Want to check out the newest bars in Houston? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. From a cocktail lounge with city views to a grab-and-go daiquiri spot, here are the newest places to visit the next time you're in search of a bar near you.
Z on 23 Rooftop Lounge
1121 Walker St., Floor 23, Le Méridien, Downtown
Z on 23 Rooftop Lounge is a cocktail bar and lounge located on the 23rd floor of Le Méridien hotel.
The outdoor patio space has seating and 360-degree views of the downtown skyline. It offers a light menu, craft cocktails, specialty beers and a wine list.
It has two reviews on Yelp so far, putting it at a five-star rating.
Shannon B., who reviewed the new spot on Aug. 14, wrote, "Best kept secret in Houston! The cocktails are incredible, the staff is superb and the music was amazing — but that view! Pictures don't do it justice. Definitely the new go-to spot for weekend fun."
Kim D. added, "Really cool to have such a great view and yummy drinks! Servers are very friendly and genuine!"
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. Z on 23 Rooftop Lounge is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Monday–Thursday and Sunday and 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Candy Shack Daiquiris
5111 Washington Ave., Rice Military
Candy Shack Daiquiris is a drive-through bar and eatery with limited seating inside. It serves New Orleans-style daiquiris, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, and has three other locations in the Houston area.
Its colorful daiquiris, topped off with gummy candies, come in a dozen flavors, including Texas Tea, Sunrise, Incredible Hulk, Hurricane, Baby Mama Drama, Lethal Weapon and more. Alcohol-infused daiquiris, under the Mixology section of its menu, include the Coffee on Crack, Caramel Apple, Strawberry Shortcake and Tropic Passion.
It also features a small menu of food items, such as wings, chicken strips, chicken sliders, catfish, shrimp and fish tacos. (See the full menu, including drinks, here.)
The new drive-through spot has gotten an enthusiastic response thus far, with a five-star rating out of eight reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Cynthia V., who reviewed it on June 12, said, "What more could you want besides sweet daiquiris topped with more sweet candy? They have lots of different flavors that you can mix any way you want and a list of suggested mixes. Try the Tropic Passion if you want to play it safe or the Caution if you like to live on the wild side."
And Justin D. wrote, "Candy Shack takes daiquiris to the next level! Twelve flavors and tons of combinations can have you coming back forever. The candy toppings are a great touch. There are games to drunk play and a virgin flavor for the kiddos."
Head on over to check it out: Candy Shack Daiquiris is open from 2 p.m.–midnight Monday–Thursday and noon–midnight Friday–Sunday.
Cellar 7
610 Main St., Downtown
Cellar 7 is a wine bar that also serves small plates. It's a complementary bar space to the adjoining The District.
It features dozens of wines, from the Italian Modus by Ruffino red to a Foxhollow chardonnay from California. See the full list here.
As for food, you'll find options like the lump crab cake with remoulade chili oil and herb greens, the Wild Boar Pizza (homemade lamb/wild boar sausage, shiitake mushrooms, roasted poblano, red peppers, pesto sauce and mozzarella) and the panko shrimp with horseradish dipping sauce.
Cellar 7's current rating of three stars out of 12 reviews on Yelp indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Jana W., who reviewed it on Aug. 3, said, "The space is beautiful and a decent size for downtown. They also have a nice patio area. Menu items were pretty reasonably priced considering it's downtown. I ordered the grilled lemon garlic oysters, recommended by the manager, and they didn't disappoint."
Lisa N. noted, "Literally every course was incredibly disappointing and lacking in various ways — probably one of the worst meals I ever had in my life given that this was a somewhat 'nice' place."
Cellar 7 is open from 4–11 p.m. daily.
