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Spacey WashAve cocktail bar-pizzeria opens in Montrose with must-try 'ironclad' pies

Montrose’s mini boom of new pizzerias has added another establishment to its roster. Betelgeuse Betelgeuse officially opens to the public Friday, September 1.

Photo by Sergio Trevino

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse has opened its Montrose location with a karaoke-ready back room.

Located in the former Bamboo/Kam’s Wok space at 4500 Montrose Blvd., the Montrose location of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse builds on the success of its original Washington Avenue outpost that opened last year. Whereas the first location utilizes a food truck to prepare its pizzas and bar snacks, the Montrose location has a full kitchen.

That means owner Chris Cusack has been able to expand the menu a bit with additions such as Spaghetti Squares (deep fried spaghetti balls with cheese and tomato sauce) and more wings flavors. The Montrose location also offers a personal-sized, 10-inch version of the bar’s signature “ironclad pizzas” that are baked on cast iron pans to give each slice a crispy edge. Dishes such as loaded fries, Space Balls (pizza dough that’s brushed with garlic butter), and a cheeseburger carry over from the original location.

Also making the trip south is Betelgeuse’s extensive cocktail offerings. The menu includes an Appletini, the “Mommy, What’s a Funkadelic?” (tepache, mezcal, lime, pineapple, and vanilla), an espresso martini, and the Watermelon Fresca that’s been a staple of La Grange’s menu since it opened.

All that eating and drinking happens in a space-themed environment that fits an establishment named for a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation. A 900-square-foot back room has been wired for karaoke and will also serve as a venue for private events.

“Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Montrose has been a labor of love and is my tribute to this amazing neighborhood,” Cusack said in a statement. “I can’t wait to welcome customers through our doors for great cocktails, amazing food, and weird vibes.”

While Cusack is opening the Montrose location, he’s also in the process of sourcing a replacement for the original location’s food truck that was damaged in a fire. The proprietor tells CultureMap he could have a solution in place as soon as next week. In the meantime, guest food trucks are filling the gap.

This summer has been a busy time for new pizzerias in Montrose. In addition to Betelgeuse, the neighborhood has welcomed ElRo Pizza & Crudo, a new concept from chef Terrence Gallivan (The Pass & Provisions), and Nonno's Family Pizza Tavern, the latest project from Nobie's owners Sara and Martin Stayer.

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best in Texas

Hidden Houston cocktail den ranks No. 47 on North America best bars list

Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston

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The best bar in Texas is located in downtown Houston. Bandista, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, ranks No. 47 on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

That’s a 12 spot jump from Bandista’s debut at No. 59 in 2025. Southern-inspired cocktail bar Julep (No. 84) and Austin’s Midwest-inspired neighborhood bar Nickel City (No. 96) are the only other Texas establishments on the list. New York’s Sip & Guzzle topped the list, which was revealed at a ceremony in Vancouver on Wednesday, April 22.

“Scientific laboratory tech meets classic southern hospitality at Houston's hot spot Bandista,” the bar’s entry on the 50 Best website reads. “Deep within the downtown Four Seasons Hotel, the chic lounge is hidden behind a nondescript bookcase. Inside, a mix of local cocktailians and visiting VIPs experience a unique take on the classic speakeasy. Yes, touches of Art Deco invoke the expected 1920's vibes and the exclusive space oozes Gatsby. However, the focus here is on tequileros and Prohibition's oft overlooked smuggling routes along the US-Mexican border.”

The text goes on to highlight the bar’s use of advanced techniques, its range of agave-based cocktails, and charming service, such as a drink the Almost Famous, a mezcal cocktail that’s presented by a bartender with a Polaroid camera to capture the moment.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Bandista named among North America’s 50 Best Bars,” says Four Seasons general manager Tom Segesta said in a statement. “Our incredible and creative team is always experimenting and innovating, ensuring that everyone who comes through the bookcase has an experience like no other.”

Bandista is led by beverage manager Jonathan Jones. The bar team includes CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Bartender of the Year finalist Josh Alden, Sam Ruiz, and Zachary Churbock.

“Our team at Bandista is absolutely thrilled with this amazing recognition,” Jones said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating well with our guests old and new all year long.”

Opened in 2022, Bandista is hidden behind Toro Toro, the hotel’s pan-Latin steakhouse. With just 20 seats — 12 in the lounge and eight at the bar — the bar offers an intimate setting for drinks made with refined techniques and premium spirits. It regularly hosts pop-ups with guest bartenders from across the country and around the world, including Jewel of the South (New Orleans), Employees Only (New York City), and VIRTÙ (Tokyo).

Patrons make reservations for 90-minute seatings. The bar is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5 pm until midnight.

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