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Bovine & Barley

5/25/2015

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The downtown Houston bar scene is hopping these days and adding to that excitement is Houston’s newest gastropub, Bovine & Barley. I mean who doesn't love beef and brews! Being a foodie, I like having the option of dining on a gourmet meal whilst sipping on a craft beer.  Pretzels and bar nuts won't satisfy this Diva!
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Courtesy of Bovine & Barley
Partners Michael Collins (The Fish, The Refinery Burgers & Whiskey) and Jason Lowery (Proof) opened Bovine & Barley in the former El Centro location at Prairie and Main.  The space has been completely transformed into a sophisticated yet bold lounge filled with rich wood accents, custom tables, and Edgar Allan Poe quotes.  In the center of the restaurant is a magnificent u-shaped bar that is very comfortable and welcoming.  Of course you can’t miss the hundreds of light bulbs that adorn the wall spelling out HTX.  
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Beer, of course, is the main focus of Bovine & Barley. Over 40 beers are available on tap and many of those are from local breweries.  Since the selection changes frequently, the menu is shown on computerized screens.  I started with a Union Jack IPA; it was an exceptional beer with notes of citrus and honey. Wanting to try something a little bolder, my next pick was Deschutes Obsidian Stout Nitro.  This luscious beer could easily pass for liquid dessert. It was deep and robust with hints of espresso and chocolate.
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Union Jack IPA
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Lots of beautiful beer taps
B & B offers a “beef-centric” menu masterfully created by Chef Harold Wong (The Fish, Azuma). There is an assortment of “comfort food” type entrees with a rich, beefy goodness to them.  The small bites are perfect for sharing and include options like Meatloaf Muffins, Steak on a Stick, Meatball Flatbread, HTX Sliders, and Jalapeño Bacon Bites.  My favorites were the Steak on a Stick (beef skewers with shishito peppers, grilled onions, and Thai chili sauce) and the Jalapeño Bacon Bites (pineapple chunks wrapped in jalapeño bacon and stuffed with cream cheese).  For a heartier fare, I recommend the Bovine Burger.   It’s a ½ pound Angus beef patty topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, fried onion strings, lettuce, and tomato. 
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Bovine Burger
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Meatball Flatbread
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Steak on a Stick
Although beer is the main focus of B & B, wine and cocktail drinkers will find something to enjoy as well. In addition to a full bar, they have a unique selection of draft cocktails. These barrel aged cocktails rival any libation being served by local mixologists.  You have the benefit of a great craft cocktail without having to spend 10 minutes waiting for it. I tried three that were currently being offered, the Sauvage Collins (Lone Elm Vodka, Citron Sauvage Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup), the Old Swine (Fat Washed and Un-Fatwashed WhipperSnapper Whiskey, Water, Turbo, Angostura and Mole Bitters), and the Smoke & Fire Mule  (Mezcal, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Ginger Beer, Hellfire Shrub Bitters). They were all delicious!
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Sauvage Collins
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Red's Calling Card
Matt Heer has created a superb bar program and his staff, which include awesome bartenders like John Havens (AKA “Red”), are extremely knowledgeable and ready to help make a suggestion. There's a little something for everyone to love at Bovine & Barley. They are open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner.  It's a great place to drink, dine, and be merry!  In the words of Edgar Allan Poe, “What care I how time advances? I am drinking ale today.”
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Bovine & Barley
416 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 742-5683

Hours: M, T, W 11am – Midnight / Th, F 11am – 2am / Sat 4pm – 2am / Sun 4pm - Midnight

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    About the Author

    I like eating, traveling, and enjoying liquid libations. I'm all about great wines, signature cocktails, and local brews.

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