Christian Hernandez

STHS Class of 2008. Chef and owner of Barbacana, a modern Mexican restaurant located at 907 Franklin Street in downtown Houston’s historic district. Hernandez honed his craft at the Culinary Institute LeNôtre before joining the kitchen at Oxheart, the acclaimed Houston restaurant led by Chef Justin Yu. Drawing on his classical training and deep roots in Mexican culinary traditions, he opened Barbacana in 2024, quickly earning attention for dishes that blend contemporary technique with time-honored flavors. His commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients sets Barbacana apart in one of Houston’s most vibrant dining neighborhoods.