Named after a 19th-century conflict between France and Mexico that was partly triggered by the destruction of a French pastry chef's restaurant, Pastry War is one of the most singular bars in Houston. It is, without qualification, one of the finest agave spirits programmes in the southern United States.
The back bar holds more than 100 bottles of mezcal, sotol, raicilla, and other agave spirits, sourced with genuine care from small producers across Mexico. The staff can talk through provenance with authority, and they will do so without making you feel tested. If you arrive knowing nothing about mezcal, this is the best possible place to learn.
The bar itself is small and unpretentious. No DJ, no reservations, no fanfare. Just a serious selection of spirits and drinks built around them. The signature cocktails are excellent, but the pours of single-producer mezcal are the reason to come. If you care about what you drink, Pastry War is an essential stop on the Houston hidden gem circuit.
It sits on Main Street in downtown Houston, which puts it in range of Captain Foxheart's and easy distance from the rest of the Houston bar scene.