The Alden adds old-school Texas swagger with new Sam Bar

Contrary to popular belief and what most of the city's current architecture suggests, Houston did in fact exist before the 1960s.

The early days must have been hard (I don't even want to think about existence here before the advent of air conditioning), but that doesn't mean they didn't have anything going for them.

Take, for example, the old Sam Houston Hotel, named for the first president of Texas and the city's namesake. This landmark 1924 building isn't going anywhere, especially since it was updated and turned into the Alden hotel a decade ago.

But now under new ownership and the management of general manager Hans Schmitt, the Alden is ready to bring a little bit of that old cowboy swagger back. The hotel has replaced the a+ bar and grill with The Sam Bar, a nod to the the institution's history and a luxe respite for guests and downtowners alike, with dark leather banquettes and a menu of 30 cocktails — both classics and new mixologist creations.

The food menu is an array of American grill favorites — salads, burgers, and wings make an appearance — with a couple additions from the kitchen of neighborhood restaurant *17, including the crab cake, the cheesecake and the signature fries.