Bastion: The Bar and The Restaurant

photo courtesy of Bastion Nashville

Back in February, a new bar opened it’s doors in Wedgewood Houston and I pretty much instantly fell in love. At that time, some of my friends didn’t even know where Wedgewood Houston was. Actually, by the blank stares I still get from some people when I’m explaining where Bastion is, it’s obvious there are plenty that still don’t.

And I’m okay with that. Because so far it hasn’t gotten too crowded. And it hasn’t been overrun by tourists and bachelorette parties (please God, don’t let this happen. Please.)

Tucked away inside Houston Station, Bastion is the kind of watering hole/gathering space that my husband and I have been saying was lacking from the social scene for a few years now.

Bastion Nachos

Strategic Hospitality and Chef Josh Habiger are the forces behind this place, and once again they’ve got the golden touch. A neighborhood bar serving everything from amazing craft cocktails to High Life ponies, Bastion also has an arcade table. Galaga!!! The excitement I experience any time I encounter Galaga is a little abnormal. Pair it with a good cocktail and my night is made.

While I love many of Strategic’s concepts (Patterson House, Pinewood, Catbird), this one is definitely the most laid back and comfortable. It’s the perfect place to hang with friends or have a casual date night with your honey.

Craft cocktails are $13. Punch of the day, Old Fashioneds and Bucks (my go-to) are $9. Wine is $8. Beers are $2.50 – $6.50. When I say there is something for everyone, there really is.

Toy Soldier at Bastion – Tequila, Mezcal, Pineapple, Lime, Ginger, Cardamom, Salt

While there are more than enough drink options to keep you busy for quite some time (and meet anyone’s taste), the bar serves only one food item – nachos. But they are way delicious, so I think you’ll be more than satisfied.

just part of our Feast at Bastion, the restaurant

That said, if you’re looking for more of a meal than just snack-y bar food, then you can combine your visit to Bastion the bar with Bastion the restaurant.

Opened in May of this year, the 24 seat restaurant side of Bastion is made up of basically 3 areas – a small bar, a kitchen counter, and a dining room with 3 tables.

one of many a la carte dishes at Bastion’s counter

Parties of four to six (no parties of more than 6 can be accommodated) can dine at one of the dining room tables, where they offer ‘the feast’, a multi-course meal that, in our experience, will leave you stuffed, and perhaps even taking home some leftovers. These dishes are served family style, and the chef himself delivers the courses to you, along with a detailed description of each.

Pear + Fennel at Bastion

For parties of one to four, Bastion offers a multi-course a la carte menu served at the kitchen counter, where you can watch all the magic happen up close. Having done both, I have to say, I think I prefer sitting at the counter for no reason other than being able to interact with the chefs as they prepare the meal. You can’t go wrong with the food either way, but it’s fun to watch and ask questions as it’s all coming together.

Scallop + Melon at Bastion

The kitchen counter menu is arranged by size, with the smallest dishes at the top, and the larger entree-like dishes toward the bottom, with dessert very last. They suggest 1 item per line per person, and for the most part, I agree. Of course, if there are 3 things on one line that you want, go for it! My husband and I are usually more interested in savory courses than sweet, so if you’re like us, maybe you’ll want to cut out a dessert and choose something from another section instead.

Whatever you do, definitely choose different items than your dining partner/partners, so you can taste almost everything on the menu!

Beef + Sweet Potato at Bastion

Menu descriptions are super simple (as you can see from my photo captions), but I promise the flavors are way more complex. There’s a lot happening in some of these small plates and your taste buds will be doing the happy dance as you hop from dish to dish.

Dessert at Bastion

Whether you’re looking for a casual after-work drink spot or in need of a special place for a celebratory meal, Bastion has you covered. Take my word for it and go grab a drink, have some nachos, and/or make a reservation for the restaurant via their online ticketing system. But let’s keep it between us, okay? I’d like for it to stay tucked away as our hidden gem for as long as possible…

Bastion Nashville

434 Houston St
Nashville, TN 37203
615-490-8434

Bar:
Tues-Sun 5 pm – 2 am

Restaurant:
Wed – Sat 5:30 – 9:45 pm