Less than six months after opening Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina in the premier palm tree-lined section of West Gray Street in the River Oaks Shopping Center, the Goode Co. family of restaurants has debuted a new bar and lounge adjacent to the restaurant at the corner of West Gray Street, appropriately coined Bar Buena.
Completely separate from its sister concept, Bar Buena’s entrance lies discreetly around the corner on McDuffie Street, and the bar’s dimly-lit dramatic space is a far cry from the light and bright restaurant next door.
With only 32 seats in total, including 14 around the bar, Bar Buena feels intimate and snug. Oversized brown leather bar stools, ornate furnishings, and Mexican art and wares decorate the walls, supplying a moody atmosphere for sipping mezcal and other agave-based cocktails—Bar Buena’s main attraction.
As a more thorough exploration of agave-based spirits, Bar Buena highlights the ancient, artisanal process of mezcal-making, which remains driven by hand and fire. Patrons will note riffs on classic cocktails that are fueled by tequila and mezcal.
Margarita-drinkers can opt for the traditional Tommy’s Margarita, or go for a frozen mezcal margarita, which is a tasty alternative during the sweltering summer season. The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is crafted with reposado tequila, mezcal, piloncillo and mole bitters; while the Tequila y Tonic is a refreshing take on a Ranch Water that combines blanco tequila with agua de jamaica, lime, cucumber, aloe, and tonic.
A compact food menu of small plates, reflecting coastal and central Mexican flavors, joins the cocktail list. Along with munchies like made-to-order guacamole and a salsa trio that showcases a spread of salsa morita, salsa molcajete, and salsa fresca, guests can nosh on Gulf crab tostadas, carnitas flautas, and aguachile verde with Gulf shrimp.
A pair of tacos will also be on offer. The ribeye “Milanesa” taco packs salsa morita, cilantro, and onion on corn tortillas; while the crispy brussels sprout street taco is a tasty meatless alternative with salsa macha, rajas, and queso fresco.
Goode Co.’s contribution to Houston’s dining scene in the last year has been impressive to say the least. Beyond the opening of Bar Buena and Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, the family-run hospitality group, led by Levi Goode, opened Credence and SideBar in the Memorial City area, with a similar restaurant-adjacent cocktail bar model.
If the sceney dining rooms packed with regulars at neighboring restaurants Brasserie 19, Hudson House, and Zanti are any indication, it is likely to become a fast favorite of the neighborhood.
Bar Buena is limited to walk-ins only, and is now open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m.
2002 W. Gray St., Houston, barbuenahtx.com
