Officials Say Last Week’s Explosion at Bar 5015 in Third Ward Was Intentional

Welcome to AM Intel in the time of coronavirus, a round-up of the city’s newest bits of restaurant-related intel. Follow Eater on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date details on how COVID-19 is impacting the city’s dining scene.

Explosion at Third Ward Bar 5015 was intentionally set

Officials say an explosion that nearly destroyed the patio at Bar 5015 on Almeda Drive early Friday morning was arson. Just hours after the blast, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena said that gas cans and traces of accelerant were found at the bar and popular brunch site, according to ABC 13. The explosion damaged nearby homes and two other restaurants, but no one was injured.

Lucky’s Pub calls it quits in EaDo

Longtime east Downtown stalwart Lucky’s Pub has closed. The bar, which opened in 2007, was one of the first businesses to anchor the block of EaDo that now includes Little Woodrow’s, Neil’s Bar, Pitch 25 and more. Its proximity to BBVA Compass Stadium and Minute Maid Park made it a popular spot for televised sports, or grabbing a beer before or after a game. Owner Anthony Wegmann told CultureMap that lease issues led to the closure, but that Lucky’s Pub West at 17754 Katy Freeway will stay open.

Five employees test positive for COVID-19 at Montrose bar Buddy’s

Montrose gay bar Buddy’s has closed temporarily after five employees, including owner Christopher Barry, tested positive for coronavirus. In a video posted to Facebook, Barry said that only nine of the bar’s 27 employees were able to return to work on May 22, when Texas governor Greg Abbott allowed bars to reopen at limited capacity. Of those nine employees, five have since tested positive for the virus, even though some were asymptomatic. The bar will be closed for a deep cleaning, and employees must test negative before they can return to work, Barry said.