Bandista is an intimate speakeasy and cocktail bar in downtown Houston, inspired by the glamour of a 1920s lounge and infused with a decadent Latin vibe. Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, the bar serves inventive cocktails and rare spirits for a refined late-night experience.

Hours

Tuesday – Saturday
5:00 pm – 12:00 midnight

Awards

  • North America’s Best Bars by 50 Best, 2026 – Ranked No. 47
  • North America’s Best Bars by 50 Best, 2025 – Ranked No. 59

Signature Drinks

  • A cocktail with ice cream
    Ménage à trois

    Pushing the boundaries on what a cocktail is, this newest creation transforms a Brandy Alexander into a trio of experiences. First is a fog of Krigler’s Established Cognac 66 perfume, followed by made-to-order Brandy Alexander ice cream. Lastly, a cognac with an added nose of chocolate and the mouthfeel of cream creates a spirit-only version.

  • Almost Famous

    Siete Misterios Coyote Mezcal, Roasted Pineapple and Epazote Infused Dolin Genepy, Charred Citrus, Scarlet Aperitivo, Paparazzi

Events

A bar with many bottles of liquor behind a bookcase.
Bandista Tuesdays
Tuesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm – 12:00 midnight
Bandista is now open on Tuesdays, offering one more night each week for guests to venture behind the bookcase. 90-minute reservations are available for inventive, award-winning cocktails at one of Bandista’s 20 seats. Additionally, Bandista will now accommodate walk-in guests, based on availability.
Reserve
June & LaLa Guest Shift
July 14, 2026, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
This acclaimed upstairs-downstairs concept, which holds court in Vancouver’s Cambie Village. Upstairs, June offers lively, vibrant French-inspired brasserie vibes, while LaLa is a hidden vinyl listening bar situated in the basement. June Head Bartender Riley Maggs and LaLa Head Bartender Derek Boone will present four house cocktails showcasing the best of classic and contemporary styles of both bars. Bandista held a guest shift at June in April, and June will now share their creations in Houston. Reservations are required for one-hour seatings, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
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A bar with many bottles of liquor behind a bookcase.
Saikindō Guest Shift
July 18, 2026, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
This Hi-Fi cocktail lounge brings the tradition of Japan's legendary listening bars to the Middle East. Their synesthesia-driven cocktail menu brings this vision to life, translating sound into flavour, with A.I. mapping the basslines, tempos and melodies of twelve tracks to shape Aji No Hibiki (Resonance of Flavor) a menu inspired by songs from 90s hip hop to soul and R&B. Located inside Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Saikindō Beverage Director Marco Corallo will present four house cocktails guided by omotenashi (whole-hearted hospitality). Reservations are required for one-hour seatings, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.bars. Bandista held a guest shift at June in April, and June will now share their creations in Houston. Reservations are required for one-hour seatings, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
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Papercut Guest Shift
July 28, 2026, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Papercut is an ever-changing cocktail bar and contemporary art gallery where each exhibition inspires a new, meticulously crafted menu. Papercut’s Bar Director Dragan Milivojevic and Head Bartender Bear Ulak will present four house cocktails showcasing their art-driven cocktails. Bandista will host a guest shift at Papercut on July 15. Reservations are required for one-hour seatings, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
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Make your reservation. (713) 297-1340 Reserve A Table

Bandista

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