A Houston venue devoted to racing simulators has upgraded its offerings with a new, speakeasy-style bar. Ignition is the latest addition to Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge in Sawyer Yards.
Opening this Friday, July 17, Ignition is a 50-seat, 1,200-square-foot bar within Velocity’s 5,000-square-foot space. Patrons enter Ignition via a hidden door that’s part of gallery of steering wheels from the worlds of drifting, rally, and GT3 competition.
“Some of the best moments in racing happen off the track, and that's the inspiration behind Ignition," Velocity owner Viet Tran said in a statement. "We wanted to create an exclusive space where guests can immerse themselves in motorsports culture, enjoy outstanding drinks and food, and ignite their passion.”
Tran worked with LOMA Architecture to design the space. It features motorsports memorabilia and a Pro Mazda race car suspended from the ceiling.
Permission Whiskey owner Peter Nolan designed Ignition’s cocktail menu. It includes the Midnight Monaco (Glenfiddich 16-year Aston Martin Edition, honey, Cointreau, Peychaud's bitters, and orange), the Luxe Macallan Sour Macallan 12-year Double Cask, Aperol, lemon, and egg white; an espresso martini; and the Velocity GT (Empress Elderflower Gin, St-Germain, lavender, and Mediterranean tonic). Zero-proof sips are also available.
They can be paired with dishes such as a charcuterie board, seafood campechana, and “Millionaire Bacon,” candied bacon served with two dipping sauces.
While drinking and driving on the street is both dangerous and illegal, it’s encouraged at Ignition. The bar has eight racing simulators — four beginner-friendly and four for more experience drivers. Solo drivers can opt for a $20, 15-minute session, while pairs of two can opt for a 30-minute experience for $35.
Ignition is open Thursday-Sunday beginning at 5 pm. It’s also available for private events.
