The 11th Street corridor in the Heights offers some of the neighborhood’s most prominent eateries. Already home to restaurants and bars such as Trattoria Sofia, Eight Row Flint, Field & Tides, and Loro, the street has added a new lounge that brings a nightlife component to the neighborhood.

Best Regards has opened in the former Chivos space at 222 W 11th St. First announced in February, Best Regards is a stylish bar and lounge owned by commercial real estate broker Morgan Hansen. The concept takes inspiration from her travels and will host traveling DJs and other performers.

  

Photo by Becca Wright

The bar held its soft opening last weekend.

Formerly a restaurant, the space has been transformed with a large, indoor bar, a fully landscaped patio, and plenty of greenery both indoors and out. Hansen has also added plus banquettes and brass accents. This Instagram reel from local influencer Kayla Dalati offers a sneak peek at the atmosphere.

“Bringing Best Regards from concept to opening has been a thrilling experience and I’m excited to welcome Houstonians to our beautiful and lush social lounge,” said Morgan Hansen of Best Regards. “Guests can expect world-class DJs, a variety of live music, alluring cocktails and bites, and hospitable service our city has yet to see.”

Those “alluring cocktails” include house originals such as the “Wolf of 11th Street” (tequila, cantaloupe, and honey cilantro syrup) and the “White Collar Crime” (cacao-infused Texas bourbon, pecan turbinado, Aztec chocolate bitters). Best Regards worked with Heights favorite Tenfold coffee on a selection of cocktails that include a carajillo and an on-trend espresso martini. Other options include wines, champagne, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Food options are presented in the form of shareable boards loaded with various snackable items. Options include a Burrata Board with prosciutto, fruit, tomatoes, and bread; a Pickle Board with sliced pickles, fried pickles, and pickle dip; and a Spanish Charcuterie board with various cured pork products paired with cheeses, condiments, and bread. Brunch boards, served from 2-4 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, come with bagels, doughnut holes, egg salad, lox and accompaniments, and more.

The bar held a well-attended soft opening over the weekend. CultureMap asked Hansen what she learned from the experience.

Commercial real estate veteran Morgan Hansen is behind Best Regards. Courtesy of Best Regards

“It was very exciting to welcome our friends, family, and neighbors to Best Regards for our soft opening weekend,” she said in a statement provided by a representative. “The overwhelming support reinforced the need for our concept which delivers superior tasting cocktails and exceptional service in a fun and beautiful, indoor/outdoor environment.”

Best Regards is open Tuesday-Thursday beginning at 4 pm and Friday-Sunday beginning at 2 pm.