New Cocktail Lounge Brings a Dash of Paris to Houston’s Montrose

Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar channels the French Riveria on its lively rooftop patio, while its sultry 20-seat lounge delivers Parisian drama and “experiential” cocktails

All eyes are on Paris this summer as the French city prepares for the Summer Olympics Games, and fortunate for Houstonians who aren’t traveling abroad, a small slice of France has made it back to Space City.

Locally-based entrepreneur Ashley Muncie has channeled her experience living in Paris and working for fashion companies into a stylish new cocktail bar and lounge in Montrose. Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar, which officially opens on Friday, July 19, captures the essence of the French Riveria with a dash of vaudeville-like decor.

Located next door to Uchi, Sophie offers a two-part experience that plays into all the senses. Downstairs, as bargoers enter, a floral wall and a whiff of sweet perfume set the tone. Hidden behind a curtain is Sophie’s 20-seat cocktail bar. Designed by EAMStudio and its creative director Emilia Menocal, a native of France, the intimate space oozes drama, with dark red lacquered walls, floral and animal prints, ceilings lined in mirrors and oversized glass chandeliers, velvet club chairs, and paintings by French artist Philippine de Richemont. Upstairs gives way to a whimsical 2,000-square-foot terrace and an outdoor patio that aims to transport bargoers to the South of France. With seating for up to 80 guests, diners can choose whether to settle in at its patio tables and listen to live music, or peruse the space and catch glimpses of Sophie’s buzzy Montrose corner.

Shawn Chippendale

Chef de cuisine Anthony Anderson, formerly of Uchi, Uchiko, and Nobie’s, crafted the French-forward menu where caviar makes an appearance in dishes like its Thon Cru, marinated yellowfin tuna served with saffron potato, and Sophie’s fettuccine dish that’s dripping in lemon butter. Diners can also enjoy charcuterie boards loaded with cheese and wild game, the casual but still decadent Sophie Burger, which is layered in gruyere and caramelized onions, and the Swan, a pistachio cake topped with pistachio sable and raspberry confit.

Spritzes and a variety of wines, with an emphasis on the French variety, are on offer, but cocktails steal the show. The King’s Lover cocktail is made up of roasted barley brioche Kettle One vodka, liquor 43, and Maven cold brew; while the aromatic Scent of a Rose, made with rose and grapefruit vodka, rose syrup, lemon, elderflower, and sparkling rose, leans floral in flavor. Bargoers can also try out Sophie’s “experiential” cocktails, which are served in the downstairs lounge only. Sophie’s crafty take on a gin and tonic, My Friend Picasso, features French gin infused with lemon and thyme topped with elderflower tonic and is funneled through a quirky glass for two.

Alex Montoya

Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with weekday happy hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekend brunch from noon to 4 p.m., featuring menu specials, live music, and rooftop DJ sets. 910 Westheimer Road, Montrose, 77006.