Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Houston Talk - OKRA

I've decided to start a new series called "Houston Talk" where I'll share about local restaurants, bars, hang-out spots and things to do in the area.  I feel like we eat and drink quite a bit around the city, so why not share it with you guys in case you are local and want to compare notes or in case you are ever visiting and looking for places to go?!
 
Last night, I met up with my sister in law for dinner and drinks at The Original OKRA Charity Saloon.  The concept of this place is so cool!  The proceeds go to a different charity each month, which is decided on by the patrons.  Every time you buy a drink, you receive a ticket to vote on the charity of your choice between the four nominees for the following month. 
 
As you can see, the interior of the building is awesome - arched exposed beams, distressed brick walls with flickering gas lit lanterns and then to top it off an open skylight at the back of the bar that reveals a bricked building with ivy covering it.  All very simple yet charming!  The red curtains cover the voting box.

 
 
We ordered these drinks below that I don't know the name of, but it was champagne, ginger and grapefruit juice.  Delicious!  We also shared a panini with parmesan waffle fries and fried OKRA!  No, no we didn't eat all of that!  A to go box packed up the remaining items to send home to my brother in law.  The panini we had was made with tomatoes, avocado and arugula.  It didn't disappoint.


 
I would like to say that my SIL and I thought that each of the four charities were all equally deserving and that we just couldn't possibly pick one.....but that's not totally true. After a couple of these delicious drinks and lots of chatting, we got side-tracked and walked out without voting. But most likely, all of the charities are truly wonderful, and I'm sure the proceeds will be put to great use at any of them!
 
I will be adding this place to our list of favorite happy hour spots.  It's located in downtown Houston, which makes it easy for my husband and a lot of our mutual friends to meet up at after work.  The food was on par with other bar food, but the drinks were amazing, and hey, you're drinking for a great cause!  Who can argue with that?
 
XO,
Tara
 

4 comments:

  1. What a great place, and such a neat idea! Thanks for sharing. Hoping to get down that way on one of our trips out that way.

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  2. Oh I love that idea! I'll definitely keep this place in mind. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. What a great event and venue. Your drink looks delish!

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  4. Thank you, Tara, for sharing! I had never heard of this place and now I must go soon! Looks very cool!

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