Houston, TX

Situated amidst the city’s vibrant Uptown District, this upscale steakhouse provides an unapparelled dining experience. A beautiful place with a great menu.  I had a night off in between Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson Rodeo Houston shows and was invited by a friend to join a dinner. I’m so glad I went. I met so many new people that night who are a Who’s Who in the circle of western wear – Lucchese, Wrangler, Cavender’s, etc. All such great folks and very interesting conversations. One of the best nights I’ve ever had with a mostly new group of people.

Let’s go OFAF, here.  You have your choice of a stirred or muddled Old Fashioned.  I’m not a fan of the floaters from muddling in my cocktail, so I’m always going to with the stirred. In another unique move, if you ask them to pick your Bourbon or Rye, they’ll ask a few questions to decide what best suits the guest.  Usually, they’ll lead with Buffalo Trace, but Woodford Rye and Woodford Reserve are also popular. I went with the always delicious in an Old Fashioned, Buffalo Trace.

In a beaker with ice, they blend 2 oz. of your whiskey choice. They then add in .25 oz Daily’s Simple Syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters, and 2 dashes of Regan’s Orange Bitters. They stir & strain over a large cube of block ice and serve in a beautiful crystal glass. Garnish with orange zest and send you to Happy Land. 

While there, I struck up a conversation with Executive Beverage Manager Will Delvige.  I complimented him not only on the quality of the cocktail but the gorgeous Buffalo Trace Antique Collection I saw on the shelf behind me. Rarely do I see all 5 bottles available and hardly ever do I see the Eagle Rare 17-year-old. Being the gentleman that he is, he cracked the new bottle and poured me a small amount to taste. Man, it was good!  Will has never been to the Bourbon Trail.  I hope he takes me up on my invitation to show him around Kentucky.

Like most major cities, Houston has a lot to offer in the whiskey arena. But you need to add Mastro’s Steakhouse to your list of places to enjoy while in Houston. The cocktail menu is significant and they add a welcomed personal touch to your visit. I you meet Will, tell him The Nashville Whiskey Guy sent you!