sports

These Two Sports Bars Have a Wager on the Astros-Sox Series

These Two Sports Bars Have a Wager on the Astros-Sox Series

OVER THE WEEKEND, the Astros clinched the American League West title — their fourth in five years — securing their spot in the playoffs.

On Thursday, the American League Division Series begins at Minute Maid, where the 'Stros will battle the White Sox. But that's not the only game being played between Chi-Town and H-Town: Chicago's Fabulous Freddies sports bar has challenged Houston's Pitch 25 to a bet. Both establishments are just a few blocks from their respective ball fields.

Here's the wager: The bar whose team loses the best-of-five series must host a party for 25 fans of the winning team. That means if the Astros prevail, Fabulous Freddies will welcome 25 Astros fans to watch a future playoff game while partaking in free food and drink all night long. And if the White Sox win the ALDS, Pitch 25 will help Chicago fans cheer on their team in the ALCS. (Plus, the manager of the host restaurant must wear the other team's swag!)

Sox fans here in Houston can follow @Pitch25htx on Instagram for a chance to be invited to the fan party, in case Chicago wins — but that simply won't happen.

This will mark the first time in franchise history that the Astros have played in the postseason for five consecutive years. Manager Dusty Baker is now the first in MLB history to clinch division titles with five different clubs.

People + Places
promoted

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less
travel

1,500 Miles from its OG Property on Nantucket, Palm Beach’s White Elephant Beckons

The lobby of White Elephant Palm Beach

COVERED IN VERDANT vines and flanked by tall palm trees, the entrance to the White Elephant Palm Beach feels like passing into a stately home, rather than one of the island’s newest resorts. The building is 101 years old, and while the original footprint and façade remain, the interior has a decidedly updated, ultra-luxe beach vibe.

Keep Reading Show less
the magazine

Beloved Photographer Diagnosed with Stage-Four Cervical Cancer: How You Can Help

Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed

ONE OF Houston CityBook’s most beloved photographers was recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. Jhane Hoang has been behind the camera for some of the magazine’s most ambitious shoots — including an overnight shoot at the then-new Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a cold rainy shoot at the Houston Zoo where the crew used a concessions stand as a staging area for hair and makeup.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment