Following the success of their contemporary honky-tonk, Goodnight Hospitality has taken a break from nightlife in favor of daytime fare. Montrose Cheese & Wine, one of their newest concepts located in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, is tucked behind a crisp-white brick facade accented with tailored viridian moldings. The intimate 800 square foot cafe and store provides “a local, independent and high-quality source for retail cheese, wine, and pastry needs,” Goodnight’s David Keck said.
Designed by New York-based Studio Robert McKinley and inspired by the vendors or salumeria found throughout Europe, the new space contains far more than its moniker implies all while retaining the charm of this old world reference. A curving oiled oak and marble display case sits atop the terrazzo floor and houses a rotating selection of pastries and cheeses courtesy of cheesemonger Shannon McCracken. A sleek metal shelf, suspended on delicate arms behind the counter, presents additional pantry must-haves and further emphasizes the space’s market inspiration.
One is able to peruse the densely layered oak and glass fixture, holding over 100 wines, or grab one of 10 inviting upholstered seats at the nearby bar. The rounded and refined form echoes the lines of the adjacent case as well as the softened edges of the cheese boards sliding across the bar’s surface. A griotto counter completes the bar while playfully nodding to the marbling in the meat on the bistro’s mouthwatering charcuterie plates. Behind, a spiral staircase—wrapped in hanging glasses, bottles, and topped with a custom chandelier fabricated in Murano, Italy—connects to the wine cellar below.
Though seating inside is limited, a canopy-covered outdoor patio provides additional space to enjoy a glass of wine. Groupings of planters paired with mint seating and minimal sconces combine to create the atmosphere of a cozy European alley in the eclectic Texas district. From a quick grab-and-go to mid-afternoon drinks, Montrose Cheese & Wine, fittingly, pairs well with any occasion.