Reagan Josephine on Bar Daphne’s debut night at Hotel Daphne.

Last month, I was invited to attend the private launch party of the Hotel Daphne and her in house bar and restaurant, Bar Daphne and Hypsi. Hotel Daphne is a 49-room boutique hotel in Houston Heights, created by Bunkhouse Hotels, the hospitality group behind Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose. Hypsi is led by chef Terrence Gallivan, one of Houston's most respected chefs, known for his acclaimed restaurants The Pass, Provisions, and ElRo. 

The dress code was eccentric florals, which was the perfect opportunity to pull out a very brightly colored vintage dress that was worn originally to the first Woodstock Festival in 1969. A perfect dress for the evening. 

Stepping into the celebration felt like entering a world where vintage glamour, curated art, and contemporary hospitality met in perfect balance. The hotel's vibrant personality was evident in every detail, creating an atmosphere that felt both transportive and unmistakably Houston. 

The aesthetics were remarkable. We entered the garden and were greeted with glasses of bubbles and appetizers while listening to a New Orleans style jazz band by the fountain. I was especially impressed by their florals and greenery arrangements. As an amateur florist and hobby farmer, I could see the level of care, artistry and detail in every single vase and centerpiece. 

Hypsi served fantastic appetizers and small bites, along with a freshly shucked oyster bar. Their beef tartar and oysters were some of the best I’ve ever tried. Small bites, but they made an impression.

The cocktail program is equally considered. Each drink is named after a piece from Hotel Daphne's curated art collection: Life on a Merry-Go-Round (aperitivo, lychee, tart cherry, lime, boba), Somewhere to Light (tequila, sotol, lemongrass, honey, yuzu), Through the Woods (gin, pear brandy, blanc vermouth, tarragon black pepper oil). 

I’ve always been a wine and whiskey woman so we were very excited to sample the selection at Bar Daphne. I ordered a manhattan and my fiance ordered one of their signature house cocktails. The manhattan came out perfectly and was one of the best I’ve ever tried in Houston. The whiskey was smooth and balanced. My fiancé's cocktail was equally impressive, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship behind the bar program. 

The evening struck a rare balance between sophistication and warmth, offering guests not only a beautiful space but an experience that felt both polished and welcoming. Hotel Daphne has already established a distinct identity within Houston's hospitality scene, and after spending an evening there, it's easy to see why.

What impressed me most was how effortlessly Hotel Daphne balances luxury with warmth. It would be easy for a design-forward boutique hotel to feel inaccessible, but the atmosphere remained welcoming throughout the evening.

Every detail, from the floral installations to the cocktail program and culinary offerings, felt intentional without being pretentious. It's no surprise that the property has already received national recognition, including being named one of Esquire's Best New Hotels in the World for 2026.

Bar Daphne at Hypsi is open nightly from 5pm to midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends, at 347 West 20th Street.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

Rosalía 🤝 Rothko. Rosalía stopped by Toyota Center on her Lux tour and gave Houston two shoutouts in one night: the Rothko Chapel ("the coolest place on Earth") and Beyoncé ("she's the f**king best"). The chapel, naturally, posted about it. Chron

Rodeo gets a new campus. RodeoHouston is going full cowboy mode with a $300M expansion. This includes a new 5,000-seat arena, two barns, and an office complex just south of Reliant Park, ready by 2029. No taxpayer money involved (allegedly). Concerts, horse shows, and auctions all year-round? Guess we’ll wait and see… Houston Chronicle

Cabo Verde stuns in World Cup debut! Cabo Verde, the tiniest nation in Africa, made its World Cup debut and broke the internet. Goalkeeper Vozinha went from 50K to 13M Instagram followers after shocking Spain. For Cabo Verdean Americans long used to blank stares at the mention of their homeland, the moment hit different. Cabo Verde is playing this Friday, June 26th in Houston against Saudi Arabia. Houstonia Magazine

WEEKEND EVENTS

All weekend:

• Kicking It At Hermann Park Summer Festival

• Hunchback of Notre Dame at Houston Broadway Theatre

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at Houston Symphony

• Spamilton: An American Parody at Stages

Thursday, 6/25

10am-9pm, Art | HTX Contemporary Dance Fest. “Join Houston Contemporary Dance Company for a two day Festival including on stage dance classes, community meet ups and two unique dance concerts featuring HCDC, Open Dance Project, Mezclada Dance Company, and Black Angels Collective.” $25.

6pm, Nightlife | Global Sounds DJ Series: Kako & Alex La Rotta with Ice House Radio at Hotel Saint Augustine.

6:30pm-7:30pm, Art | Writers Remix: Material Presence at MFAH at Kinder Building. “Local writers bring art to life by performing original works in the galleries.” Included with museum admission.

6:30pm-8pm, Culture | Juneteenth Nights: Art, History & Community at POST.

8pm, Nightlife | Maceo Moran Group at MOTH Listening Room. $23.

9pm, Nightlife | For The Yearners: R&B Night. $5.

9:30pm, Nightlife | 90s/00s Boy Bands Night at Barbarella. $10.

Friday, 6/26

7:30pm-8:30pm, Community | Bat Chat on Waugh Bridge Bat Colony with Houston Area Bat Team. Free.

7:30pm, Film | 10 Things I Hate About You at Rooftop Cinema Club.

Saturday, 6/27

9am, Market | TBG Day Market at The Blind Goat. “Featuring local makers, artists, vintage finds, handmade goods, sweet treats, and more.⁠”

3pm, Art | Art Car Showcase & Midtown Cultural Arts Mixer.

4pm, Dancing | Neon Boots 22nd Line Dance Extravaganza.

6pm, Art | Queer Voices: Push the Tempo Open Mic at Houston Liberation Center.

6:30pm, Nightlife | Montuno Social Club at Around the Corner. “For this special edition, we’ll begin the evening with a free viewing of Colombia vs. Portugal at 6:30 PM. Once the match wraps up, we’ll transition into a full night dedicated to salsa, dancing, and community.”

9pm, Nightlife | Houston Cumbia Party at Dan Electro’s.

9:30pm, Nightlife | Doc’s Presents: The Music of “Sinatra at the Sands” with Wyatt Michael and The Graeme Francis Orchestra. $38 and up. Almost sold out.

Sunday, 6/28

11am-3pm, Community | Pride Drag Brunch with El Tiempo Cantina at POST Penthouse. $40.

12:30pm, Community | Canada vs South Africa World Cup Watch Party at Levy Park.

3pm-9pm, Community | International Culture Day at Kicking It At Hermann Park.

^AD

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