Neighborhood Spotlight: Earnest Bar & Hideaway - A Wedgewood Houston Pioneer
In the heart of our vibrant Wedgewood Houston neighborhood lies a true pioneer of our local dining scene: Earnest Bar & Hideaway. This month, we're shining a spotlight on this beloved establishment that has played a significant role in shaping our community's culinary landscape.
A Brief History
Earnest Bar & Hideaway opened its doors in 2016, during the early stages of Wedgewood Houston's transformation into the creative and culinary hub we know today. Founded by local entrepreneurs, Earnest quickly became a cornerstone of the neighborhood's burgeoning food and drink scene.
The founders chose the name "Earnest" to reflect their commitment to honest, straightforward hospitality and high-quality offerings. The "Hideaway" portion of the name nods to the bar's initially tucked-away location, which gave it a speakeasy-like feel in its early days.
A Unique Atmosphere
Located in a repurposed textile factory in our 2016 up-and-coming Nashville neighborhood, Earnest Bar & Hideaway brings new life to this historic space. The renovated interior houses a bar and restaurant with a warm "local pub" feel, reminiscent of a library. This design choice creates a welcoming atmosphere while honoring the building's industrial history.
The space's original features, including stone walls and heavy timber columns, have been preserved and exposed, maintaining an open floor plan that speaks to its past. The design team embraced the open ceiling beam structure, integrating new systems seamlessly to limit enclosed areas. Carefully selected lighting and fixtures accommodate the low ceiling heights, while restored original windows allow ample natural light to flood the space.
Natural wood flooring and custom millwork warm the stone walls, accentuating the "found library" aesthetic. An antique mirror above the banquette reflects light throughout the space, enhancing the cozy ambiance.
The bar's design also pays homage to Ernest Hemingway, with thoughtful details scattered throughout. Picture lights showcase the owner's collection of Hemingway art on a new gallery accent wall. Other Hemingway-inspired touches include penny tiles mimicking typewriter keys on the custom hostess stand and a card catalogue-inspired divider that provides separation for the dining area.
What They're Known For
Craft Cocktails: Earnest has built a reputation for its exceptional craft cocktail program. Their skilled mixologists are known for creating inventive drinks using house-made syrups, bitters, and infusions. The bar's signature cocktail, "The Earnest Old Fashioned," has become a local favorite.
Southern-Inspired Cuisine: While primarily known as a bar, Earnest also offers a menu of elevated Southern-inspired dishes. From their famous Nashville hot chicken sliders to their vegetarian-friendly black-eyed pea fritters, the food at Earnest complements their drinks perfectly.
Live Music: Embracing Nashville's musical roots, Earnest regularly hosts live music events featuring local artists. These intimate performances have made it a go-to spot for music lovers in the neighborhood.
Community Involvement: Since its inception, Earnest has been deeply involved in the Wedgewood Houston community. They've participated in numerous neighborhood events and have been strong supporters of local artists, often featuring their work on the bar's walls.
Looking Forward
As Wedgewood Houston continues to grow and evolve, Earnest Bar & Hideaway will be closing its doors on Sunday, October 20th, to make way for a new concept. Their commitment to quality, community, and creativity embodies the spirit of our neighborhood.
The Wedgewood Houston Social will always remember this WeHo pioneer that arguably helped define what our neighborhood has become. As Chad DiDonato, WEHO Social Neighborhood Association, says, "Earnest Bar & Hideaway has been a cornerstone of our community, and we'll miss their delicious food, amazing drinks, and lively atmosphere…and looking forward to the new beer and burgers concept come to life”.
We encourage all of our neighbors to visit Earnest Bar & Hideaway one last time before they close their doors. Let's show our appreciation for this local gem and support them as they embark on a new chapter.
Eat and drink local!
