These elements establish a feeling of nostalgia, Tanner said. His vision for EZ’s, which opened Oct. 21, 2022, was to pay homage to the classic dives in Houston he grew up on that have since been shuttered. His place has the same “old-school vibes, good times and high energy,” he said.
“A lot of the older neighborhood bars that we enjoyed going to are starting to close down, either because a person who has owned it doesn't want to own it anymore, ... or the property gets sold out from under them, and a high-rise goes in its place,” Tanner said. “It was our thought to recreate those kinds of places but with a little bit more modern approach to the average program.”
Alice’s Tall Texan and Kay’s Lounge were two of Tanner’s biggest inspirations for EZ’s Liquor Lounge. The warm lighting, the worn-in feeling, and the solace these now-closed venues provided its guests were what made them special, he said.
“It's just a comfort there. [When] it's been here forever, [it feels] like, ‘This is home,’” Tanner said. “It's the place I can go to every Christmas when I get home from dealing with family. It's the place I can go to and celebrate. It's the place I can go to on a really nice night out, ... [or] if I'm having a terrible day. That's always been the draw for me.”
As far as influence, Tanner also worked with the Pappa’s family to create and implement a cocktail menu for over 105 restaurants. He trained staff for the opening of 12 restaurants in his seven years with them.
This experience taught him about large-scale operations and the importance of consistent quality and food service, he said. Coupled with his inspirations from the neighborhood bars is what prepared him to open EZ’s.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere
Fresh ingredients, freezing cold glasses and mugs, and a fusion of elevated cocktails and classic offerings are what sets EZ’s apart, Tanner said.
“Everything that's here is meant to be very, very, very refreshing. You get fresh juices; you have nice ice; our wells are premium spirits,” Tanner said. “Everything on the back bar is quite nice as well, so you're not limited to just having a well vodka soda or a Jack and Coke. If you want a nice cocktail, we make very nice cocktails—but also if you just want a beer and a shot, we have that for you as well.”
Some of the most popular menu items include the ranch waters made with tequila, lime juice, soda and a pinch of Tajin. EZ’s freezer martinis and nitro Irish coffee are two other fan favorites, Tanner said.
The bottom line
“Community is everything” to Tanner, and becomes much more significant when considering the isolation of COVID-19 and the overuse of cellphones, he said.
For him, EZ’s Liquor Lounge is a place where neighbors meet and “people talk to people.”
“I want [EZ’s] to be cemented into the community as the place you go on Thanksgiving when you’re done visiting family, the place you go after a date or before a date, or just gather with friends and play pool because y'all want to hang out or watch the Astros,” Tanner said. “It’s all about camaraderie here.”
www.agricolehospitality.com/ezs-liquor-lounge
