Magnolia Hotel Houston Opens Press & Pour Café and Cocktail Bar

The Magnolia Hotel Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has opened Press & Pour, an all-day café and lounge in downtown Houston. The venue transitions from a morning espresso and pastry bar into an evening cocktail lounge serving shareable plates, opening its doors last month to coincide with the historic building's 100th anniversary [1].

What does the morning menu offer guests?

During the early hours, the venue operates as a full-service coffee bar catering to hotel guests and locals [1]. Lodging Magazine reported that the morning menu features barista-inspired espresso beverages, refreshers, and iced and blended coffees [1]. Food options include pastries baked fresh daily, highlighted by a signature Colossal Cinnamon Roll [1].

How does the venue transition for the evening crowd?

In the afternoon and evening, the atmosphere shifts to a lounge featuring open seating and a daily happy hour [1]. The mixology team prepares classic cocktails, mocktails, and original creations [1]. Notable drinks include a signature smoked old fashioned and the Black Gold, which mixes bourbon, blackberry, basil, and lemon [1]. The evening menu also provides shareable small plates designed for casual gatherings, such as whipped goat cheese and prosciutto toast [1]. According to Justin Sides, director of operations, the space was designed so guests can "unwind with a cocktail" or gather before and after games at nearby Daikin Park [1].

How does the design reflect the building's history?

The debut of Press & Pour aligns with the Magnolia Hotel Houston's 100th anniversary, and the venue's name and decor pay homage to this heritage [1]. Lodging Magazine noted that "Press" references the Houston Post-Dispatch, the newspaper that formerly occupied the building, while "Pour" denotes the coffee and cocktail programs [1]. Design details connecting the space to the 1920s include a vintage typewriter, an original structural beam serving as a centerpiece, and a copper moonshine still that nods to the craftsmanship of the cocktail program [1]. The walls feature a map of Greater Houston and a collage of 1920s-era downtown photographs evoking the Prohibition era [1].

What is the seating capacity and layout?

The space is equipped to handle both remote workers and social gatherings. Press & Pour offers 52 indoor seats, which include a mix of booth seating, a communal table, and bar-height window seating [1]. Additionally, there is a covered, pet-friendly outdoor patio that provides 10 more seats [1]. The interior features WiFi and electrical outlets throughout for informal meetings and work sessions, while five televisions broadcast sports and other programming during the evening hours [1].