get your swim on

Adults-only swim club-pool bar in Second Ward makes a splash with big return and 2023 opening date

One of Houston’s favorite ways to beat the summer heat returns for 2023 with an enhanced offering to keep the party going.

Second Ward pool bar El Segundo Swim Club opens for the season on Saturday, April 29. Located in the Second Ward at 5180 Avenue L, El Segundo is owner Matthew Healey’s option for adults who lack regular access to a pool (21-plus only). The 15,000-square-foot venue features a 1,400-square-foot pool as well as hammocks, lounge chairs, and a changing area.

To access the facility, customers simply purchase a day pass via the Tock reservation platform. Priced at $35 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday, admission includes towels and sunscreen.

On eight Sundays throughout the summer, the bar will host Sound Waves. The 90-120 minute DJ sets will feature top talent such as members of The Faint, Disko Cowboy, and Fat Tony (see full lineup below).

Those who want a to entertain a group of friends can rent one of the property’s six cabanas. Sized for groups of 10-15 people, prices range from $100-300 plus day passes. They rise to $300 each on Sound Waves Sundays.

While there, people can snack on food from food trucks and sip a selection of wine, grower champagne, beer, and cocktails created by Chris Frankel, an Anvil alum who’s consulted for resulting including the Heights location of Mala Sichuan.

Both Mala and El Segundo also feature design by local firm Gin Design Group. The pool bar takes some of its inspiration from artist Roberto Burle Marx and features a retro, Brazilian-inspired design that includes lots of plants “and a bit of kitsch,” according to the firm’s website.

“El Segundo Swim Club has become the premier destination for those seeking a fun and unpretentious, yet sophisticated pool club in Houston,” Healey said in a statement. “We’re very excited to introduce our new Sound Waves event series this season, where we’ve lined up a mix of sought-after indie DJs from around the country to play sets at our pool club in the Second Ward.”

Sound Waves Dates:

May 7 — The Faint
May 28 — Ed Droste (Grizzly Bear)
Jun. 4 — Disko Cowboy
Jun. 25 — Neon Indian
Jul. 23 — Washed Out
Aug. 27 — Fat Tony
Sept. 17 — Twin Shadow
Sept. 24 — Them Jeans

Photo by Becca Wright

Cabanas are available for rent.

Pool Bar cocktails openings

news you can eat

Growing national pizza chain will bring halal pies and pastas to Katy

Vocelli Pizza/Facebook

Vocelli Pizza will open its first Houston-area location in March.

A Pittsburgh pizzeria has set its sights on Houston. Vocelli Pizza will makes it Bayou City debut next year with a location in Katy.

Scheduled to open in March 2026, the restaurant will be located at 2941 W. Grand Parkway. Although pizza is part of the restaurant’s name, the menu also includes wings, pizza rolls, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more. Specialty items include mac and cheese pizza, spinach mushroom rolls, and a chicken parmesan sub.

"We are thrilled to continue our growth into new communities that share our passion for quality, service, and authentic Italian-inspired food," Vocelli Pizza CEO Toni Bianco said in a statement. "Our expansion into Dalton and Houston reflects the strong demand for our brand, and we look forward to delivering an exceptional experience to guests in both markets."

For its expansion into Houston, Vocelli’s will debut an all-halal menu that’s designed to appeal to Houston’s diverse community.

"The team is excited to introduce Vocelli Pizza to Houston with a full halal menu," Bianco added. "There is a clear demand for high-quality Halal pizza and delivery options, and we are proud to meet that need while bringing our brand to a new and dynamic market."

Founded by Turkish immigrant Varol Ablak in 1988, Vocelli began franchising in 1993. The restaurant currently has more than 80 locations.

news-you-can-eat openings pizza