Houstonians, there’s a new al fresco destination for the summer — Clarkwood, the chic cocktail bar in Montrose, has expanded with a 1,500-square-foot courtyard bar.

Housed in a 1930s building that was once home to the Star Engraving Co., Clarkwood became an immediate favorite for date nights and celebratory sips when co-founders Army Sadeghi and Mason Clark opened it in 2022. Indeed, the only problem is that it has never had enough room to accommodate everyone who wants to join the party. The courtyard doubles Clarkwood’s capacity and adds versatility to its nightlife programming, including ambient DJ sets and seasonal late-night events.

Nominated for Bar of the Year in the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, Clarkwood’s elevated ambiance has been thoughtfully extended to the outdoors by Houston's Gin Design Group, with shades of cream, gray, and white combining with lush greenery and old world glamour reminiscent of Europe. Meanwhile, a rotating lineup of DJs and other late-night programming will either energize or chill the atmosphere.

“The courtyard bar is a reflection of our commitment to thoughtful, high-design hospitality,” Sadeghi said in a statement. “It gives us space to push creatively — with new drinks, music, and experiences — while staying true to the intimate elegance that defines Clarkwood.”

To celebrate the expansion, Clarkwood is offering two cocktails that will only be served in the courtyard bar. The Clarkwood Punch Bowl is a shareable libation crafted tableside with gin, elderflower, cold-pressed Texas grapefruit, tonic, and rosé. For a more tropical drink, the Mezcal Matcha Colada combines mezcal and blanco tequila with ceremonial-grade matcha, pineapple, banana, and coconut cream.

And for those who can’t imagine summer without an Aperol spritz, there’s the Gold Hour Spritz Menu. Launching this season, the menu features three unique spritzes and is available nightly from 6-8 pm.

Clarkwood is open daily from 5 pm-2 am.

  

Photo courtesy of Clarkwood

The Gin Design Group brought together shades of cream, gray, and white to deliver an elevated ambiance.