It just cliques

Intimate new Montrose bistro boasting light bites and sips welcomes a cool clique

Find shareable plates and cocktails at Clique Bistro.

Photo by Gary Griffin

Montrose has a new casual hangout spot for cocktails and light bites. After being quietly open for a couple months, Clique Bistro is ready to welcome diners to the corner of Bagby and Westheimer (120 Westheimer Rd).

Owned by the same family as recently opened J-Bar-M Barbecue in EaDo, Clique offers a more intimate setting than its splashy sibling. A tidy 2,000 square feet, it seats 70 indoors with a dog-friendly patio that seats 24.

Chef Justin Santellana brings his experience from the Culinary Institute LeNotre to Clique's kitchen. His eclectic menu features a range of shareable items — "bites" in the menu's parlance — such as broiled Blue Point oysters, tuna poke tacos, and ricotta gnocchi paired with braised pork cheek.

Christophe Paul, owner of Cafe Rabelais and co-owner Bistro 555, consulted on a wine list that's focused on familiar styles from domestic producers, and bartender Eric Boyd developed the cocktail menu that will change seasonally.

Clique aims to distinguish itself with its happy hour. Offered from 4-7 pm Tuesday-Saturday, it features a bottle of bubbles and any two food items for $40. Other discounts include $2 off signature cocktails and $1 off draft beers. For hours and additional details, see the restaurant's website.

news-you-can-eat openings

on your mark

Houston's racing simulator lounge adds speakeasy-style cocktail bar

Ignition speakeasy Velocity Racing Lounge

Photo by John Huang

Ignition is a 50-seat speakeasy-style bar within Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge.

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.

Photo by John Huang

Ignition is a 50-seat speakeasy-style bar within Velocity - Sim Racing Lounge.

It just cliques

Intimate new Montrose bistro boasting light bites and sips welcomes a cool clique

on your mark

Houston's racing simulator lounge adds speakeasy-style cocktail bar

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