New in Nightlife: Poolside Patio, Luxe Lounge & More!

New in Nightlife: Poolside Patio, Luxe Lounge & More!

Midtown's Starck Room

NIGHTLIFE'S BIG COMEBACK?! With this week's announcement of several new bars and clubs opening their doors in the coming days, Houstonians are looking forward to the scene's reemergence.



Comin' 2gether cocktail at Space Cowboy (photo by Dylan Scardino)

SPACE COWBOY In the Heights, the first concept from Night Moves Hospitality, helmed by industry vets Greg Perez and Lyle Bento, opens this weekend. Space Cowboy bows inside the renovated Heights House Hotel at 100 W. Cavalcade on Friday, an eclectic indoor-outdoor space including a 4,000-square-foot covered area providing access to the hotel's pool and cabanas.

A cocktail menu by Monkey's Tail alums Samantha Ruiz and Karen Cervantes features "lighthearted" concoctions like the refreshing Comin' 2gether, with banana rum, whiskey and a papaya popsicle. Large-format, shareable cocktails and adult Capri-Sun-style pouches will also be on offer.

And in the way of food, expect equally innovative "island comfort food," inspired by Bento's Hawaiian upbringing — a la Tako Sunomono with grilled octopus, or Army Rice with spam, kimchi, miso corn and egg.

The Night Moves group will open three other concepts in 2021, including Trash Panda Drinking Club on Edison.

Starck Room (photo by Al Torres)

STARCK ROOM Midtown's latest lounge is the Starck Room, currently in a soft-opening stage and planning a grand opening bash for May. The upscale space is inspired by the work of French designer Philippe Starck; a palette of black, gold and white gives a vibe of sophistication, and whimsical accents like a graffiti mural add dimension.

To drink, there are unique spins on classic cocktails, plus plenty of high-end champagnes and wines. Artisan flatbreads and an assortment of desserts are also available. Mezcal tastings will be part of the concept's offerings, and a menu of late-night bites will soon follow.

CHERRY Meanwhile, a new haunt promises to glam up Downtown, which has been eerily quiet for the past year. The '80s-and-'90s-inspired "micro club" Cherry will open May 7 underneath Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar on historic Main. Inside, expect vibes that channel Alice in Wonderland and nostalgic rock 'n' roll — and a playlist promising an "all-night dance party."

The bar is decorated with vintage TVs showcasing old MTV hits, and VIPs can post up next to the DJ booth on the mezzanine and watch the action on the dance floor. Speaking of the dance floor, you can't miss it: Just look for the disco ball in the shape of a life-size unicorn.


Food
Thrive & Inspire: Creating ’Something Bigger Than Ourselves’ Drives Gooch and Pappas of RYDE

Ashley Gooch and Andrew Pappas, Co-Founders

WHAT INSPIRES YOU as you grow RYDE? The RYDE community and our team inspire us every day. The goal from the start was to create something that is bigger than ourselves — our community is just that. We want to push the limits of what a fitness experience can be. Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering a high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning space. RYDE Heights opens in April, exactly eight years after our first location opened on West Gray in River Oaks.

Keep Reading Show less

Spritzes at Tavola

WHILE FALL WEATHER might still be a couple of weeks away (boooo), Houston restaurants are rolling out new patio-friendly brunch menus just in time for al fresco season! From spritz carts to toast topped with caviar, these new brunches have it all for fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Alex Au-Yeung (photo by Jenn Duncan)

WHEN IT OPENED a few months ago, The Woodlands outpost of acclaimed Katy restaurant Phat Eatery was billed as Alex Au-Yeung's dream restaurant. Unfortunately, Au-Yeung never got to see it come to fruition, as he passed away earlier this year. But the James Beared-nominated chef-owner certainly left his mark — and in honor of what would be his 53rd birthday, operating partners Kevin Lee and Marvin He have organized two pop-up tribute dinners.

Keep Reading Show less
Food