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Texas Bars Shine in 50 Best Bars in North America List

Bandista speakeasy bar offers a unique cocktail experience and is one of the top-ranked bars in North America.

News Summary

Houston’s Bandista and Nickel City have made their mark on the 50 Best Bars in North America list, ranking at No. 59 and No. 70, respectively. Bandista offers a speakeasy experience with a focus on unique cocktails, while Nickel City pairs its drinks with a culinary flair. Amidst this celebration, authorities are cracking down on illegal after-hours clubs to enhance public safety. The ongoing challenges with unregulated nightlife underline the importance of maintaining safe drinking environments in the community.

Houston, Texas – Two Texas bars have made a significant mark on the annual 50 Best Bars in North America list, featuring in the extended rankings from 51 to 100. Bandista, located in the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, has been ranked at No. 59, while Nickel City, with its roots in East Austin, holds the No. 70 spot.

Located at 1300 Lamar Street, Bandista is designed as a speakeasy, hidden behind an enticing bookcase that transports visitors back to the glamour of the 1920s. Since its opening in 2022, it has become renowned for its intimate cocktail experience, offering a diverse menu that includes both classic and modern cocktails. Reservations are required to partake in the experience, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Guests are allotted 90 minutes at either the eight-seat bar or the 12-seat lounge, ensuring a personalized environment for cocktail enjoyment.

Tom Segesta, the general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, has expressed pride in the efforts and service provided by the Bandista team, contributing to the bar’s recognition and success in the competitive drinking establishment landscape.

Nickel City, ranking No. 70 on the list, is best known as a neighborhood bar that brings a unique culinary twist to the drinking experience. Alongside its rotating cocktail menu, the bar features a food truck offering a selection of Detroit-style coney dogs, wings, sliders, and other bar staples. Nickel City operates daily from noon to 2 a.m. and has expanded its presence with additional locations in Fort Worth and Houston. The bar’s growth and recent national recognition reflect its commitment to providing a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.

In stark contrast to the celebratory news of these Texas bars, local authorities are cracking down on illegal after-hours clubs in Houston. Recently, the Houston police conducted raids at La Zona 45 Bar and Lounge and Los Corrales South for allegedly violating regulations by operating as after-hours establishments. The city has expressed concern over the safety hazards these illegal venues pose, particularly regarding unregulated alcohol consumption.

Authorities indicate that after-hours bars often serve alcohol after the state-mandated cutoff time of 2 a.m., creating potential hotspots for violence and drunk driving incidents. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission allows establishments to serve until 2 a.m., with the possibility of extending service until 2:15 a.m. in designated areas. However, running an after-hours bar without appropriate permits is classified as a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, which can result in fines and imprisonment for the owners.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has highlighted the connection between illegal bars and unsafe driving behaviors in the community. Recent violent incidents, including shootings, have brought additional scrutiny to these establishments. Local authorities are committed to shutting down unregulated bars to ensure public safety and maintain community well-being.

As Texas bars like Bandista and Nickel City shine on a national platform, the ongoing challenges posed by illegal after-hours clubs remind authorities and residents of the importance of regulating nightlife to promote safety within the community.