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Houston's bars are lively any weekend with countless parties featuring local and nationally known entertainers. But with the NBA all-star game in town, bar-hoppers enjoy the additional challenge of sorting out rumors of when and whether which current or former all-star might appear at which bar, and how soon or late one must arrive to get a seat before a mystery VIP pulls up in a limousine. For most, the major factor was where good friends, great food, and original decor unite for a fun evening. In my case, it was my first visit to the Addix, known as Houston's premier sports bar and grill at 33 Waugh Dr.in the heart of Houston's popular Washington corridor. The party was coordinated and hosted by Houston Social Source and Matchmaker Amber Rountree-Neal, co-sponsored by a half-dozen local firms.
The Addix, about a block north of Washington Ave, has a home style decor in its 3 guest areas, an outer terrace, center, and inner rooms, with an exotic flare, using glowing artificial torches for light and heat on the terrace (appreciated in the unusually chilly air) and glowing heat lamps in the central area with a bar, tables, and a photo booth. The main inner bar includes the stage, dancing floor and lounge chairs. The different zones facilitate different sorts of simultaneous socializing. A half-dozen comedians and rappers livened up the crowd.
Most of the guests were young professionals, comfortable paying the $25 cover charge for a relaxing time with a touch of glamor, mingling with musicians, local comedians, models , and charming waitresses. Amids the blaring music and frequent checks of i-phones, the rumors circulated that a mystery VIP would arrive between 10 and 11:00 PM. Some said it might be Shaquile O'Neil. Others named a few well-known comedians. Several television cameras, freelance photographers, and enthusiastic amateurs began gathering on the outer terrace, while the others took turns capturing the atmosphere on video.
Eventually a long black limousine arrived and a local director positioned his crew. The VIPs were the popular Indie group Alazae who delivered an electrifying performance of “Code Red.” shortly after 1:00 AM, and the tireless party-goers still needed to be urged to leave when the bar closed at 2.
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