New cocktail concept, Santé Lounge, debuted in Upper Kirby in December, bringing handcrafted cocktails and an elevated food program to the Houston neighborhood.

The inspiration

According to a December news release on the concept, Santé Lounge means "cheers" in French and was born from owner Sina Khaef's travels.

Per the release, Khaef's vision started while sipping champagne in Paris. He aimed to recreate the European nightlife scene in Houston—with crafted cocktails, music, art and beautiful aesthetics.
Sante is divided into four sections: the garden which houses the bar and olive trees; the spin room next to the DJ booth; the verde section adjacent from the garden; and the outdoor patio area. (Courtesy Chris Furia)
"We are so proud of what we have created here at Santé," Khaef said in a statement. "It’s a tasteful and sophisticated destination for you to enjoy with your friends, colleagues and visitors alike."

What to expect


Santé Lounge will have a selection of artistic drinks, a curated food program, including oysters and caviar, weekend DJ sets and other high-end offerings, according to the release.
The food program was curated to feature a variety of bites to complement Santé’s offerings, per the release. (Courtesy Chris Furia)
As for the atmosphere, the lounge boasts an elegant, European flare with its interior decor featuring two 300-year-old olive trees, vintage chandeliers, jewel-toned lounge seating and a rotating art collection, per the release.

On the menu

Each cocktail at Santé is named and paired with a famous piece of art, correlated through a coaster. The bar program was developed by Matthew Medina, who also worked with Houston restaurants Toca Madera and Duchess, per the release.
Santé's cocktail program was developed by the brain behind other Houston hot spots Toca Madera and Duchess. (Courtesy Chris Furia)
Featured drinks include a paloma named after Diego Rivera's "Man at The Crossroads" and an old fashioned inspired by Paul Cézanne’s “Three Pears.”
The Three Pears Old Fashioned ($19) features WhistlePig Rye 6, barrel-aged maple and pear calvados and is inspired by artist Paul Cézanne’s “Three Pears” piece. (Courtesy Chris Furia)
Food options include pita bread served with hummus and squash tahini dip, artisanal meat and cheese boards, east coast oysters and a variety of flatbreads named after renowned artists—such as the Frida, made with Mexican chorizo, white sauce, onion, cilantro and avocado; and the Da Vinci, made with shrimp, white sauce and heirloom tomato.