How It Started: Julep Houston

One could say that Alba Huerta, a Mexican-American Houstonian and a past Imbibe 75 Bartender of the Year, was born to be a bar owner. “From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of creating a space where people could gather, celebrate, and share stories,” she says. Over the years, her own experiences, such as managing Bobby Heugel’s Anvil Bar & Refuge, and her love of hospitality and local flavors helped shape her dream bar concept. “I was ready to create something that truly resonated with me and was distinct in its approach to cocktails in my community.”

Julep, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in November, not only became that place but a tribute to Houston’s food culture and traditions. “It was essential for me to celebrate and preserve these traditions inclusively and respectfully—from our cocktails to our decor—while helping to elevate Houston’s culinary industry.”

Here, Huerta shares the origin and evolution of Julep, from first walking into the empty bar space to winning Houston’s first James Beard Award, and what’s next.

Alba Huerta:

When I first stepped into Julep’s current space, I felt an immediate connection. The building, over 110 years old at the time, had a timeless charm and a rich history that I knew would bring depth and character to the bar. It felt warm, inviting, and filled with potential. I could instantly envision a place where Houston’s spirit and hospitality would shine—a bar that felt both elevated and approachable, a place where every cocktail is crafted with care and guests feel like they’re stepping into a space they love. I wanted to focus on high-quality ingredients and genuine hospitality, bringing Houston a bar experience that’s truly one of a kind and inclusive.

Being able to serve and be part of this community has been one of the most meaningful aspects of Julep’s journey.

What I didn’t envision was the deep sense of community that would grow around Julep. Over time, it became more than just a bar. It’s a gathering place that brings people together and fosters connection. Being able to serve and be part of this community has been one of the most meaningful aspects of Julep’s journey. We wholeheartedly love our community, and it loves us back.

Those early years were a real test. I was juggling too many roles and had to learn the difference between bartending and operating the bar to the best of my ability, then gradually stepping into the role of a true business operator. Building the right team, maintaining consistency in service, and navigating the unpredictable aspects of running a new business all came with steep learning curves. It was about finding our rhythm, discovering what resonated with guests, and adapting quickly.

Being a decade younger certainly helped. I had the energy and drive to tackle every challenge head-on. There was incredible excitement in the air, with people curious about what we were bringing to the scene. Every night was all hands-on deck, buzzing with the energy of learning, adjusting, and refining. I tend to tuck it away in memory. But it took us two extra months to get our license through permitting. That waiting period was brutal. It felt like every day was a new test of patience and perseverance, but it also taught me resilience. Once that hurdle was cleared, it was exhilarating to watch Julep’s personality take shape and connect with those first guests, many of whom became our regulars and continue to join us at every event.

Julep has truly grown into its identity, becoming a meaningful part of the community. Today, we’re fortunate to have a vibrant mix of regulars and newcomers who celebrate milestones, unwind, and connect with one another here. None of this would be possible without my management team and incredible staff, whose dedication and talent bring the bar to life each day. They create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel at home and are the heart of the shared history and special connections we’ve built.

[The James Beard Award] wasn’t just my win; it was ours and also our community’s.

Some of the most standout moments with the Julep staff come from the deep bonds we’ve built over the years, like how the team came together to support each other during several hurricanes and the pandemic. Even while navigating personal challenges, everyone showed up to help, whether it was volunteering, providing meals, or just being there for one another. Another special moment was celebrating Houston’s and Julep’s first James Beard Award win together. Watching the staff light up with pride as we shared that accomplishment was incredible. It wasn’t just my win; it was ours and also our community’s.

I also cherish the smaller, everyday victories—the nights when the team is perfectly in sync, with service for our guests at the forefront, or when a new staff member masters the service well. Those shared successes and personal growth moments make all the hard work worthwhile.

We’re continuing to evolve our offerings and deepen our community roots. We have plans for a few unique collaborations and exploring new ways to share stories through our cocktails. Personally, I’m excited to keep learning and finding ways to expand Julep’s impact while maybe pursuing a new creative venture. Also, we are working on a new bar concept called Parlor in the heart of Houston. More to come on that front. But we couldn’t be more excited about making a great mark in the mixology area.

I want people to know that Julep is about more than just cocktails. It’s about fostering community, and creating a warm, welcoming space for everyone who walks through the door. Our program is based on inclusivity where each employee gets to create a cocktail inspired by their experiences and cultures. Our goal has always been to make people feel connected—to the flavors, the stories, and each other.

—As told to Caroline Pardilla