El Segundo Swim Club is back. The pool bar made a brief splash last summer as Houston's most refreshing way to beat the heat, but permitting hassles forced it to shutter.
Now that owner Matthew Healey has resolved those issues, the bar can resume service beginning this weekend. It will be open on subsequent weekends for as long as the weather stays warm enough to make hanging out by a pool fun, which in Houston could potentially stretch past Halloween.
“Reopening El Segundo Swim Club this summer definitely took longer than expected due to a few construction and permitting challenges,” Healey said in a statement. “I’m proud that our team has created a beautiful outdoor lounge for Houstonians to cool off and take a swim while enjoying a variety of cocktails and beverages.”
For those who missed it last summer, the 15,000-square foot property in the Second Ward (hence, the name) features a 1,350-square-foot pool and a design by Gin Braverman (Eunice, Public Services, etc.) that takes its inspiration from the work of Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscape artist known for his innovative public spaces. Toward that end, El Segundo aims to channel a Rio in the '70s vibe with elements that include cabanas painted with "desaturated favela pantones" and art installations.
Bartender Chris Frankel (Spare Key, Holman Draft Hall) created the beverage program that features grower Champagne, refreshing cocktails, and canned beer. Those who follow Frankel on social media will not be surprised to learn that White Claw is also available. Food trucks will be on-site during peak hours.
For this weekend, all day passes are $20 (21-plus only). After that, a limited number of day passes will be available for $20. Once they're sold out, the price rises to $29 until the bar hits capacity. Groups who want to rent cabanas ($500 minimum spend required) may inquire via the bar's website.
The wine list features lots of champagne.
