Houston’s vibrant culinary and nightlife scene is about to welcome an exciting new gem. Restaurateur Benjy Levit, the mastermind behind beloved local staples like Benjy’s, Local Foods, Lee’s Den, and Maximo, is raising the bar once again. Set your calendars, Houstonians, because Lee’s Cocktail Lounge is reopening its doors on Saturday, January 4th, 2025, and it promises an elevated, intimate experience like no other.

Perched atop the bustling Local Foods in Rice Village (5117 Kelvin Dr.), Lee’s has undergone a stunning transformation. The reimagined second-floor lounge is the final phase of Levit’s visionary makeover for the space. With a sultry redesign courtesy of Brittany Vaughan of Garnish Design, Lee’s swaps its former wine bar aesthetic for an alluring cocktail haven. This treetop sanctuary exudes timeless charm, perfectly blending sophistication with warmth—a nod to the Levit family’s legacy, with both Lee’s and the adjacent Milton’s named after Benjy’s parents.

  

 

A Sip Above the Rest: The Cocktail Experience

At the heart of Lee’s allure is its innovative cocktail program, led by none other than Máté Hartai, the accomplished Director of Bars. Hartai’s thoughtfully curated menu is a three-part masterpiece that’s as creative as it is captivating. Here’s a taste of what awaits:

House Cocktails: Prepare to be dazzled by drinks that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Inspired by the artistry of color, standouts include the Red Poppy (a blend of poppy seed, braindies, almond, lemon, and egg white) and the enigmatic King in Yellow (crafted with suze, vermouths, magic water, and bubbles).

Miniatures: For those who love variety or prefer a lighter sip, the miniature menu is a playful delight. Relish creations like the Appleteeny or The Little Duke – a charmingly pint-sized rendition of the iconic “very dry, very cold” Dukes martini, poured tableside from a miniature Tanqueray gin bottle.

Global Signatures: Paying homage to the cocktail world’s classics, this section offers a refined nod to legendary libations from near and far.

Small Bites, Big Flavor

To complement the exquisite cocktails, Lee’s will offer a selection of delectable handheld bites, designed by Culinary Director Seth Siegel-Gardner and Chef Kent Domas. The menu is a gastronomic journey, featuring:

• Caviar-topped lobster rolls
• Takoyaki arancini
• Crispy polenta with blue cheese fondue
• Wings stuffed with chicken sausage

Each dish is crafted to elevate your cocktail experience, ensuring every visit to Lee’s is as satisfying as it is memorable.

 

 

A New Era in Rice Village

Lee’s isn’t just a bar; it’s an experience. The lounge’s hours—Wednesday through Saturday from 4 PM to midnight—are tailored for evening escapes, intimate gatherings, and celebratory nights out. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply looking for a sophisticated night on the town, Lee’s is your new go-to destination.

Reservations are now open via OpenTable, so don’t wait to secure your spot at Houston’s newest hotspot. For more details, visit miltonandlees.com and follow along on social media at @leeshtx.

Rice Village just got a whole lot more exciting. With its blend of innovative drinks, mouthwatering bites, and irresistible ambiance, Lee’s Cocktail Lounge is set to be the toast of Houston. Cheers to a new chapter of nightlife!