Houston Bar Transforms Into Restaurant With Naan Pizzas and Flashy Cocktails

A Houston bar is getting a second life as a restaurant.

Located in Southwest Houston on 11786 Wilcrest Drive, the bar formerly known as Five Nine Lounge is making way for Fusion 59 Eater and Mixology, a restaurant that combines traditional and contemporary cuisine from around the world for a global experience.

Chef Kristi Courtney, who has consulted with local restaurants like Daily Gather and the now-closed Pass and Provisions, designed Fusion’s menu, featuring appetizers like samosas with cilantro chutney and spicy tamarind sauce; wings, coated either in a coconut curry or a Trinidadian jerk sauce and an assortment of both Italian and Indian-styled pizzas, the latter which are served on naan.

Ibrahim Halawa

Entrees will also continue the international spirit, with dishes like buttered chicken, Mediterranean salmon, rib-eyes, and pappardelle Bolognese made from braised lamb leg.

The 3,500-square-foot restaurant, which is equipped with an indoor bar, will give guests plenty of opportunities to imbibe. Those looking for an al fresco option can find a seat on the 1,100-square-foot patio.

Ibrahim Halawa

Mixologist Jojo Martinez uses her expertise to create a diverse cocktail lineup, including Fusion’s rosy margarita, Mi Amorita, made with tequila, rose, orange liqueur, lime, and rose essence; a French 59 made with gin, spiced mango, lemon, and champagne; and the Peaches Down in Georgia, made with grilled peach vodka, peach bitters, vanilla, lemon, and Cava. The Family Tradition cocktail, a smoking spin on Old Fashioned, is made with bourbon, turbinado sugar, and cherry angostura, before its garnished with a citrus twist and Italian cherry, and then served in a clear box.

Ibrahim Halawa

Guests interested in sampling Fusion 59’s offerings can take advantage of its $39 Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, which offers a three-course meal, including calamari, wings, or an orzo salad for an appetizer; shrimp pasta, buttered chicken, or al formaggio pizza on naan bread; and bourbon bread pudding, a skillet cookie, or gelato for dessert.

The restaurant is open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with happy hour, offered daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.