Hip Second Ward Swim Club Returns with a Splash

Hip Second Ward Swim Club Returns with a Splash

HOUSTON’S INFAMOUS HUMIDITY is already creeping in, but cool and casual El Segundo Swim Club has the antidote to beating the heat. Houston’s only private outdoor swim club and bar — with a 1,350-square-foot swimming pool, cabanas and adult beverage service — will officially reopen for the spring and summer swim season Saturday, May 4.


“El Segundo Swim Club is the premier spot for those seeking a fun and unpretentious, yet sophisticated pool club in Houston,” said Matthew Healey, owner of El Segundo Swim Club in a statement. “We’re excited to reopen our doors and bring our relaxed, international vibe to our friends and those visiting our city right here in the Second Ward.”


The East End swim club, a 15,000 square-foot oasis, features an oversized cocktail-depth pool and a full-service bar. As you step through the club’s stacked stone entrance, you will be transported from a concrete jungle into an urban retreat where the drinks are always flowing.

El Segundo Swim Club channels the eclectic, bohemian and laidback energy of Houston while also layering colors and murals that are reminiscent of vintage Rio. Oversized, sculptural palm fronds, a mix of industrial elements and lush landscaping create a chill environment, kind of like visiting a friend’s whimsical backyard pool.

Reserved for those 21-plus years of age, the club features amenities including hammocks and lounge chairs, complimentary towel and sunscreen service and changing rooms available for all guests. For guests or groups looking for an upgraded experience, multiple private cabanas are available and can be reserved.

The swim club’s beverage menu, curated veteran mixologist Chris Frankel, features a variety of summer cocktails, a collection of independent grower Champagnes, mixed-drink carafes, frosty pitchers and canned beers. Food is available for purchase during peak hours via rotating food trucks.

Day passes (from $25) to access El Segundo Swim Club are available through the club’s website or TOCK.

People + Places

Smash burger at Malibu Barbie Cafe Miami (photo via Instagram)

GET READY FOR the ultimate Barbiecore experience, coming to H-Town this summer. After popping up in New York, Chicago, Miami and Minneapolis, Malibu Barbie Cafe — complete with a pinkified menu and roller rink — arrives at the Junction HTX building off Washington just north of I-10 in August.

Keep Reading Show less

TO SAY HOUSTON has a lively poetry scene is an understatement. As we wrote back in 2017, in venues across the city — including Brazos Bookstore, Basket Books & Art, and Poison Girl, which hosts the long-running Poison Pen Reading Series — curated and open-mic readings and slam poetry competitions are happening almost nightly, and continue to be a cross-cultural, “cool and intellectually stimulating form of entertainment” for Houstonians of all ages.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment