spooky spirits

Bewitching new pop-up bar casts a temporary spell on Wash Ave ramen fave

A Halloween-themed pop-up bar is coming to Washington Avenue. The Cursed Cauldron will occupy Ninja Ramen beginning this Friday, October 13 through Halloween night (4219 Washington Ave.).

Cursed Cauldron Angelique Cook Cavazos Alexis Mijares

Photo by Angelique Cook

Angelique Cook Cavazos and Alexis Mijares teamed up to develop The Cursed Cauldron.

Developed by hospitality veterans Alexis Mijares and Angelique Cook Cavazos, The Cursed Cauldron will, as its name implies, serve drinks inspired by the mystical world of witchcraft. The menu features spookified takes on familiar favorites like the Hexpresso Martini and Sex Magic On The Beach as well as Halloween-themed originals like the Oshun’s Offering (Flor de Cana 12-year rum, pumpkin, brown butter, almond, orange liqueur, and lime juice).

Shots, shareable cocktails, and non-alcoholic will also be available. On the food side, Ninja Ramen’s soups have been given a slight twist for Halloween. “Char-boo-terie boards” will also be available.

“This is a passion project for Angelique and I and a way to combine all of the things we love: cocktails, witchcraft, art, storytelling, drama, and costumes,” Mijares tells CultureMap. “We're essentially pouring our imagination out, bringing it to life, and asking others to come along for the ride. We're really looking forward to seeing people get a chance to take it all in and share that fun with them.”

To bring the project to life, they worked with Ninja Ramen owner Christopher Huang to redecorate the space to fit its witchy theme. Popular as a late night spot — especially with restaurant industry workers — Ninja Ramen has been redecorated with new paint, photo-worthy installations, and interactive design elements.

In addition to drinks, customers can expect to interact with fortune tellers, tarot readers, and other performers. A “Mystical Marketplace” will feature creations from local makers.

“There was no better partner who was going to let us get as creative as we want without limitation. How many other bar owners can you approach and say "Hey, we want to paint the walls, change everything, and turn this place into a witch's house and we'll give the space back in good care in a few weeks, just trust us." and have them be 100% supportive of that,” Cook explains. “Ninja also has this naturally spooky charm in it's daily aesthetic (and maybe a ghost or two) so it was top of mind when we brought this concept to life and were searching for a partner space.”

The duo have big plans for the Cursed Cauldron. If all goes according to plan, the collaborators plan to expand to 13 cities in 2024 before exploring nationwide and international editions.

“We've quickly built a magical community and we're looking forward to continuing to create exciting moments for them,” Cook says. “Maybe a witch's ball in the spring? We're also in discussion about other themed pop ups so you might get some more news soon.”

The Cursed Cauldron will be open daily from 4 pm - 2 am. Follow it on Instagram for more details.

holidays cocktails nightlife openings

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