Changes at Spare Key

Popular bartender 'phases out' involvement in Midtown cocktail lounge

Chris Frankel and his beloved Red Bull at the 2016 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.

Photo by Eric Sandler

Change has come to one of Midtown’s most well-regarded cocktail bars. Bartender Chris Frankel has stepped down from his day to day management role at Spare Key.

“Spare Key has always been in a unique situation in that we've simultaneously operated as our own concept and as an extension of the restaurant downstairs from us,” Frankel writes in response to CultureMap’s request for comment on his situation. “When Cook & Collins closed and became Stoked Tacos & Tequila, it made sense to evaluate things upstairs as well. After some thought, I decided to phase out my involvement at Spare Key to focus on other projects and interests, particularly international travel, which always has been a big theme of the bar.”

Both Frankel and Spare Key earned CultureMap Tastemaker Award nominations for the niche it carved as an intimate cocktail lounge in the middle of Midtown's party scene. The unique 50 states menu drew upon Frankel's passion for traveling and demonstrated America's diverse taste in cocktails.

In April, the UFO Hospitality Group opened Stoked Tacos & Tequila in the former Cook & Collins space. As part of that transition, it redecorated Spare Key, which occupies the space above Stoked. Adam Puskorius, the chef-owner of UFO Hospitality, affirms that Spare Key will remain distinct from Stoked by maintaining its current decor and ‘80s-oriented playlist.

Once Frankel informed Puskorius of his desire to travel more, they came to a mutual decision to bring in someone else to handle managerial tasks like training and ordering. Although Frankel will still appear behind the bar as his schedule permits, Stoked bartenders like Chris Schmit will start working there, too.

“It’s a really cool spot. Once people get up there they have a blast. It’s just getting them up there,” Puskorius explains. Later adding, “We want to drive business, just keep it moving forward. Chris did a great job with it. We just want to throw some love at it.”

With Frankel’s departure, the bar’s inventory of obscure liquors — another manifestation of the bartender's travels — will shrink and new cocktails will be designed to appeal to the Midtown crowd. “We’ll do a couple tiki cocktail that are shared drinks for groups,” Puskorius says.

“I wish him the best,” Puskorius adds. “We’ve all done things the right way. I think the relationship will continue to grow.”

cocktails drinks

Play it again, Houston, at this new hotspot

Houston's new piano bar hits a high note with 2-story patio & martinis

A man plays the piano while a cocktail sits next to him

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

The Kennedy, a new restaurant and piano bar, aims to strike a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication as it opens at 3210 W Dallas St., near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive.

Former frequenters of Muse and Emmaline will recognize The Kennedy’s location that sits where Montrose and River Oaks begin to blend. The more than 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an intimate retreat through a rich, moody color palette, dark wood paneling, and cozy seating vignettes.

A large, indoor bar is a focal point, while tall ceilings and expansive industrial windows lend a contemporary edge to the timeless design. Nearly 40 pieces of art — including original, classical, and contemporary works sourced from local galleries — adorn the walls, creating a space that’s as visually captivating as it is welcoming. With cooler temperatures finally on the horizon, Houstonians can enjoy the weather on The Kennedy’s two-story, amply-shaded patios.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests,” owner Andres Castro said in a statement. “We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Music is woven into the experience, with live performances by vocalists, pianists, and DJs on the menu. A baby grand piano serves as the heart of the entertainment, and a dual-sided fireplace doubles as a DJ booth, creating a vibrant late-night lounge ambiance.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Kennedy serves lunch on Fridays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Executive chef Adriana Maldonado, who honed her skills in New York City at spots like Javelina and Olives, brings her expertise to the kitchen. The menu, crafted in collaboration with Carniceria Prime Meat Market, features premium dishes such as a prime wagyu ribeye with romesco and chimichurri ($32) and a delicate wagyu ribeye tartare ($21). Elevated plates include truffle white wine lobster spaghetti ($30) with vodka sauce and yellow heirloom tomatoes, along with a playful twist on the mozzarella stick, coated in potato chips and topped with crème fraîche and caviar ($24).

The bar menu, with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, an impressive martini list, and international wines and champagnes, has something for every taste. Highlights include the mango ember ($16), a mezcal-based drink with mango purée, and the clarified millionaire margarita ($26) with Patron Cielo. Martini lovers can enjoy choices like the lychee martini ($16) and the soprano negroni with orange Campari foam ($18).

Casual attire is welcome during the day, but “Sunset Attire” is requested after 6 pm, encouraging visitors to dress up for the evening in keeping with the venue’s upscale vibe.

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” Castro said.

This is the first concept of Castro’s newly-formed Ninety3 Hospitality Group. Castro has 12 years of hospitality experience, including time at nightclubs such as Spire and Clé, and six years in private aviation.