Bandista

Houston, US

Most so-called speakeasies aren’t that hard to find, but you won’t casually stumble across this one: hidden behind a bookcase at Four Seasons Houston, it requires a keypad code. The concierge will be happy to oblige, if you’ve made a reservation – its 20 seats soon fill up, not least since it made No.47 in North America’s Best Bars. While the decor channels 1920s decadence, the drinks list is more unexpected, taking its cues from Prohibition’s liquor-smuggling routes, and the booze-laden tequileros who hopped the border from Mexico. Smoky mezcals and top-flight tequilas fuel many of the showstoppers here, including the Almost Famous, which (spoiler alert!) also involves a Polaroid snap. Not an agave fan? Sip a Paradiso, with prickly pear and orange blossom gin, or their decadent, tripart take on a Brandy Alexander, which includes a brandy fog and made-to-order ice-cream.

Key Information

• Average price per cocktail $37
• Tues – Sat
• 713 650 1300
• Visit Bandista's Website

Location

Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar Street, Downtown, Houston, Texas, 77010