Bandista
Bar · Downtown
1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
Highlights
Intimate speakeasy behind a bookshelf with signature cocktails
Intimate speakeasy behind a bookshelf with signature cocktails
"For secretive Scorpios, few places maintain an air of mystery like Bandista. You can't just stroll into this Downtown speakeasy. A host with a Four Seasons keycard must scan you into the lounge and punch in a secret code to unlock a door behind a bookcase, and only then are you in Bandista. There you'll find over-the-top illustrated menus and drinks out of glass skull decanters. This speakeasy keeps things stealthy—so we understand if privacy-loving Scorpios keep this place all to themselves." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"Located on the third floor of the Four Seasons Downtown, it’s impossible to simply stumble into some trap door leading to Bandista. A host with an employee keycard will scan you into a private entrance to a bank of elevators that leads through the back of a kitchen. Then, once you're in the lounge, you’ll get a secret code to punch in to unlock a door behind a bookcase. And the show doesn’t stop there. There are over-the-top illustrated menus, drinks served out of glass skull decanters, and a bill that costs almost as much as a hotel room. Make reservations for only the most special nights, like if you recently came into possession of a gold bar, or want to impress someone who loves escape rooms." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"The journey to Bandista is half the fun of visiting. Located discreetly behind a bookcase deep within the Four Seasons Hotel, this hideaway is one of the most exclusive places to enjoy a drink in Downtown. While you can certainly enjoy a glass of wine or a simple liqueur, guests are encouraged to explore the awe-inspiring cocktail menu. Here, cocktails ignite the senses, like the rum-based Strawberry Fields For Now, which is fragrant with balsamic and Fernet-Branca and arrives with a goat cheese biscuit." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Sure, one of Houston’s most essential cocktail bars is big on the booze, but the speakeasy’s bartenders are also well-versed in whipping up delicious drinks regardless of whether there’s alcohol in them or not. Ask for something zero-proof, give the bartender an idea of what flavors you most enjoy, and watch them work their magic." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Bandista, a speakeasy inside the Four Seasons hotel downtown, is celebrating with a ton of Christmas lights and a special cocktail menu. Sit under the glow of warm white string lights and enjoy drinks infused with winter melon and egg white. But be sure to make a reservation before you pull out your reindeer-covered sweater." - gianni greene
