Just two months after announcing the closures of Indianola and Miss Carousel, Agricole Hospitality is opening the doors of new bar Lightnin’s Good Times on Wednesday, October 11, at 1201 St. Emanuel. Feeling like they “missed the mark” on what would resonate in EaDo, owners Morgan Weber, Ryan Pera and Vincent Huynh are aiming for a more upbeat and livelier affair than Miss Carousel. 

The décor has been overhauled and seems to match the vibe of another Agricole Hospitality bar, EZ’s Liquor Lounge in the Heights (recently named as one of Esquire Magazine’s Best Bars in America for 2023). Lightnin’s Good Times is divey and eclectic, with vintage neon signs, pool tables, darts and pinball machines. Mirroring the neighboring live music venues in the area, such as Warehouse Live and The Secret Group, Lightnin’s also features a stage where bands and DJs will perform throughout the week. If there is going to be music, then there also needs to be a dance floor. Lightnin’s will have that, too, as well as a covered patio area where patrons can go when they need to take a breather.

Through a press release, Weber, Huynh and Pera reflected on the change, “With so much action – from sports games to entertainment and nightlife happening in EaDo — we wanted to create a space that would match the energy and needs of the area, while maintaining our standards of beverage and hospitality”

The drink menu will keep things simple with a selection of classic cocktails such as margaritas and ranch waters, and signature creations like Lightnin’s Gin & Tonic (the LGT) with cucumber and lime juice and Henny-Things Possible made with Hennessy Cognac, apricot, lemon juice and Champagne. Beer drinkers can have their pick of domestic and imports as well as craft beers. 

There’s no food menu, but guests don’t have to go far for sustenance. They will be able to order from sister spot Vinny’s Pizza, as well as the soon-to-open Tex Mex cantina that’s replacing Indianola.

Agricole Hospitality’s owners have proven they know a thing or two about successful bars, with EZ’s and both locations of Eight Row Flint finding their spots in the Houston bar scene. With a shift in energy and focusing on a “good time”, they hope to add Lightin’s to the list.

Lightnin’s Good Times is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 2 a.m.

Minh Truong

Minh Truong is an avid lover of the Houston food scene and has written about it since 2011, starting as a freelance contributor for the Houston Press. She never stops exploring all that Houston has to offer.