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New Bar Buena From Goode Co., Brings Good Vibes and Great Mezcal to River Oaks

At this moody hideaway in the River Oaks Shopping Center, agave spirits reign supreme
Written By: author avatar Megha McSwain
author avatar Megha McSwain
Megha McSwain is the Texas Editor for DiningOut Magazine, managing editorial content for Houston and Dallas. Megha was born in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Houston. She has a passion for reporting on food, restaurants, chefs, and travel, and has contributed to outlets like Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, Texas Monthly, and Texas Highways throughout her career. As a trusted member of the local media, Megha also appears as a regular guest on local lifestyle television shows, Great Day Houston on KHOU11, and Texas Today on NBC5.
The dimly-lit interior of Bar Buena. | Photo by Goode Co.
The dimly-lit interior of Bar Buena. | Photo by Goode Co.

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.

Bar Buena's entrance on McDuffie Street. | Photo by Goode Co.
Bar Buenas entrance on McDuffie Street | Photo by Goode Co

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.

A house cocktail at Bar Buena. | Photo by Goode Co.
A house cocktail garnished with cucumber at Bar Buena | Photo by Goode Co

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.

Salsa trip at Bar Buena. | Photo by Goode Co.
Salsa trip at Bar Buena | Photo by Goode Co

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.

A backlit bar showcasing agave spirits at Bar Buena. | Photo by Goode Co.
A backlit bar showcasing agave spirits at Bar Buena | Photo by Goode Co

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

author avatar
Megha McSwain Texas Editor
Megha McSwain is the Texas Editor for DiningOut Magazine, managing editorial content for Houston and Dallas. Megha was born in Mumbai, India, and currently resides in Houston. She has a passion for reporting on food, restaurants, chefs, and travel, and has contributed to outlets like Food Network, Eater, InsideHook, Resy, Texas Monthly, and Texas Highways throughout her career. As a trusted member of the local media, Megha also appears as a regular guest on local lifestyle television shows, Great Day Houston on KHOU11, and Texas Today on NBC5.

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