Houston’s restaurant scene has taken hits this summer time, with a number of longtime favorites closing their doorways. However in case you’re searching for someplace new to boost a glass, the town’s bar sport is just getting stronger. From resort hideaways to tiki escapes, listed below are a few of the newest spots mixing issues up throughout city.
Bar Buena
Goode and Co. has expanded its empire into River Oaks, with this agave-forward speakeasy linked to a Kitchen & Cantina location. The dim, cave-like inside channels the romance of Mexico, whereas the workers guides diners by premium tequilas and the mezcal-making course of. Sip a traditional Batanga with reposado tequila, key lime, and Mexican Coke, or strive the Uno Amargo, which blends lemongrass mezcal with Campari and Mexican amaro. Bar snacks vary from crispy Brussels sprouts road tacos to brilliant aguachile verde. Bar Buena is open Wednesday and Thursday, 3-11 pm, Friday from 3 pm-12 am, Saturday from 2 pm-12 am, and Sunday from 2-10 pm.
Bar Madonna
Tucked contained in the Marlene Inn, this bar’s namesake serves as a hanging centerpiece — a 10-foot Virgin Mary portray from an 18th-century Italian church. Led by Tom Hardy, previously of Resort Saint Augustine, the menu options eight signature cocktails cut up between Paris- and New Orleans–impressed creations and seasonal home specialties, alongside an all-French wine checklist. No reservations are required to settle in on the 12-seat bar or the expansive outside patio, the place locals and resort friends alike mingle. Bar Madonna is open Monday-Thursday from 3-10 pm, Friday from 3-11 pm, Saturday from 12-11 pm, and Sunday from 12-10 pm.
Berwick’s Birds of Paradise
This Heights bar might not be a part of a resort, however proprietor Robin Berwick (of Double Bother fame) took inspiration from the type of watering holes discovered at tropical resorts. The standalone constructing at 2020 Studewood Road has been utterly overhauled, reworking into an area that whisks patrons to sandy seashores with drinks just like the La Bruha, an El Diablo riff brightened by spicy ginger beer. Within the kitchen, Houston chef Jacob Pate (previously of Coltivare, Savoir, and others) seems bites such because the Bikini Sandwich, a reimagined Cubano of pressed ham and cheese with a Cajun-style muffaletta compound butter and tomato condiment. Open Wednesday-Saturday from 4 pm-2 am, and Sunday from 2-10 pm.
The Courtyard Bar
A Houston eating mainstay for over 60 years, Brennan’s just lately reimagined its Courtyard Bar. The point of interest is a galvanized zinc horseshoe bar that nods to proprietor Alex Martin Brennan’s favourite Parisian bistros. Visitors can order from the complete eating room menu at lunch and dinner, or go for a bar-only choice that features purple bean hummus, savory beignets with fondue, and the Instagram-famous sizzling canine tower. The cocktail checklist blends classics with newcomers, together with frozen Brandy Milk Punch and boozy espresso from newly put in machines.The Courtyard Bar is open Sunday, 10 am-8:30 pm, Monday, 11 am-8:30 pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 11 am-9:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11 am-10:30 pm.
Diversion
After closing final 12 months on account of Hurricane Beryl, this award-winning cocktail vacation spot has made a celebrated return, albeit with a brand new deal with. Now in Montrose’s Harlow District, the beloved bar has taken over one of many historic Emma Jane homes. The cozier area nonetheless delivers on creativity, from the Tradition Trade with pineapple and miso to the cucumber- and watermelon-spiked Quiet Life. Small, modern plates like preserved morel mushrooms served in its personal preserving liquid spherical out the menu. Diversion is open Tuesday–Sunday, from 5 pm-1 am.
Countless Bummer
Beteleguese Betelguese continues to check the boundary between Houston and the afterworld with the set up of Countless Bummer, a tiki bar tucked into the again of the pizza joint’s Montrose location. Proprietor Chris Cusack partnered with artist Neon Trash (Brian Dibala) to create an immersive, interactive consuming expertise — suppose Grim Reaper on an island getaway. Elaborate drinks embrace the Brown Butter Rum Previous Usual ($17), made with a brown butter fat-washed Planteray and Smith & Cross rum. Countless Bummer is open Wednesday-Sunday, from 5 pm-12 am.
Good God, Nadine’s
Few bars try and be the personification of a unusual aunt, however Good God, Nadine’s has succeeded in doing so. The drink lineup contains 17 faucets pouring draft wine, beer, and batch cocktails, alongside originals just like the Mango Sticky Rice ($13) — vodka, coconut milk, and pandan — and the I’m Chai AF ($14), made with Crown Royal and home chai syrup. The meals menu matches the persona with plates such because the Pickle Chick ($16), that includes pickle-brined hen thighs with lemon caper buttermilk dressing, and cast-iron cornbread topped with smoked trout roe ($19). Open Tuesday-Saturday, from 4 pm-12 am and Sunday, 12-8 pm.
Completely happy Go Fortunate
From the group behind The Burger Joint and The Taco Stand comes a Heights hangout dedicated to boozy shaved ice. The rainbow-tiled constructing on Shepherd has been turning heads since final 12 months, and the wait ended this summer time with creations just like the Miami Vice, a half-and-half mixture of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada, and the Espresso and Cream, a frozen espresso martini topped with vanilla ice cream ($13/16 oz, $18/24 oz). Nonalcoholic treats can be found for these skipping the booze or bringing the youngsters. Completely happy Go Fortunate is open Sunday-Thursday, 12-10 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 12-11 pm.
The Street to Nowhere
Freshly opened inside The Toasted Coconut, this speakeasy-style tiki bar is the newest idea from Nobie’s homeowners Sara and Martin Stayer. Led by bartender Tiffany Kirk, the 16 cocktails on the menu are cut up between home originals and tiki classics. Choices embrace the Kava Sutra Readability, a coffee-flavored clarified cocktail made with Camus cognac (and extra) in addition to the Poor Unlucky Soul, a Ramos Gin Fizz-variant made with Tanqueray 10 and Yellow Chartreuse. The Street to Nowhere is open Thursday-Saturday, 5 pm-12 am.
