Crafting an Unforgettable Experience at Eight Row Flint: A Conversation with the Founder

As the doors swing open to Eight Row Flint, patrons are greeted with more than just a bar; it's an experience crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for community. Houston City Beat takes you into a story with the founder, Christian Garza, to delve into the inspirations, values, and unique offerings that set Eight Row Flint apart in Houston's East End.

HCB: The renovation of Eight Row Flint sounds impressive, with rustic elements like salvaged wood and duck canvas. How do these design choices contribute to creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for your patrons?

CG: We want you to feel at home. Imagine yourself hanging out with friends in your backyard or garage. We have design elements that resonate with each of our guests, and our goal is to share our experiences with them. 

HCB: The custom rickhouse in the dining room is a unique feature that pays homage to the Heights location. Can you share more about the inspiration behind incorporating this element into the space?

CG: To me, it is exactly that. It is an homage to our flagship Eight Row Flint in the Heights. Both locations come from the same tree, and are both apples, but different apples. It is a reminder of where we started. It provides familiarity to those who have been to the Heights location and creates a new experience for those who are walking into Eight Row Flint East End for the very first time.

HCB: Art plays a significant role in elevating the ambiance of Eight Row Flint, including the stairway mural painted by General Manager Christian Garza and his daughter. How does the art reflect the restaurant's identity and values?

CG: Eight Row Flint East End is homegrown. Our families have known each other for years and our children have grown up together in and around the bar. Before we opened the East End location, we found ourselves staring at the empty walls in the hallways, and my first thought was of the many collaborated paintings that were sitting idle in my garage. It was the first step towards giving this location the spunk and character it has now. We are located in the heart of the Second Ward Arts District, and the art we have hanging on our walls comes from somewhere special. It is a constant reminder that we are more than just a bar. 

HCB: What other art murals have GM Christian Garza and his daughter completed?

CG: It all started with my 3-year-old drawing pictures of our family at 4 am on our hallway wall one morning. The obvious move was to gather some canvases and art supplies and designate a space for art projects. Since then, we have created a lot of fun pieces together! One of the most memorable projects was a 6-foot marlin that I salvaged from a garage sale. She picked it out and we painted it together, and it is now hanging in the bathroom hallway at Eight Row East. 

HCB: With indoor seating for almost 200 and an expansive rooftop patio, Eight Row Flint seems well-equipped to accommodate large crowds. How do you ensure that each guest has a memorable and enjoyable experience, especially during peak times?

CG: We strive to treat everyone who walks through the door with the same amount of attention and service, and many of our patrons have become regulars and friends because of this. We want to know your name and we want to know how your day is going. We prefer to sweat a little, so during peak times our staff is going to hustle and make sure you are getting the experience you deserve. We are all hands-on deck and help each other out wherever possible, so our guests can have a good time!

HCB: Being located along the METRORail Green line, Eight Row Flint is positioned as an ideal gathering spot before, during, or after a game. How do you engage with the local community and sports fans to enhance their visit to your establishment?

CG: We want to be your first and last stop, each and every day. Our team has a blast coming up with fun events and specials for the whole community to engage in. Most of these are centered around sports games, national holidays, and local events. We run Astros specials for all home games, all season. One of our popular deals is a "Bases Loaded," which includes a 16oz Lone Star Tallboy, a shot of Jim Beam or Hornitos, and Chili con Queso Nachos served in a novelty baseball helmet for $10. The Green Line is a quick ride to the stadium from East and is located directly in front of our building, not to mention that parking is free all around us.

HCB: In addition to offering a vibrant social atmosphere, what sets Eight Row Flint apart in terms of its food and beverage offerings? Are there any signature dishes or cocktails that patrons particularly rave about?

CG: It is safe to say that this is more than just a job for us. The bottom line is that we want to provide our guests, family, and friends with a product that we can stand behind. We curate our menus (both food and beverage) using quality ingredients and safe practices. Our menu is constantly revolving and evolving, but one item has stayed true to form since day one: our Crab Rangoon Empanadas. It is exactly what it sounds like, Crab and Cream Cheese stuffed inside an Empanada wrapper, formed by hand daily, and served with Sweet Chili Mustard. Pair that with one of our signature margaritas and you are off to a good start.

HCB: Sustainability is increasingly important in the hospitality industry. Can you share any initiatives or practices that Eight Row Flint implements to minimize its environmental footprint?

CG: The first thing that comes to mind is produce. We use a lot of it AND we use all of it. Let's use fruit for example. Peels are expressed into drinks or used for Oleos. Pulp and juices are used fresh for cocktails, clarified or squeezed for Agua Frescas, and any remaining or unused fruit is sliced and dehydrated to use as garnish. Having a kitchen in-house also allows us to move away from using disposables for plating. 

HCB: The rooftop patio sounds like a fantastic feature, especially for enjoying Houston's beautiful weather. What types of events or activities do you host on the patio, and how do you ensure a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests?

CG: Having a rooftop patio has been a catalyst for making the experience that much more memorable. We are always looking for that next cool event to host up on the roof, and the possibilities are endless. Over the past year, we have hosted live bands, DJ's, drag brunches, painting sessions, and countless parties. I feel like the allure is the open air and view of the Houston skyline – pair that with friends and a cold drink and you won't want to leave. 

HCB: How does Eight Row Flint contribute to the cultural and culinary scene in the East End of Houston? Are there any partnerships or collaborations with local businesses or organizations that you're particularly proud of?

CG: Although we are not new to Houston or the scene, we do understand that we are new to the neighborhood. That being said, we are proud to showcase what we have to offer, and our doors are always open. We love collaborations. A recent collab that we really enjoyed was with Khoi BBQ and La Reynera Bakery. We featured a torta on the menu using roasted whole hog pork from Khoi BBQ and fresh bolillo rolls from La Reynera that we picked up daily. It was a big hit.

HCB: For someone who's never been to Eight Row Flint before, how would you describe the overall experience they can expect, from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave?

CG: Whether you've never been or are returning for the 100th time, you are going to walk in the door and notice a vibe. The decor, layout, lights, and playlists are all reflections of who we are as individuals and as an establishment. You'll see what may seem like random things on the walls, but they are things that we have accumulated over the years through hobbies and interests, and most of them have a story to tell. You'll be greeted with a smile and a genuine interest in what we can do to make your experience memorable. The menu has a little bit of everything for everyone; patio pounders for that hot day, refined cocktails for those with a savvy palate, ice cold beer, and a huge selection of spirits from bourbon to agave and everything in between. Sit with friends, belly up at the bar, play some pool, or enjoy a nice night up on the rooftop patio. Eight Row Flint East End is your oyster.

HCB: For someone who's never been to Eight Row Flint before, how would you describe the overall experience they can expect, from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave?

CG: Whether you've never been or are returning for the 100th time, you are going to walk in the door and notice a vibe. The decor, layout, lights, and playlists are all reflections of who we are as individuals and as an establishment. You'll see what may seem like random things on the walls, but they are things that we have accumulated over the years through hobbies and interests, and most of them have a story to tell. You'll be greeted with a smile and a genuine interest in what we can do to make your experience memorable. The menu has a little bit of everything for everyone; patio pounders for that hot day, refined cocktails for those with a savvy palate, ice cold beer, and a huge selection of spirits from bourbon to agave and everything in between. Sit with friends, belly up at the bar, play some pool, or enjoy a nice night up on the rooftop patio. Eight Row Flint East End is your oyster.

Address: 3501 HARRISBURG BLVD. SUITE A HOUSTON, TX 77003

Phone: 832-409-1850

Website: Eight Row Flint East on the Web

Photo credit: Mikah Danae

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