Katy Crossing Icehouse creates community hub in the heart of downtown Katy

Located across the street from City Hall and the Katy Civic Center, the long-awaited Katy Crossing Icehouse was converted from a bank. Repurposing the space caused some construction delays, but it opened to the public in February 2023, Fanning said.

Fanning said he works with the city to provide libations for events and other area business owners, who host the monthly Katy Market Days.

“We work together [and] we are face-to-face with the community,” Fanning said. “We do functions for the community, charities for the community—we're invested in the community. It's not the same for the bigger [chain] stores.”

Katy Crossing Icehouse has a large patio for kids to play and parents to listen to live music. Its drink menu includes wines, beers and seasonal craft cocktails, including a blueberry lemonade made with blueberry-infused vodka.

The bar also hosts local groups, such as women business owners, and events, such as birthdays and bridal parties. Once, there was even a baby kangaroo at the bar for customers to interact with, he said.

Fanning said he loves fostering a place where residents feel “cozy and safe.”

“The biggest draw for us is that there really is something for everyone,” Fanning said. “My wife and I have gotten to meet a lot of people, we come here for our own date nights. I have a great staff, and they all like each other. It's just fun.”

• 5733 2nd St., Katy
• www.katycrossingicehouse.com