nightlife in the heights

Upscale new Heights lounge opens with 'alluring cocktails' and global nightlife vibe

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.

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“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.

Morgan Hansen Best Regards 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.

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife