On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Nickel City founder Travis Tober and general manager Karol Hardwick join CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the newly opened bar. Located in EaDo, the Houston outpost is Nickel City’s third location, joining the original in Austin and an expansion in Fort Worth.
The conversation begins with Tober discussing his history in the bar business and the experiences that inspired him to open Nickel City as a casual neighborhood where patrons will feel equally comfortable drinking a beer and a shot or craft cocktails. Hardwick, who came to Nickel City after a stint at a steakhouse, discusses the different expectations of working in such a different environment.
In the coming weeks, Nickel City will open the Florida Room, a dedicated rum bar that will only be serve on the weekends. Sandler asks Tober what diners can expect from space.
“I’m a huge rum fan. This is my way to dip my toe into a tropical-themed bar without committing to it,” Tober says. “During the pandemic, we need this Nickel City Miami Vice pop-up where we did frozens to-go and tropical-themed cocktails, and it just really hit. Doing my research, Houston is one of the top three drinkers of rum in the United States. It’s going to be fun, kind of trashy, Florida Keys-style cocktails. Think Rum Runner, our version of a pina colada. If you combine both, it’s a Pain in the Ass.”
Listen to the full episode to hear Tober’s thoughts on the food menu, and Hardwick’s take on how the bar has been received by Houston’s hospitality community. They also discuss which of Tober’s other concepts could be a fit for Houston.
In this week’s other episode, Sandler and co-host Felice Sloan discuss the news of the week. Their. topics include the closings of Houston-area barbecue staple Dozier’s BBQ and Montrose Italian restaurant Pastore. They also share some expectations for Pizanna, the LA-based pizzeria that opened recently in the River Oaks Shopping Center.
For the restaurant of the week, Sandler and Sloan consider Duchess, the coastal-inspired restaurant from Uptown Sushi owners Peggy and Daniel Chang. Listen to the full episode to hear them recount the meal they shared with consulting chef Omar Pereney, including one tip that diners will want to consider before making a reservation.
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