Where to Drink Now

9 new bars shaking up Houston with posh rooms and clarified sips

Halfway through 2026 and multiple new bars have already been added to the city’s roster of watering holes. Read on to see what new bar openings have caught CultureMap’s eye so far this year. From a no-frills saloon to an elegant Mexican-American lounge, Houston’s latest bar openings are as diverse as the city itself.

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Bar Daphne
The boutique hotel by Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse opened its doors in December of last year, with the hotel’s lobby bar serving its first drink in May. Bar Daphne is an intimate, elevated space with a 20-foot golden upholstered banquette, an eight-seat bar, and red lava-topped tables. John Alexander’s “Life on a Merry-Go-Round” hangs behind the bar, and is one of several pieces of art that inspired the cocktail menu. The Life on a Merry-Go-Round cocktail combines aperitivo with lychee, tart cherry, lime, and boba. Chef Terrance Gallivan, who heads the hotel’s restaurant Hypsi, has created bites for the bar, such as shrimp stuffed street corn and fried olives. Bar Daphne (347 W. 20th Street. ) is open nightly from 5 pm to midnight on weekdays, and until 2 am on weekends.

By the Wayside
For Houstonians, ample seating and easy parking can be a major draw. This Second Ward spot delivers both, but By The Wayside is doing more than slinging simple cocktails. Owners Samantha and Braden Navarre aim to showcase artists through murals, artwork, and live music. Cocktails include This Counts as Self Care, a matcha and vodka concoction, and the mezcal-forward Rooted, Not Settled with beet, ginger, and citrus. For food, the bar serves staples such as hummus, meatballs, and wings. By the Wayside (5644 Navigation Blvd.) is open Wednesday and Thursday, 4 pm-12 am; Friday, 2 pm-2 am.; Saturday, 11 am-2 am; and Sunday, 11 am-12 am.

By Popular Demand West U
The Memorial-area bar has brought its friendly “neighborhood living room” vibe to a new location in West University Place. Leather Chesterfield sofas, shelves lined with decor, oversized coffee tables to hold drinks and dishes, and ample patio seating create an approachable atmosphere. Fare such as spinach dip, burgers, pizzas, and quesadillas are available to nosh on, while the drinks menu lists specialty cocktails and an extensive selection of liquors. Monday is steak night, when diners can enjoy either a 12-ounce ribeye or 6-ounce filet mignon with two sides for $20. By Popular Demand West U. (2710 Bissonnet St.) is open Monday through Wednesday from 4 pm to 12 am and Thursday through Saturday from 4 pm to 2 am.

Concrete Rose
The attention to detail that owner Greg Perez gave to Concrete Rose’s creation is evident from the moment patrons walk inside. With its wood-paneled walls, black and white photography, and thoughtful touches, such as silver coasters engraved with the bar’s logo — Concrete Rose might be a surprise for those who know Perez for his other venture, Trash Panda Drinking Club. The dedication to detail continues with the menu, a detailed guide that explains the bar’s concept and outlines the numerous creative cocktails accompanied by artistic photographs of each. Start with The Rose, a vodka-aperitivo blend with lychee and rose, and be sure to look up — a mural on the ceiling honors the city’s Chicano culture. Find Concrete Rose at 1701 Commerce Street. It is open daily from 4 pm-2 am.

1111
Pronounced “eleven eleven,” the Mexico City-inspired cocktail lounge is the newest concept from Melrose owners Army Sadeghi and Brandon Duliakas. This is a place to see and be seen, but the drinks and the food make it repeat-visit worthy. Emmanuel Chavez, chef and co-owner of Houston’s Michelin-starred Tatemó, added his touch to the menu, with items like a whole sea bass finished with chile adobo and an herb rub. The empanadas de camaron and ribeye tacos are also standouts.

The Mexican inspiration continues to the cocktails, a list created in collaboration with former staff of Handshake Speakeasy, the globally ranked Mexico City bar. Clarified cocktails reign here, with the 1111 margarita a clear libation of blanco tequila and a tangerine infusion, topped with bubbles of salty lime air. For something sweeter, select the mezcal ginger fizz, with its house clarified pineapple soda. Located at 1111 Westheimer Road, 1111 is open daily from 4 pm to 2 am.

Hey Darlin' Saloon
The name is charming, but this 21-and-up bar is strictly for adults. Hey Darlin’ is a laidback Southern bar with a patio, arcade, and garage doors that open the interior space to the spacious beer garden that's filled with picnic tables and a big screen TV. Saturday bucket specials are $20 for domestic and $25 for import, from 12-4 pm. Hours at Hey Darlin’ (4002 N Main St.) are Monday to Thursday, 4 pm-12 am; Friday, 4 pm-2 am; Saturday, 12 pm-2 am; and Sunday from 12 pm-12 am.

Rosé & Rye
This bar’s sister restaurant, Crisp, has gained a loyal neighborhood following with its kid-friendly outdoor space, but Rosé & Rye is strictly 21 and up. Patrons will find cocktails such as the Cynar Rocket, an earthy sip of jalapeño-infused gin, Cynar liqueur, fennel seed, arugula, and lemon, and the Breakfast for Dinner, an espresso drink with bourbon and limoncello. Stop by for happy hour, Tuesday through Friday from 4-6 pm, when all cocktails are $10. Rosé and Rye (2220 Bevis St.) is open from 4 pm-12 am, Tuesday through Saturday.

Pearl Bar 2.0
A Houston staple and longtime LGBTQ+ gathering place, Pearl Bar opened its doors in 2013 and quickly became known as a safe space and a lively spot for drag bingo and crawfish dinners. Pearl Bar kicked off this year’s Pride Month with a move just a few minutes down the street. The new spot, at 2811 Washington Avenue, boasts larger patios, a full kitchen, and a private members-only bar. Additional restrooms and more parking options make a night out even easier at Pearl Bar 2.0. For those hoping to catch a game, there’s Pearl's Side Peace, a bar within the club that is dedicated to watching women's sports. Pearl Bar 2.0 is located at 2811 Washington Avenue, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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Xolo
This new Montrose spot begins the day with coffee and breakfast bites before transforming into a sultry bar with elaborate cocktails and a full dinner service in the evening. Chef Javier Becerra and owner Angel Bautista, both natives of Mexico City, pay homage to the city’s flavors and culture through Xolo’s menu. Cocktails like the Pan Tomate—a clarified tomato cordial with toasted barley, bourbon, and vodka—are served alongside dishes like the Tacos Oscar, with heirloom corn, crispy cheese, potato foam, and caviar. Xolo is located at 223 Westheimer Road, and is open Sunday through Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Coffee service is Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with brunch beginning at 9 a.m.

Courtesy of Concrete Rose

Concrete Rose is an upscale Mexican-American cocktail bar and the latest from Greg Perez of Trash Panda Drinking Club.

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Soup spoon season

10 Houston chefs share 15 top soups that offer comfort and sustenance

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

Happy soup season to all who celebrate. The weather has finally dipped low enough in Houston that diners can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup without breaking a sweat. With so many delicious selections at Houston restaurants, we turned to Houston's chef and other restaurant industry experts to find out which brothy creations are worth seeking out.

The only rule? No one could nominate a soup from their own restaurant. Here’s what they had to say.

Dana East, line cook, Uchi Houston

To Dana East of Uchi Houston, the caldo de res at Ruchi Mexican Grille’s Reliant Stadium location “feels like home to me… Even though I’m not Mexican.”

“The caldo de res at that specific Ruchi's tastes like it was made in a Mexican grandmother's kitchen, or like soups that I would eat for family meal that kitchens I work in would make when everybody is sick during the winter,” she says.

East also recommends the Bogotano at Mi Pueblito, a soup made with three kinds of potatoes that she says “imbue a smoky flavor in it that is borderline addictive.”

“I could eat an entire pot of that stuff,” she says. “They serve it with fresh cream and capers that take it to the next level.”

Garrett Rice, owner, Bayou Butchers

The cream of crab soup at Loch Bar is a highlight that Garrett Rice of Bayou Butchers looks forward to after work.

“It’s a simple dish that lets a really good ingredient shine, and they certainly don’t shy away from the crab in true Baltimore fashion,” Rice says. “With Loch Bar’s kitchen open late, I can always count on a cup of crab soup waiting for me after a long shift.”

German Mosquera, executive chef, Long Weekend

When German Mosquera of Long Weekend wants ramen, he heads to Mensho, the Japan-based chain that just opened its second Houston-area location on the border of River Oaks and Montrose.

“For me, it’s all about the broth,” he says. “Mensho’s tori paitan has a rich, velvety texture and incredible umami flavor from start to finish. The perfectly jammy egg adds another layer of richness that keeps me coming back. I also love the intimate Tokyo-style counter seating. It makes for an authentic ramen experience.”

Kerry Pauly, owner, KP’s Kitchen

The matzo ball soup at Kenny and Ziggy’s is “in a league of its own,” according to Kerry Pauly of KP’s Kitchen. He describes it as “rich, flavorful, and pure comfort whether you’re sick or feeling great.”

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner, Alora

“My favorite go-to spot for soup has always been Phanh Ky,” says Louis Lamson Quy of Alora, a Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion restaurant in Montrose. “They specialize in hủ tiếu nam vang, a noodle dish with roots tracing back to Teochew Chinese immigrants in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It’s also one of the most popular noodle dishes in my hometown, Saigon, so it always feels a little like home to me.

“To me, Phanh Ky is one of the OGs in the game,” he adds. “I first tried it when I moved to Houston nine years ago, and I’ve been coming back ever since. There’s just something comforting about a place that stays consistent after all these years.”

Maria Christie, operator and general manager, Christie’s Seafood and Steaks

“I love, love the lemon chicken soup at Harry’s,” says Maria Christie of Christie’s Seafood and Steaks. "For me the soup at Harry’s reminds me of the way my mom would make the lemon soup.”

“And the lentil soup (at Anonymous Cafe) is really hearty and it just reminds me of cold winter days (whenever we get those in Houston!),” she adds. “It’s absolutely perfect because it has a hint of tomato in it. Deeeelicious!”

Her sister, Kathy Christie, who serves as Christie's director of catering, is a fan of Little Pappasito's chicken tortilla soup. “Whenever you are under the weather, it totally hits the spot,” Kathy says. She adds extra lime to hers.

Nicole Routhier, partner and culinary ambassador, Le Colonial

The bun bo hue at Pho Quynh, a small Vietnamese restaurant located inside 99 Ranch Market, is a year round must for Nicole Routhier of Le Colonial.

“Their spicy, deeply flavorful broth is super comforting and among the best in town. The chef is generous with the noodles and toppings of tender beef brisket, pork shank, gio Hue (steamed pork sausage with black peppercorns), and blood pudding. The soup comes with a side of shaved cabbage, crunchy bean sprouts, Vietnamese mint (rau ram), and a wedge of lime to be added to the soup as you eat. Two tiny containers of fermented shrimp sauce (mam tom) and spicy chili oil are also provided so you can add even more umami to the soup,” Routhier says. “Bun bo hue is a full meal on its own, and my idea of heaven in a bowl.”

Oscar Juarez, founder and owner, Make It Nice Hospitality

The pozole verde at Cuchara is a simple and flavorful dish that private chef Oscar Juarez of Make It Nice Hospitality says he would recommend to anyone.

“The broth has a nice balance of richness and acidity, and it’s just one of those dishes that’s comforting without being too heavy,” Juarez says. “Growing up with Mexican food, I have a real appreciation for dishes like this.”

Rafael Nasr, founder, Craft Pita

Rafael Nasr of Craft Pita says he has “a burning passion for North China’s sizzling rice soup.”

He describes it as an intensely flavored, crystal-clear broth with bits of pork and tiny shrimp to fill you up.

“The carrot, napa cabbage, and wood ear mushrooms add umami and I am convinced have healing powers,” he says. “The flash fried rice adds texture and flavor at the same time and whether served table side or at home provide dinner and a show. I eat this soup and talk about it more than any soup in Houston.”

Nasr’s pro tip: Add a bit of soy sauce and lots of North China’s housemade green chili oil to the soup.

Ziggy Gruber, chef and owner, Kenny & Ziggy’s

Ziggy Gruber of Kenny & Ziggy’s has a couple of favorite soups in town, which isn’t surprising since his own deli is known for its bowl selection. Among his favorites is the clam chowder at Capital Grille, which he says captures the true flavor of the East Coast with plenty of clams and just the right amount of thyme.

He also loves the French onion soup at Etoile Cuisine et Bar.

“The stock is very rich and the onions are extracted so the flavor is permeated throughout the soup. I like that it has multiple croutons rather than one crouton in the soup,” he says. “And then the cheese on top!”

Another top pick for Ziggy is the tortilla soup at Grace’s.“It is complicated in such a good way, with the crunchy bits of tortillas and chicken skin, with the coolness of the avocado, and it has just the right amount of spice,” he says.

$Phanh Ky H\u1ee7 Ti\u1ebfu Nam Vang,$

Photo by Louis Lamson Quy

Louis Lamson Quy, co-owner of Alora, is a loyal diner at Phanh Ky thanks to its Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, which reminds him of his hometown, Saigon.

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