Berg Hospitality Group, the Houston-based culinary group run by restaurateur Benjamin Berg, will open a new Havana-inspired lounge Oct. 28 in an intimate spot located next door to The Annie Café & Bar in Uptown Houston.

Called Emilia's Havana, the lounge will offer small plates, cocktails and live music in a setting reminiscent of a 1950s Cuban club, according to an Oct. 27 press announcement. The cocktail menu, created by James Beard award-winning mixologist Alba Huerta, will feature classic and contemporary drinks.

"When presented with this small space by my landlord, which was formerly a storage closet, my immediate thought was to create an intimate, speakeasy-style lounge with live music every night," Berg said in a statement. "This is something I feel Houston is still really lacking. You are going to pay a premium for your seat, but I am positive that this is a space where everyone will be able to really let loose and enjoy that nostalgic Havana vibe and unique bossa nova style of music that most people have only seen in the movies."

The venue seats 50 people and is now accepting reservations. Those making a reservation have the choice of two seatings each night that include two hours of live music.

Upon making a reservation, guests will be contacted by the host with directions to the venue. The lounge will be open Wednesdays-Saturdays.


Live music at Emilia's will come courtesy of a house band that specializes in bossa nova as well as local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, according to the release.

Other details about the new lounge and its interior are not being disclosed, as officials said they want to provide more of a surprise to guests upon their arrival.

In addition to The Annie, other Berg Hospitality concepts include B&B Butchers and Restaurant, BB Lemon, and Trattoria Sofia.