The Four Seasons Hotel in Houston is a five-star hotel home to over 400 rooms, suites, and residencies across 13 stories. In addition to a global Pan-Latin steakhouse, a poolside cafe, and a bourbon lounge, the hotel has added as a classy hidden speakeasy to its scene.
The definition of a speakeasy has changed over the years. Of course, their inception began out of necessity during prohibition. Since that ended, however, speakeasies have gone from hidden bars to city bars that don’t feature abundant signage. That said, the Houston’s newest speakeasy, Bandista Cocktail Lab, lends itself to the secret ways of long ago.
Following confirmation of reservation, a hotel employee leads visitors to a service elevator upstairs to a bookshelf in an otherwise unassuming space. After entering the password, the employee turns the bookshelf inwards revealing a classy Latin-inspired speakeasy complete with lounge and bar space.
Located in a secret passageway tucked inside Four Seasons, Bandista is a reservation-only cocktail lounge reminiscent of the 1920s. With a maximum capacity of 18, Bandista puts a creative spin on classic and contemporary cocktails with artistic flair. Using top shelf ingredients in their cocktails, such as WhistlePig 12-year rye and Highland Park 15-year Viking Heart, Bandista divides the menu into classic and modern cocktails.
The modern cocktails, specifically, lend themselves aptly to those wishing to tantalize their Instagram following:
“I think that’s one of the things about Bandista that will surprise our guests,” said Bar Manager, Jonathan Jones. “Yes, it’s an exclusive place with the top talent in town, but it’s also fun, relaxed, and unexpected.”
With their ingredients, cocktails at Bandista are priced anywhere between $23 and $45. Bandista is open only from Thursday to Saturday.
See also: 10 Of The Best Speakeasys In Houston