hagrid drinks here

Magical new Harry Potter-themed bar transports Houstonians to Diagon Alley

Sip a Butterbeer at the Muggle-less bar.

Courtesy of Four 44 Creative Agency

Surely, anyone who's read the Harry Potter novels has imagined themselves walking through the streets of Diagon Alley and stopping for a butterbeer or fire whiskey at the Leaky Cauldron. With trips to London on hold for most people, a new pop-up coming to downtown Houston could be an intriguing substitute.

The Muggle-less Bar will open this Friday, October 16, at 711 Main St. Organizers tout that the space has been transformed into an "immersive experience" with "wall-to-ceiling magical décor and photo-op stations where guests can take selfies from the Hogwarts Express Platform 9 ¾ and common room areas of Gryffindor, Slytherin, HufflePuff, and RavenClaw."

Needless to say, costumes are not required but they are actively encouraged. Also, as the name implies, children and adults are welcome, but no "Muggles" will be admitted.

In addition to decorations and Instagram environments, the Muggle-less Bar offers family-friendly activities including a contact-less hunt for the Golden Snitch and an opportunity for children to create their own magical Polyjuice Potion with sherbet and dry ice. After 8:30, the venue switches to 21-plus with Potter-inspired cocktails, a DJ, trivia contests, and more.

A tidy menu of food items covers a range of options. Choose from items such as Weasley Jumpers (jalapeño-sriracha deviled eggs), Hagrid's fried tomatoes, Hogwartz Hot Wingz, and Dobby's Pasta (fettuccine Alfredo with chicken or shrimp).

Tickets cost $20 for children (ages four to 13) and $30 for adults. Visits are limited to two hour blocks to maintain capacity limits. Other Covid-considerations include temperature checks before entry, mask requirements, and social distancing markers. Parties are limited to six or fewer. Hours are Monday-Wednesday, 5 pm-12 am; Thursday and Friday; 4 pm-1:30 am; Saturday 11 am-2 am; and Sunday 11 am-12 am.

People who are interested in attending should make their plans soon. The Muggle-less Bar puts on its invisibility cloak and disappears after November 8.

news-you-can-eat cocktails

a new chapter

New permit brings the party back to Third War Sunday Funday hotspot

Courtesy of Almeda Hospitality Group

Outdoor parties are returning to Bar 5015.

Sunday Funday is back on at Bar 5015. The Almeda Avenue hotspot recently regained the City of Houston permit that allows it to use amplified sound on its outdoor patio.

“[Losing the permit] affected our ability to play any amplified sound on our patio,” Bar 5015 owner Steve Rogers tells CultureMap. “The footprint is maybe 80 percent outdoor seating. Not being able to play amplified sound affected the business.”

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According to Rogers, Bar 5015 lost its permit when it was convicted of two violations of Chapter 30 of the City of Houston’s sound ordinance within 36 months. When the older conviction became more than 36 months old, Rogers was able to reapply for the necessary permit. While the process has been disruptive, Rogers is ready to move forward.

“We’re not blaming anybody or any particular person. We know we have to coexist with our neighbors and figure out a way not to disrupt their quality of life,” he says.

Towards that end, Bar 5015 has implemented a number of changes designed to help it stay in compliance with the ordinance. Insulated materials under the stage will help prevent bass from throbbing beyond the bar’s footprint. Any DJs the bar books will be required to sign contracts that they won’t turn up the volume past a certain level. “If they go beyond that, it could result in suspension or termination,” Rogers says.

In addition, the bar has purchased the same decibel readers that the Houston Police Department uses. Employees will take hourly sound readings throughout the night and enter them into a log.

“We’re staying in contact with the neighbors, also,” Rogers says. “If you hear something, tell us, so we can correct it in real time. Even if we’re below the number, let us know, so we can fix it.”

With the new procedures in place, Bar 5015 can get back to doing what it does best — showing Houstonians a good time

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