A Wild ‘Cherry,’ Shepherd’s Newbie and The Nash Draw the In-Crowd Downtown

A Wild ‘Cherry,’ Shepherd’s Newbie and The Nash Draw the In-Crowd Downtown

Retro and wild Cherry bar

THERE'S NO PLACE in town where the return to pre-Covid norms will be more notable than Downtown, where Theater District presentations soon won't be limited to Zoom — and the crack of the bat no longer echoes through an empty Minute Maid Park. And that's not all that's changing.


The In Crowd fave C. Baldwin hotel has reopened for your staycation pleasure, and another of Downtown's most luxurious lodging options — the Four Seasons — has completed a chic renovation. At the latter, the reno culminates a years-long upgrade that has included the lobby, the spa and more. Houston designer Lauren Rottet handled the guestroom makeovers, whose blue palate and crisply mod style is said to have been inspired by the big Texas sky.

7 Vegetable Salad at Georgia James Tavern

Foodies in search of something new to try will seek out Chris Shepherd's Georgia James Tavern, a laidback spinoff of his lauded Georgia James steakhouse, at Market Square Tower. Or The Nash, a modern grill in the Star building on Rusk, where chef Omar Pereney's steaks, chops and tater tots loaded with roasted corn, crema fresca, cheese and chives are said to be "love letter" to American food; the dessert pizza option has apples, bourbon-infused caramel and goat cheese.

The real action Downtown, though, might be after hours, at a slew of new bars and pubs. Main Street's High and Dry Rum Bar touts more than 200 varieties of the cane-do booze, while Angel Share HTX pub picks up where the space's former occupant, OKRA, left off, donating a portion of its proceeds to local charities. And then there's Cherry, the compact little '80s and '90s bar with big personality; think red walls, zebra floors, a disco unicorn overhead, and, in the men's room, campy and crazy urinals you must pee … um, or rather see to believe.

People + Places
Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

World-famous Jigger & Pony bar of Singapore will be featured in a pop-up at the Four Seasons’ Bandista speakeasy July 20, along with sister bar Cosmo Pony. Its spicy margarita with an agave lollipop will be on the menu.

ONE OF THE most celebrated bars in the world will be featured in a one-night-only pop-up in Houston next month.

Keep ReadingShow less

A cozy corner of the new Allegory Bar

THINKING OF INTERESTING ideas for a staycation this summer? Consider the newly renovated Moran boutique hotel in CityCentre.

Keep ReadingShow less