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Start Counting Down to Bovine & Barley and Barringer's Grand Debut

Two buzzed-over drinking establishments ready their downtown premiere.

Bovine & Barley puts finishing touches outside its downtown gastropub, expected to open in the spring.
Bovine & Barley puts finishing touches outside its downtown gastropub, expected to open in the spring.
Jakeisha Wilmore

Downtown's bar scene continues to expand past the vibrant 300 block of Main where bars like The Pastry WarCaptain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge and Moving Sidewalk reside. Replacing the defunct Clutch City Squire is recently opened The Commoner, but two more drinking oasis are joining the ranks in the coming weeks.

Husband and wife bartending team Robby and Chieko Cook are close to relaunching their highly popular speakeasy Barringer Bar & Lounge. After the bar unexpectedly closed last year following a lock-out dispute, the duo began the hunt for a new space. Confirming rumors of their move to the Brewster Building at 108 Main last week on Facebook with the unveiling of their marquee, the duo are almost ready to open their doors once again. Private sneak peeks have taken place for the last couple of weeks, providing invited guests with a preview of the forthcoming menu of crafted cocktails. With everything almost in place, Barringer Bar & Lounge should announce its soft open to the public any day now.

Further south on Main is Bovine & Barley, the beef-centric gastropub at 416 Main. Owners Michael Collins of The Refinery Burgers & Whiskey and Jason Lowery, former Proof Bar + Lounge owner are livening up the 400 block of Main with their ode to beef and craft beer. Originally expected to open in Mid-March, the duo have pushed their debut to April, according to Houston Chronicle. Sporting "exposed bricks walls, beamed ceilings, an expanded bar, warm wood accents throughout," Bovine & Barley will offer a hearty menu of burgers and elevated pub fare with a generous roster of craft beers.


Barringer Bar & Lounge
108 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002

Bovine & Barley
416 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002