The South-of-France-inspired Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar will soon shake up the Montrose bar and patio scene. Opening early July in Houston’s most buzzy dining and entertainment destination and neighborhood, Sophie occupies an enviable slice of the buzzy Montrose Collective at 910 Westheimer Rd. near Marmo and Uchi. At the helm will be partner and tastemaker Ashley Muncie, who brings more than a decade of hospitality experience to Sophie, which includes time spent living in Paris and working for notable fashion brands. Inspired by her travels abroad, Muncie is looking forward to sharing her unique vision and passion for French culture with Sophie guests.
The next see-and-be-seen destination offers two concepts, including Downstairs at Sophie, an intimate cocktail bar, and an upstairs bar featuring an expansive second-floor open-air terrace. Downstairs at Sophie, an eccentric yet inviting 20-seat cocktail bar, features aristocrat-meets- artist-inspired interiors, complete with dramatic, dark red lacquered walls, mirrored ceilings, eye- catching floral and animal print fabrics, and velvet club chairs. Oversized glass chandeliers show off a curated selection of bold and colorful paintings from Biarritz-based French artist Philippine de Richemont, an homage to the dozens of famous artists who made their way in the South of France. Sophie is using the expertise of international branding and design firm EAMStudio to bring the specific design vision to life, with Creative Director Emilia Menocal at the helm, a native of France.
The upstairs terrace, poised to become a haven for patio gatherings and leisurely afternoons under the sun, is a transportive experience to the French Riveria, featuring a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio and prime views of Montrose. The chic space includes lush greenery, indoor and outdoor seating for up to 80 guests, and multiple seating vignettes. Interiors inspired by natural elements include hues of soft white, beige, and coral, paired with bold, colorful tableware.
With a French-inspired menu, Sophie will be helmed by Chef de Cuisine Anthony Anderson, whose culinary resume includes work at Uchi, Uchiko, and Nobie’s. Standout menu items include Thon Cru, marinated yellowfin tuna and saffron potato with Kaluga huso caviar; Fettuccine with lemon butter and Kaluga huso caviar; the Sophie Burger with caramelized onion and gruyere served with french fries; The Swan, a pistachio cake with pistachio sable and raspberry confit; and a wide selection of cheese and wild game charcuterie.
The menu of signature and presentation-based cocktails includes options like: The King’s Lover made with Roasted Barley Brioche Kettle One Vodka, Liquor 43 and Maven cold brew; Mademoiselle Sophie made with Hendricks Flora Adora, lime, Chambord and simple syrup; and a Scent of a Rose made with Kettle One Rose and grapefruit Vodka, rose syrup, lemon, elderflower, and sparkling rosé. Additional beverage options include a curated selection of domestic and French wines, house-curated shots, a seasonal spritz menu available upstairs, and a selection of signature experiential cocktails available downstairs.
“We are incredibly excited to open Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar and offer our guests an unforgettable experience in an inviting, beautiful space,” said Ashley Muncie in a statement. “Sophie is a destination to gather with friends for a long afternoon of cocktails and bites on the terrace, a post-dinner nightcap, and everything in between.”
Sophie will be open seven days a week from 4:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. with happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 4:00 p.m., weekly menu specials, live music and rooftop DJ sets.
