Popular Heights hangout, Drift Bar, has announced that it has closed effective immediately. Opened in 2020 at 1207 West 20th Street, Drift Bar in The Heights was a tropical-themed sports bar that had emerged as a favorite in the burgeoning bar scene.
The regularly crowded bar featured rotating food trucks, a plethora of TVs, and frequent special events. Due to its popularity, the closure announcement comes as a blindside to the community.
The bar made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday, July 1. Bluntly and matter-of-factly, the post reads: “Drift Bar is closed down“. The announcement came without warning, wherein Drift Bar had been regularly advertising watch parties, live events, and drink specials up until that point.
In the comment section of the post, many expressed their shock at the sudden and unexpected nature of the closure. Many also expressed gratitude for the memories. According to comments in the section, Drift Bar employees weren’t notified in advance.
Due to the brevity of the announcement– and lack of explanation – it leaves many to speculate the cause of the closure. Factors that are likely to have contributed to the closure include inflation and rising rent costs, market saturation, and recovery difficulties post COVID. At this point, it is still unclear.
Drift Bar is a project owned by Zach Harris. In 2023, Harris opened up Heights Social martini house at 1213 W 20th St. Unlike Drift, Heights Social is a 8,500-square-foot nightclub equipped with an expansive LED wall on top of over 20 additional screens, dramatic skylights, and cutting-edge sound technology.
Elsewhere in The Heights, Elder Son Brewing announce that it would be closing its Heights and North Houston locations this July.