Getting wild in Montrose

Budding Houston CBD bar and restaurant gets wild in Montrose with cool cocktails and global eats

A popular Heights coffee shop, cafe, and bar has arrived in Montrose. Wild is now open in the former UB Preserv space at 1609 Westheimer Rd.

In addition to coffee, cocktail, and CBD offerings that are similar to the original location that opened in the spring, the new restaurant features an all new food program from chef German Mosquera, the veteran Houston chef who has worked at restaurants such as La Colombe d'Or and Verdine. Mosquera's new menu utilizes a range of local ingredients to create globally-inspired dishes for both daily brunch and dinner.

At brunch, look for dishes such as migas con chorizo; chamoy salad with pepitas, satsuma, and pickled dragon fruit; and a breakfast sandwich with crispy pork belly, eggs, and Cheddar. Enhance them with sides such avocado salad, plantain chips, and grilled ginger-sesame chicken.

Dinner begins with shareable plates that include tuna tiradito, agua chile with snapper and king crab, stuffed chicken wings, and seared salt water prawns with chimichuri. Shareable entrees include Thai-style whole fried snapper, ribeye with broccolini and fennel salad, and Japanese-inspired octopus with fried rice.

All of Wild's dishes can be infused with CBD or hemp-derived THC in the former of add-ons such as butter, avocado oil, chili crisp, or honey.

Beverage options start with a full range of coffees and teas, including seasonal coffees like a pumpkin spice latte. Other coffee drinks are infused with a customer's choice of CBD or THC. Cocktail options include coffee-based drinks such as an espresso martini and riffs on classic cocktails such as the margarita and Old Fashioned.

1Those practicing a "California sober" lifestyle will find a selection of non-alcoholic drinks designed to be infused with CBD or THC. Beer and wine are also available.

Wild stocks a range of hemp-derived products, including its own branded gummies, flowers, and pre-rolls, along with a large selection of Texas-based brands such as Texarkana, Hometown Hero, Bayou City Hemp Co., and others.

Owners and cousins Adyson and Andrew Alvis have given the space a makeover to match the tropical-inspired look of the original. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to midnight.

“We want this concept to be a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that will take our customers on a culinary roller coaster,” Andrew Alvis added in a statement.

Photo by Steven Cromer

The mango rye tai at Wild.

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