Just in time to start celebrating the holiday season in style, Houston welcomed in November The Kennedy, a new posh piano bar and restaurant conceptualized by Ninety3 Hospitality Group owner and native Houstonian Andres Q. Castro. It brings a moody and sophisticated space paired with refined, classic cuisine and elevated cocktails to Montrose/River Oaks (3210 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019).
Located near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive, the restaurant and piano bar has partnered with Prime Meat Markets to bring premium cuts of meat incorporated into small, shareable plates paired with a range of hand-crafted cocktails, an impressive international wine and champagne list, creative mocktails, and more.
With a day-to-night menu prepared by Chef Adriana Maldonado, guests will find appetizers like a ribeye tartar, a decadent mozzarella stick topped with caviar, truffle deviled eggs, and lobster bisque. Entrees include a wagyu smash burger, gremolata lamb chops, a wagyu ribeye, lobster spaghetti, and more. A mix of signature cocktails and martinis complement the mix of plates on the menu. ‘The Signature Cocktails’ menu highlights drinks like a Mango Ember featuring Rosaluna Mezcal, mango puree, lime juice and agave syrup and a Blueberry Mint Gin & Tonic featuring Botanist Gin, lemon juice, mint and blueberries—two of the fourteen signature cocktails. ‘The Martinis’ menu highlights a Lychee Martini featuring Lalo Tequila, lychee puree and syrup and a Dalgano Espresso Martini featuring Grey Goose vodka, New Heights espresso and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur—two of the ten signature martinis.
“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” said Andres Castro of Ninety3 Hospitality Group. “We are excited to highlight elevated, classic cuisine with an inventive menu of signature spirited and non-spirited cocktails, martinis, wine, entertainment, and more in our beautiful and artistic restaurant and piano bar.”
The 7,000+ square foot space, anchored by a baby grand piano, a central indoor bar, and a dual-sided fireplace that transforms into a DJ booth, features a warm and luxurious color palette mixed with plush, intimate seating vignettes, banquettes, and sofas built for conversation. Nearly 40 original, contemporary, and classic artworks collected from local and regional galleries adorn the walls. An expansive, two-floor outdoor space creates an indoor-outdoor connection suited for multiple guest experiences. Well-appointed, shaded outdoor patios create the perfect ambiance to comfortably enjoy Houston’s milder months and evenings while the indoor space offers an additional reprieve.
“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests. We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home,” continued Castro.
The Kennedy brings a variety of live music performers each week including singers, pianists, and late-night lounge DJs and is open Tuesday through Sunday with lunch (Friday only) to late-night service. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday.
The Kennedy is open Tuesday to Thursday | 4 pm – 12 am (Dinner Menu). Friday | 12 pm – 4 pm (Lunch Menu) and 4 pm – 2 am (Dinner Menu). Saturday | 11 am – 4 pm (Brunch Menu) and 4 pm – 2 am (Dinner Menu). Sunday | 11 am – 6 pm (Brunch Menu served until 4 pm). Kitchen closes at 10 pm.
Photos by Tarick Foteh, courtesy of Como Creatives