Seven River Oaks Steams Up Upper Kirby's Club Scene

Several of Houston's well-known club promoters and owners are gearing up to take Upper Kirby's club scene off life support. Opening in the former Azteca's Margarita Bar & Grill space at 2207 Richmond Avenue is Seven River Oaks. It's the latest nightlife offering for club goes in the area since ROAK, OTC Kirby, Hendrick's Pub and Saint Genevieve's closed last spring. Unlike the aforementioned clubs, Seven will have a different feel, catering to an upscale crowd, shares Chris Amez of We Own the Night Promotions, who's also involved with the forthcoming venture.

The two-story Seven River Oaks is a two-in-one concept, a trend crossing over from restaurant into nightlife spots. On the first floor, VII Kitchen & Craft Cocktails, a bar and kitchen which joins the growing list of clubs and bars with dedicated food menus. As with Hughes Hangar, Henke & Pillot, La Roux and soon-to-open Liberty Bar & Kitchen, VII Kitchen & Craft Cocktails will serve a varied selection of small plates. The main focus however, is the bar's cocktail program developed by beverage director Andres Chapa, formerly of 1919 Mixology and The Eighteenth Cocktail Bar. Chapa has crafted a menu of classic and trendy cocktails, alongside a selection of martinis. Guests will also have the option to order wines by the glass or bottle from a curated list.

Upstairs is SE7EN Ultra Lounge, the club portion outfitted with a custom-built sound system. Glitzy and glam as is downstairs counterpart, SE7EN is devoted to DJ's, dancing and a more laid-back experience. The lounge will open weekends, while the kitchen component of VII Kitchen & Craft Cocktails will open seven nights a week.

SE7EN Ultra Lounge soft opens Friday, March 27 and VII Kitchen & Craft Cocktails officially opens to the public on the same date with limited hours.