We're deep in the throes of summer, but just beyond the horizon, as early as next weekend to be exact, some of the best new bars and breweries of fall (which, yes, we know doesn't technically begin until a month from now) will start opening in Houston for you to cool off with.
These are the new cocktail, wine and beer hubs to look forward to in the coming months.
5. Baileson Brewing
Located next door to Vinology on Bissonnet, the fact that you'll be able to walk back and forth for a small batch beer or a glass of extremely well-curated wine means that this little section of West U is about to be the best new spot for laid back chillaxin' in town. Baileson's founders Adam Cryer, a Rice graduate, and wife Sarah Pope, have recently finished up the renovation of the former gas station at 2322 Bissonnet. It's now a three-barrel nano-brewery with a covered front area and a newly-paved parking lot that will play host to food trucks when the doors open and the beers are a'brewin. All that is expected to happen over Labor Day weekend, with an all-day grand opening set for September 2 at 11 a.m.
4. The Ready Room, 2626 White Oak
Ritual bartender Chris Morris, who is currently in London competing in the USBG and Bombay Sapphire world finals for the Most Imaginative Bartender competition, tells the Press that his new bar, which is taking over a former gas station in the Heights will have a focus on quality cocktails along with blues and jazz. "The goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere with an elevated level of drink," Morris says. "People can expect a good amount of housemade ingredients, a small curation of local beer, friendly and bar staff, and a menu of 20 to 30 original drinks." Opening date is still unknown, but planned for sometime this fall.