With Live Music and Funky Art, ‘Cowboy Surfer’ Bar Opens in Memorial City

Carla Gomez
With Live Music and Funky Art, ‘Cowboy Surfer’ Bar Opens in Memorial City

Memorial City's new Cowboy Surfer bar

There are only a few places where ranch life and beach life intersect, and the Texas Gulf Coast is one of them. In the 1960s, "cowboy surfer culture" briefly took hold here (and in Southern California, Oregon and the Florida panhandle). Now, a new bar in Memorial City seeks to celebrate the bygone lifestyle, with live music and comfort food — and themed drinks, naturally.


Cowboy Surfer is now open in a shopping center on Frostwood Drive, near Memorial City Mall. It's the brainchild of F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group's Carl Eaves, The Art Guys' Jack Massing, and Houston lawyer and music buff Jim Jard, who had been working on the business plan for seven years.

The "uber-casual, laid-back" place, per Eaves, will serve fun twists on classic cocktails, like the Cowboy Pura Vida Almeda Margarita, which is made with Big Red and served frozen; and the Baja Beach Beer, which is a mix of vodka, orange juice, lime, ginger beer and jalapeno, then topped off with a splash of light beer.

Expect also a selection of "Texas comfort food," a brand of cuisine for which F.E.E.D. TX is known. Lance Fegen consulted on the menu, which touts items like perfectly piled nachos and a piping hot bowl of Texas chili.

The Cowboy Pura Vida Almeda Margarita

Live music isn't something a lot of people get to experience these days, but at Cowboy Surfer, a small stage — with top-notch sound and lighting systems — plans to host local artists regularly soon. "Our desire is to promote high quality musicians we believe in," says Jard. "The public can always expect a good show. Musicians, on the other hand, can expect an environment designed for them to be appreciated."

Even when there isn't a band taking center stage, there's plenty to take in. Bright hues of blue and yellow cover the walls, on which cowboy- and surf-themed art and music memorabilia hang. "Our hope is that people walk in, let out a sigh of relief and bask in the intimate environment," says Eaves, who designed the space.

Guests should also note that for now, the 1,850-square-foot space will be capped at 50 percent capacity.

Food
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Lilith's Lullaby cocktail (photo by Angie Cavazos)

TO QUOTE THE wee one in Poltergeist: “They’re baaaaack!” Houston’s beloved gothic and girl-powered pop-up The Cursed Cauldron returns Friday, Oct. 4 to Aero Cocktail Co. in River Oaks. The new Aero Cocktail Co. will host the pop-up Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 4pm-12am, and Sundays 2pm-10pm. To help contribute to the spooky (and fun) vibe, visitors are invited to “don their magical attire;” kohl eyeliner and black nail polish are strongly recommended.

Keep Reading Show less
Food