Prohibition Texas Is Shaking Things Up In Old Town Spring

Belinda Lara at Prohibition Texas

Mention Old Town Spring and images of a kitschy little town known for crawfish festivals, fried Oreos and sweet Texas wine probably come to mind. In the past few years, though, several new local businesses have popped up giving Old Town Spring a breath of fresh air. Joining the classic storefronts are elegant bridal shops, clothing boutiques, charming cafes, some of the best barbecue in Greater Houston, a cozy wine bar and a full-fledged craft-cocktail bar called Prohibition Texas.

Prohibition Texas has been quietly open since March, but on June 22 they are planning a ribbon cutting soiree open to the public. The event starts at 7 p.m. and includes door prizes, drinks specials, and a photo booth. The first 20 guests will receive swag bags. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best 1920’s attire.

Pretzel at Prohibition Texas
The giant pretzel at Prohibition Texas. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

Over five years ago, Brad and Effie Stees opened up Envy Wine Room, a thriving business that sells 175 different bottles of wine, 100 of which are available by the glass. The inspiration behind opening a cocktail bar was Effie’s love of gin. “What turned me onto gin was the Prohibition era and how they took something when you have absolutely nothing and made a phenomenal cocktail,” Effie Stees said with a smile.“It’s like our life story. We didn’t know anything about wine and we blossomed into Envy Wine Room.”

According to Stees, Prohibition Texas is a speakeasy-inspired bar. Downstairs has a saloon-like feel with reclaimed wood and a custom, hand-formed, copper bar top. The upstairs is an elegant cigar lounge and private event space with a more glamorous feel.

The fruity and refreshing Summer-Time Passion is perfect for sipping on the porch with friends. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

Behind the bar is beverage director and gin master, Belinda Lara, who puts her own spin on classic cocktails giving them a modern twist. “My main objective is to produce fresh-squeezed, fresh-ingredient cocktails with a nice rounded balance to them,” explains Lara. “We make our own bitters and syrups. We even use some of our plants that we grow to give the drinks a fresh taste.”

The drink menu at Prohibition Texas changes with the seasons. Currently featured is a Morning Dew Old Fashioned. The traditionally booze-forward drink is given a refreshing makeover with the addition of lemongrass syrup and a garnish of candied ginger.

The gin based Mallow Mango Tea is garnished with a torched star anise. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

The Summer-Time Passion combines coconut rum with fresh fruit juices and is finished off with a stunning blackberry egg-white foam. Given the overriding love of gin at Prohibition Texas, drinks featuring that spirit are abundant on the menu, including the botanically infused Mallow Mango Tea. Cocktails range in price from $9 to $12.

The upstairs lounge at Prohibition Texas is a cigar lover’s dream. Photo by Jamie Alvear.

Prohibition Texas serves an assortment of bar bites that are nicely portioned to share. Beef or chicken sliders, a Texas-sized pretzel and creamy artichoke dip with toasted baguette slices are just some of the featured items. Happy hour runs Wednesdays through Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. with $5 bites, $7 daily gin cocktail, $2 off beer, $4.50 wine and well drinks.

Cigar aficionados will enjoy the humidor filled with over 40 different kinds, including the hard-to-find Pappy Van Winkle Toro. The upstairs private cigar lounge features comfy leather furniture and is equipped with a commercial grade “smoke eater” to keep the fumes at bay. Cigars range in price from $6 to $40 and the lounge is free to use with purchase. Guests can bring their own cigars to smoke on the porch only.

Prohibition Texas is located at 26420 Preston in Old Town Spring. The hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. Prohibition Texas is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Comments (3)

Leave a Reply to Cheryl LyrenCancel reply

  • November 14, 2020 at 6:10 pmCheryl Lyren

    just now
    My husband and I just spent a lovely couple of hours at Prohibition in Old Town Spring. Our waiter was Jamison, and he was great! Gave good advice on old fashioned cocktails, pizza and fried bread pudding, all of which we enjoyed immensely! It was a nice, laid back atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon and we can’t wait to go back!

    Reply
  • June 21, 2018 at 8:00 amJames Weber

    Great story! Will h e to check them out soon.

    Reply
  • June 20, 2018 at 6:37 pmGinny Treasure

    Such a great place to come and relax with friends. Great food super service and oh the drinks are to come back again for.
    thank you so much just the place to go and relax and enjoy your self.

    Reply