Royal Oak Reopened This Week as a Vibrant Palm Springs Inspired Bar

Present Company, the new moniker for the revamped Royal Oak, just brought a vibrantly colorful oasis to Montrose.

Royal Oak’s owner Shawn Bermudez partnered with Michael Leitner, formerly of Midtown Drinkery, on the new concept at 1318 Westheimer Road. It took two years to complete the project, and now diners will find an impressive 4,000 additional square feet of space between its ground-level patio and new second-story balcony which offers views of the Houston skyline. In keeping with the sunny Southern California vibe, the team redesigned the former whiskey den’s interiors into a dessert oasis with potted plants and palm trees, murals, bright furniture, neon signage, and vibrantly colored cocktails to match. Drinkers will also find pool tables and TVs for game watching.

Beverage Director Rex Nielsen (previously of Stone’s Throw) dreamt up cocktails befitting a Palm Springs pool party including a watermelon vodka concoction finished with honeysuckle liqueur and prosecco, and a spiced rum drink with banana cognac and coconut milk. Drinkers will also find a wine list, beer on draft, in bottles, and in cans, plus a rotating selection of frozen drinks. Bermudez’s partner in Burger Joint, Chef Matt Pak, revamped Royal Oak’s menu with new dishes like pizza smothered in bacon and brussels sprouts, burgers, beer battered green beans, and an enormous dinner-plate-sized chicken parmesan sandwich, while keeping some of the crowd favorites like buffalo chicken pizza and truffle fries. On Saturdays and Sundays, diners can look forward to brunch and mimosa pitchers.

Present Company is open Monday and Tuesday 3 p.m. to midnight; Wednesday and Thursday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight. Happy hour is all day on Mondays; Tues through Thursday 3 to 7 p.m.; and Friday noon to 7 p.m.