitality, in partnership with the Duettra family and key investors, opened the newly renovated 45-room hotel in New Braunfels in May. This historic hotel retains many of its original Spanish Colonial Revival features, including stairway tiles and an exterior fountain, while bringing in new decor with bold patterns and pops of red. Dining options include Texas-meets-European brasserie Wilhelm & Werner, the Magnolia patio serving craft cocktails and light bites, and cocktail bar Walter's Speakeasy. The Ballroom accommodates 120 seated guests or 200 standing guests for receptions, while Walter's Speakeasy hosts 20 seated guests or 30 guests, and the Magnolia Patio accommodates 60 seated guests or 120 standing guests for receptions.

Canopy on the Comal

San Antonio event center Canopy on the Comal opened in January along the Comal River in New Braunfels. Situated in a circa-1920s structure, this historic former hospital now hosts weddings as well as corporate and social events. The heart of the space is the 1,700-square-foot Great Room, which is lit with natural light and includes a vaulted wooden ceiling, rustic exposed beams, and a dramatic chandelier. The Great Room can host up to 140 for seated events or 200 standing guests for receptions. The 2,100-square-foot Canopy Room is connected to a bar and prep kitchen and can accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 200 standing guests for cocktail parties. The River Room can seat 75 or host 150 standing guests for receptions, while the Atrium can accommodate 100 standing guests for receptions. Outside, the Riverfront Terrace offers views of the water and accommodates 50 seated guests or 100 standing guests for receptions.

Junction Creative Collective

A new space for artists debuted this spring in San Antonio in the former home of Clamp Light Studios & Gallery. Now known as the Junction Creative Collective, this studio and exhibition space includes striking, rainbow-hued stained glass windows. The gallery is available to rent for a variety of events, from art classes and creative workshops to small receptions and private gatherings. The gallery space accommodates approximately 75 people standing.