Bandista Welcomes Friends from Around the World to Share and Celebrate Cocktails and Culture this July

Bandista, recently named among North America’s 50 Best Bars and recipient of one PIN from The Pinnacle Guide, welcomes friends from Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, and Austin to celebrate cocktails and culture with special bar guest shifts this July.

The acclaimed speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase inside Four Seasons Hotel Houston presents:

• July 14, 2026 – June and LaLa (Vancouver): This acclaimed upstairs-downstairs concept, which holds court in Vancouver’s Cambie Village, was recently named #17 by North America’s 50 Best Bars. Upstairs, June offers lively, vibrant French-inspired brasserie vibes, while LaLa is a hidden vinyl listening bar situated in the basement. June Head Bartender Riley Maggs and LaLa Head Bartender Derek Boone will present four house cocktails showcasing the best of classic and contemporary styles of both bars. Bandista held a guest shift at June in April, and June will now reciprocate in sharing their creations in Houston. Reservations are required for one-hour seatings between 6:00 – 10:00 pm, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
•  July 18, 2026 - Saikindō (Abu Dhabi): This Hi-Fi cocktail lounge brings the tradition of Japan's legendary listening bars to the Middle East. Their synesthesia-driven cocktail menu brings this vision to life, translating sound into flavor, with A.I. mapping the basslines, tempos and melodies of twelve tracks to shape Aji No Hibiki (Resonance of Flavor) a menu inspired by songs from 90s hip hop to soul and R&B. Located inside Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Saikindō Beverage Director Marco Corallo will present four house cocktails guided by omotenashi (whole-hearted hospitality). Reservations are required for one-hour seatings between 6:00 – 10:00 pm, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability.
• July 28, 2026 – Papercut (Austin): An ever-changing cocktail bar and contemporary art gallery where each exhibition inspires a new, meticulously crafted menu, Papercut was named to Esquire’s 14 “Best Bars in America” for 2026 and received two PINS from The Pinnacle Guide. Papercut’s Bar Director Dragan Milivojevic and Head Bartender Bear Ulak will present four house cocktails showcasing their art-driven cocktails. Reservations are required for one-hour seatings between 6:00 – 10:00 pm, though walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability. Additionally, Bandista will host a guest shift at Papercut on July 15.

Strongly rooted within the international bar community, Bandista serves as a gathering point for some of the world’s most respected establishments. Through hosting and participating in guest shifts at leading global bars, Bandista engages in an ongoing exchange of ideas and expertise grounded in a shared commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence.

“We’re excited to welcome these spectacular bars from around the world this July,” says Tom Segesta, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “Sharing great cocktails and culture really speaks to Bandista’s bringing together of people to connect behind the bookcase.”

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 travelers, and canoodling couples, while enjoying inventive takes on classic and modern cocktails, often with whimsical touches.

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

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