Houston Speakeasy Makes Top 100

Tucked discreetly inside the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Bandista—a cozy, speakeasy-style cocktail lounge—has officially earned its place among North America's most elite drinking destinations. Ranked No. 59 on the 2025 list of North America's 100 Best Bars (specifically within the 51–100 range), Bandista stands out as the only bar in Houston to be recognized this year.

Released on April 15, this prestigious list is curated by the 50 Best organization, best known for its influential World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings. While the top 50 bars for North America will be announced later this month on April 29 in Vancouver, the initial reveal of spots 51 through 100 already offers a glimpse into the continent’s most exciting cocktail venues—and Bandista’s inclusion is a proud moment for the Bayou City.

Opened in 2022, Bandista is intentionally hidden behind Toro Toro, the hotel’s pan-Latin steakhouse. Once inside, guests discover a transportive atmosphere reminiscent of a 1920s lounge, brought to life with modern elegance and Latin-inspired flair. The bar features only 20 seats—12 in the plush lounge area and eight at the sleek bar—creating an exclusive and intimate environment where every detail is curated to enhance the guest experience.

“There’s Latin flavour running throughout the bar’s sophisticated cocktail offering, which mixes classic and contemporary styles and rare spirits,” notes the 50 Best team. Among its standout drinks are the Dulce Far Niente—a decadent cocktail that reimagines tiramisu with mascarpone mousse—and Writer’s Block 27, which features two heritage gins, absinthe, lime, pineapple, and cucumber.

Beyond its in-house creations, Bandista has earned a national and international reputation by hosting regular pop-up collaborations with world-renowned bartenders from acclaimed venues such as Jewel of the South (New Orleans), Employees Only (New York City), and VIRTÙ (Tokyo).

Guests must reserve their seats in advance, with 90-minute sessions available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. The reservation-only policy and limited seating contribute to an air of exclusivity that enhances the bar’s allure.

“This is an honor we are truly thrilled to have earned,” said Tom Segesta, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “We’re very proud of our Bandista team, who makes the experience there so memorable with beautifully-crafted cocktails, incredible service, and a setting like no other.”

Also recognized in the 2025 list is Austin’s Nickel City, ranked No. 70. No Texas bars were featured in the previous edition of North America’s 50 Best Bars, making this year’s entries especially meaningful for the state’s growing cocktail scene.

Bandista’s recognition is not just a win for the Four Seasons—it signals Houston’s rising status in the world of craft cocktails. For those lucky enough to snag a reservation, the experience is more than a night out; it’s a journey into refined mixology, immersive atmosphere, and standout service.