Feeling Good
Electric new bar slides into Midtown with feel-good retro vibes
Midtown's newest party spot gives off some seriously retro vibes. If Electric FeelGood's influences weren't obvious from the Pong arcade game by the stairwell or the Reading Rainbow-inspired "Feelin Fckn Good" neon on the second floor, its weekend afternoon menu is dubbed "Saved by the Brunch."
Only a couple of columns and a slab remain from the space's former life as Midtown Drinkery and Sage County. In its place, Carmack Concepts has built a two-story, 11,000-square-foot bar that's designed to complement, rather than compete with, its sister concept The Dogwood. The bar also fits in with its neighbors, Irish pub Jack & Gingers, rooftop lounge 77 Degrees, and Unicorn Disco, a joint venture from the owners of HandleBar and Kung Fu Saloon.
Inside, patrons will find a range of seating options, including comfortable, lounge-style couches on both floors. Upstairs, a massive TV — roughly the length of two 120-inch screens — can be split into up to eight feeds, which should be a draw for football weekends and March Madness.
Since every bar needs a good Instagram spot or two, designer Stacy Whitworth created a short slide with a landing that offers a view of the downtown skyline. In addition, vestibules on both floors of Electric FeelGood feature photos of famous couples from the era: Axl Rose and Stephanie Seymour upstairs; Sean Penn and Madonna downstairs by the bathrooms.
Instead of the burgers served at The Dogwood, Electric FeelGood's menu focuses on flatbreads topped options such as bacon and Brussels sprouts, steak and bleu cheese, and poached pears with bacon and goat cheese. Other options include "bombs," steamed and spiced red potatoes with a choice of three different sauces, sandwiches, and even a couple of desserts. During brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm), the menu goes even more retro with options that include cereal, pop-tarts, and pancakes stuffed with Fruity Pebbles.
Choose from a range of Texas craft beers and wine by-the-glass or bottle. Cocktails reference a number of different songs such as the Sharp Dressed Man (an Old Fashioned with activated charcoal), Pretty in Pink (a margarita variation with strawberries and monkfruit syrup), and Shot to the Heart (tequila with a tajin rim). Four "skinny" cocktails, three frozens, and two shots should help anyone find an appealing option.