Bandista at Four Seasons Hotel Houston Named Among North America’s Best Bars

Bandista, the acclaimed speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase inside Four Seasons Hotel Houston, has been named the among North America’s Best Bars. At #59, Bandista is the only Houston bar, and one of just two in all of Texas to make the inaugural extended 51-100 list.

The ranking comes as North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 revealed its extended list, which celebrates the rich and diverse cocktail cultures across the region in the lead-up to the unveiling of the 1-50 list on April 29, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

Recognizing bars in four countries and 23 different cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the extended list is decided by the Academy voting panel of more than 300 independent drinks experts, renowned bartenders, educators and drinks writers from across the region.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America's 50 Best Bars, says, "In sharing the 51-100 list, we recognize the hard work and dedication of even more of the hospitality and drinks community and shine a spotlight on the development of exceptional drinks culture across the region."

Opened in 2022, Bandista has established itself in the Houston community as the preeminent bar for an intimate, thoughtful, and fun cocktail experience. Led by Beverage Manager Johnathan Jones, the small but mighty bar team of Josh Alden, Sam Ruiz, and Zachary Churbock guides guests through their journey, which showcases craftsmanship, creativity, and Southern hospitality. Its unique setting and high-touch service has helped it become a place where cocktail geeks and aficionados mingle with world travellers, celebrities and athletes, and canoodling couples, while enjoying inventive takes on classic and modern cocktails, often with whimsical touches.

Bandista is also known for its pop-up exchanges with some of the other best bars from around the world, including Jewel of the South (New Orleans), Employees Only (New York City), Midnight Rambler (Dallas), Four Walls (Nashville), and VIRTÙ (Tokyo).

Open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm – 12:00 midnight, Bandista requires reservations, in which guests enjoy 90-minute seatings at the 8-seat bar (cocktail laboratory) or 12-seat lounge.

“This is an honour we are truly thrilled to have earned,” says Tom Segesta, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “We’re very proud of our Bandista team, who makes the experience there so memorable with beautifully-crafted cocktails, incredible service, and a setting like no other.”

Guests choosing to make a night of their Bandista experience are invited to plan ahead and save with the Advance Purchase offer, which includes up to 25 percent off the room rate when booking at least three days in advance. For more information, visit online, call 800 734 4114 or contact your travel professional (chain code FS).

About Bandista

Bandista is an intimate, modern-day speakeasy (literally hidden behind a bookcase within Four Seasons Hotel Houston), reminiscent of a 1920s lounge that dazzles with a decadent Latin vibe. Guided by expert drink makers, guests of the 20-seat bar and lounge enjoy inventive creations, colourful and celebratory in nature, and often with unexpected elements. Its eight bar seats provide a centre-stage show of the cocktail laboratory that pushes boundaries while still paying homage to the classics, while guests connect with other discreet guests. Vintage barware, whimsical accoutrements, and rare spirits from around the world complement the vibe. Inspired by the tequileros - the Prohibition-era smugglers who illegally transported tequila - Bandista is a cocktail journey and experience, rich in craftsmanship, creativity, and Southern hospitality. Bandista is open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight. Reservations are required and are extremely limited. View the Bandista press kit.