Vice and virture
Drink up and help a good cause: OKRA Charity Saloon is open for business
The time is nigh, folks, when you can marry vice with virtue: The Original OKRA Charity Saloon is "mostly done."
The bar is staggering toward an official opening with a "soft" opening that took place Friday night, another "less soft" opening on Saturday and full hours on Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. After a closure on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it will reopen will regular hours on Dec. 26.
Furniture will be upgraded, an outdoor sign hung and patio furnishings added over the next several weeks to complete the look of the historic building off of Market Square Park, but on Friday, the warm glow of candles and twinkle lights gave the space a cozy feel.
The happy customers sidled up to the smooth bar or settled into the more intimate tables didn't hurt, either — the bar feels very much complete, and OKRA president Bobby Heugel appeared visibly relieved.
OKRA began accepting formal applications from Houston-area nonprofits on Thursday, and will select four organizations to be named for the month of January to kick off a monthly rotation. Patrons will be able to vote on their favorite charity with a token; at the end of each month, 100 percent of the Saloon's profits will go directly to the winner.
Check the OKRA Twitter for further updates.
