Several months ago cocktail crusader Bobby Heugel announced that he was partnering with Steve Flippo and Justin Yu, chef/owner of the now-defunct Oxheart, to open a “comfortable neighborhood space” in the former Dry Creek Cafe location at 544 Yale. As time went on and details about the project unfolded, we learned that Anvil manager Terry Williams would be director of operations at the new concept and at Anvil, and that Anvil alumnus Alex Negranza would be bar manager, with Oxheart chef Matt Boesen working with Yu once again in the kitchen. Justin Vann, who advised on wine at Oxheart and oversees downtown’s wine and whisky bar Public Services, would be working the wine list at the 544 Yale, too.
After a few months of delays, the former gas station opened in April under the name Better Luck Tomorrow, with a fraction of the cocktails offered at sister bar Anvil as well as a small but competitively priced list of wines by the glass and by the bottle. While BLT’s cocktail list offers maybe one-tenth of the cocktails and spirits found on menus at The Pastry War and Anvil, the micro list rotates seasonally and the drinks are curated carefully. This is not a precious or unapproachable selection of cocktails. This is a pared-down, tailored compilation of drinks that covers the spectrum of flavor profiles.
A tall, spicy ginger and strawberry Pimm’s cup, designed for beating the Texas heat
For example, as BLT debuted in spring, a seasonal Pimm’s Cup (lemon, strawberry and ginger, $10, photo above) and Lucky Daiquiri (key lime and raspberry, $9) are light and refreshing, designed for sipping on the patio. Of the 10 cocktails offered, you’ll notice spins on classic drinks, such as the gin-based Salty Cat ($9, photo below) which utilizes plum and grapefruit and is a play on the Salty Dog.
The Salty Cat from BLT
On the savory side, the Gibson ($9, top below) does not disappoint allium-lovers. If pickled veggies are your thing, you’ll appreciate the garnish of pickled red onion, pickled pearl onion and pickled green garlic.
The Gibson and Not a Pizza at BLT
At BLT, oenophiles do not have to compromise. It is obvious that wine was not an afterthought but instead a definitive component in the concept, and very fairly priced. Vann’s selections include white, red and everything in between such as Rezabal Txakolit rosé ($12/glass, $55/bottle) and bubbles like Clotilde Davenne Extra Brut Cremant De Bourgogne ($12/glass, $55/bottle) in case you had some good luck today and were in the mood to celebrate. For beer drinkers, five local beers ($6 to $7) are currently offered from Lone Pint, 8th Wonder, Saint Arnold, Eureka Heights and Buffalo Bayou.
Justin Yu’s Not a Pizza, from the food menu at BLT
More in the mood to nosh? BLT’s food menu has been eagerly anticipated since it was announced that James Beard-winning chef Yu would be orchestrating the bar bites. Many Houston foodies regularly geek-out over the chef’s unusual food combinations and creative pop-ups. Keep in mind that BLT’s food menu isn’t a cheap wing selection. Not a Pizza, which is shaped like a pizza but isn’t, is a round starchy thing topped with rich, garlicky bagna cauda, burrata and spring onions ($10, photo above).
The crispy chicken (below), which is described as Hot Star-style, takes its name after Taiwanese chicken chain Hot Star and is $16 per serving. It is served with a side of sweet-tangy pickled cabbage. The protein is one large piece of chicken, pounded thin, marinated, breaded with a blend of seasoning and sweet potato flour, fried and served in a paper sleeve. It can be awkward to eat if you’re sitting with friends, both because it lends itself more easily to knife-and-fork eating, and because you won’t want to share.
The Hot Star-style Crispy Chicken served at BLT
Last week, Bloomberg.com declared that Better Luck Tomorrow is a great restaurant. While the spot attracts customers of all ages (and well-behaved canines can hang on the patios), it refers to itself as a bar and will be soon enforcing a 21-and-up policy. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly place to drink adult beverages in The Heights, check out King’s BierHouse.
Better Luck Tomorrow, 544 Yale near 6th Street, BLT Facebook Page
Hours: Open daily from 3:30 pm-2 am