Upstairs brings lofty cocktail program

Upstairs, the new bar on the second floor of Hungry’s in Rice Village, is already becoming a popular spot for drinks. And not just because of the strong cocktail program. The modern space — designed by architect Palmer Schooley and team — features a covered terrace that, from a distance, appears tucked in the oak trees of Rice Boulevard.

About the cocktails? Upstairs’ menu offers cold comforts such as Just Beet It (tequila, beet juice, lemon and ginger), Strawberry Elixir (fresh strawberries, rhubarb bitters, rum and lemon), Grapefruit Spritz (Aperol, blood orange liqueur, grapefruit juice and sparkling wine) and the Silver Fox (Maker’s Mark, blood orange liqueur, Averna and lemon juice).

Happy hour (4-7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays) is a fine time to visit. Select cocktails and wines are $4, as are Texas draft beers. The bar also offers a variety of flights, including three-pour dips into rye, scotch and mezcal. greg.morago@chron.com