Justin Burrow has been a valuable contributor to Houston’s bartending scene for the last several years. He was one of the original bartenders at Anvil Bar & Refuge before establishing a noteworthy cocktail program at Haven. In 2011, he won the Houston Culinary Award for Favorite Mixologist.
Later he moved to Fitzgerald’s where his Tuesday cocktail night became a beloved event for both industry types and cocktail aficionados. It was a great time to socialize, and the ever-changing menu was practically a conversation piece.
Burrow has now finally got his own bar, and we couldn’t be happier. It’s called Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge. Who is “Captain Foxheart?” Someone that Burrow made up to win a bet with Oxheart chef/owner Justin Yu. (We’ll let you guess what was at stake.) For the sake of brevity, let’s just call it Bad News Bar.
It’s just upstairs from Goro & Gun, in the space that used to be Martell’s Video Lounge & Brandy Bar years ago. The space has been spruced up and has a 1930s vibe to it. A dark wood bar runs half the length of the space, while two antique chairs and a pink upholstered loveseat complete the look. There’s something about the place that makes me want to wear a fedora and a pinstriped dress.
Probably the best feature of the bar (besides the cocktails) is the balcony. Ask anyone who’s been to Bad News and they’ll probably say, “I love the balcony!” When you’re on the balcony facing the building, you might be reminded by the ornate façade of New Orleans. Face the MetroRail side, and now it feels a little like Chicago.
They are working on a printed menu that might be available by the time this article publishes. In the interim, I’ve happily gone with the classics: Manhattan, Palmetto, Fancy Free, Negroni and the like. Burrow and his team (which includes Sebastian Nahapetian, Stephen O’Sullivan and Aaron Lara, all formerly of The Pass & Provisions) do perfect renditions. They are also capable of producing light and refreshing drinks, if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
Just as the bartenders are unpretentious and down-to-earth, so are the drinks. When you’re making drinks that are rock-solid, there’s no need for pretention.
This is a bar – i.e. they do not have a kitchen or serve food, so drop by a nearby restaurant before you come up. The other important thing to know is that there is no sign – not even a marked door. It’s kind of like Marfreless once was, but with fewer sofas, less sex and better drinks.
If you are facing Goro & Gun, it’s the wood and glass door on the left. Sometimes there’s a doorman, sometimes not. Climb the long flight of stairs, open the first door on the left and enjoy.
BAD NEWS BAR 308 1/2 Main Street, @badnewsbar
Follow Us