let's dance

New Houston nightclub shakes up downtown with salsa dancing and yoga classes

Downtown recently welcomed a new venue dedicated to adding a little theatricality to Houston’s nightlife scene. After opening quietly last month in the former Prohibition space (1008 Prairie St.), Clandestina will bring a little Latin flair to downtown when it celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, January 17.

Owner Issac Hendrix has been a nightclub promoter for many years, leading events at venues such as Clutch, Bottled Blonde, Aura, and Lincoln. He sees Clandestina as an opportunity to bring something different to Houston.

“There aren’t many Latin-infused cocktail places. It made me want to create something like that for everybody,” Hendrix tells CultureMap. “I want to bring something of quality that’s fun for people. Not so much about the image of having fun but actually people dancing.”

Part of when sets Clandestina apart is the location’s theatrical stage. Hidden behind a bookcase in the front bar area — its clandestine nature inspired the venue’s name — it will allow the venue to host performances by dance troupes, DJs, and even movie nights that will feature classic films like the Wizard of Oz or Beetlejuice paired with themed food and drinks.

The front lounge/dining room will have its own DJs playing different music. In February, Hendrix aims to roll out weekend brunch service.

Mostly, Hendrix wants people to dance. On Friday nights, Clandestina will host a salsa class beginning at 8 pm.

The club also has a wellness focus. On the third Saturday of every month, it will host daytime events such as yoga or pilates classes with matcha and coffee. A portion of proceeds will benefit a different local nonprofit each month.

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Saturday’s grand opening will bring all of these elements together. A wellness event, including a pilates class, will run from 12-5 pm with Clandestina making a donation to location breast cancer nonprofit The Rose. A reception from 6-10 pm will feature DJs and cocktails. From 10 pm-2 am, the energy gets turned up with fire dancers, percussion, and a saxophonist.

Courtesy of Clandestina

Find the theater and stage behind this bookcase.

news-you-can-eat openings nightlife

Stay trill, owls

Bun B serves up smash hit smash burgers at Houston's Rice University

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Bun B is bringing Trill Burgers to Rice University.

Faculty, students, and staff at Rice University will have a fresh new dining option when classes resume for the fall semester. Trill Burgers will open its fourth Houston-area location on campus beginning Monday, August 17.

Located at the Rice Memorial Center, the new Trill Burgers will serve the restaurant’s signature smash burgers, which are available in either beef or vegan versions. That starts with the OG Trill Burger, made with two smashed beef patties, pickles, caramelized onions, Trill Sauce, and American cheese on a Martin’s potato roll. A vegan version uses plant-based smashed patties, vegan sauce, and vegan cheese. Burgers will be sold individually or as a combo with fries and a drink. Students will be able to use their campus dining dollars (Tetra) to purchase their meals.

Bun B, a Houston hip-hop legend and co-founder of Trill Burgers, has long had ties to Rice University. In 2011, 2013, and 2015, he served as a distinguished lecturer, co-teaching Religion and Hip-Hop Culture with Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of the Humanities.

“This is truly full circle for me,” Bun B said in a statement. “To bring this brand to Rice University where I once taught is a major moment for Trill Burgers and for myself.”

In addition to Trill Burgers, Rice is also home to locations of breakfast favorite Dandelion Cafe and salad and sandwich concept Local Foods Market.

“We are excited to build upon this long-standing relationship while giving the Rice community an authentic taste of Houston,” Beth Leaver, Rice’s assistant vice president of housing, dining, and hospitality, added. “Trill Burgers brings a distinctive and celebrated part of Houston’s culinary culture to the Rice campus. I am often asked about adding a great burger option, and this partnership fills an important gap in our dining portfolio.”

While the restaurant is open to the general public, its proximity to the original Trill Burgers location (3607 S. Shepherd Dr.) means it will likely appeal primarily to people who are already on campus. Initially, the restaurant will be open from 11 am-5 pm.

Opening at Rice comes at a time of continued growth for Trill Burgers. In December, the restaurant opened in Missouri City. It is expected to open a new location at Westheimer and Hillcroft (7616 Westheimer Rd.) as soon as this month.

burgers rice university openings bun b trill burgers