CLUB • ICE HOUSE • LOUNGE
By Mike Cook Photography by Daniel Ortiz
THE GRAND PRIZE
Home where my thought ’ s escaping , home where my music ’ s playing , home ... it ’ s home month here at LOCAL and in that honor we bring you some melodies and one of our city ’ s greats housed ( ha-ha – get it ?) in what is most certainly an old home or duplex on Bank St . in the Museum District . It ’ s likely you ’ ve been here before but if not , welcome ... home .
Grand Prize Bar is a solid dive , which many say is an industry favorite . We say the people and the atmosphere are a mixed bag in the best possible way . So , come on in , the music ( DJ or jukebox ) is solid , the crowds are welcoming , the interior is dark and the lighting is low . At night , antique chandeliers and string lights provide a lot of the ambiance but like any good home the patrons provide the rest . This old house is two floors and wouldn ’ t you know it , full bars are located on both ( downstairs is the main bar , if we had to label ). Both have plenty of stools for seating ; otherwise , benches are scattered throughout the interior and antique love seats round out your seating options . There ’ s a lower patio which is simple but sufficient , and an upper patio which has a few tables , nice floral arrangements and a good view too . If you can ’ t find a seat and mingling with the often hip crowds isn ’ t on your night ’ s agenda , you can always play pool ( if the table ’ s open ).
Grand Prize keeps 6 beers on draft and they wisely offer 2 draft cocktails as well . Our most recent visit was during Negroni Week (# negroniweek ) and sure enough . the Negroni , and a Boulevardier were on draft , while all sorts of Negroni variants were offered as specials made to order , as well . That said , you can understand what Grand Prize does exceptionally well … cutting-edge craft cocktails in an unassuming atmosphere . These folks know how to make a drink ! We also have to mention the kitchen , because it ’ s spectacular . Plenty of Houston food truck and brick and mortar greats earned their cred in the kitchen at Grand Prize . And bonus , you never know who might be staging in the kitchen any given night . Some would say it ’ s worth the trip for the food alone , but unless you don ’ t drink , we say that ’ s as crazy as Simon & Garfunkel rapping .
1010 Bank St . | 713.526.4565 www . facebook . com / grand-prize-bar
4pm – 2am every day
24 L O C A L | july 16