My Pick of the Month: The Charcuterie Kick Continues at Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar

By Kelsei Brianna

The entrance of Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar. (Brittany B./Yelp)

If anyone is wondering what my favorite food from the months of March to June was this year, it was a combination of brie cheese, fresh strawberries, gooey honeycomb, the occasional grape and thinly sliced, crispy buttered baguettes. A charcuterie board variation I never thought would have me so hooked.  

Before getting into my pick for the month of June, Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar, the board that launched this three-month long charcuterie run, must be discussed.  

Combination Charcuterie Board at insideOUT. (Kelsei Brianna/March 2025)

During a weekend trip to San Diego, I visited a cherry blossom themed restaurant, insideOUT. This is where the trajectory of my stomach for the next few months was changed. The waiter dropped off the combination charcuterie board for the table and walked away with a smile. I took a chance ordering this board as it was my first real charcuterie board situated on a wooden slab and finely arranged. I do not think the brigade in the kitchen realized how much impact they had on me that night — compliments to the chef. At the end of dinner, this board was too good to leave on the table, so I saved a few pieces of cheese, crackers and honey for an airport snack. I am still working on my charcuterie-storing-methods, but it was just as good the next morning.  

Every day after this, I saw charcuterie boards at every turn. Mini boards with salami and common cheeses at pop-up events, the basic cheese and crackers combo and even in the grocery store-turned my home fridge when I decided to make a personal graze. Inevitably, I began to search for it under appetizer, shareable and small bite sections at restaurants. If there was a charcuterie board on that menu and aesthetically appealing decor, the reservation was made seconds later. Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar in Houston. I checked those boxes for me.  

Terrace Bar at SophieHTX. (Maria M./Yelp)

While planning for my first solo trip to Dream Con which happened in Houston this year, I turned to social media and locals for restaurant recommendations. I like to insert a variety of food into my itinerary but especially my favorite foods. After three days of eating pho, crawfish and salmon over toasted bagels, it was time for my charcuterie board.  

I went to Sophie on my last day in Houston and the day of my return flight to Chicago — this comes back later to bite.  

Sophie looked just like it did in the TikTok videos. The beaming neon lights, checkerboard stairs and thick velvet red curtains were all there just like the influencers said it would be. I made reservations to dine on the terrace, which, compared to the first floor, was like night and day.

First floor of SophieHTX. (Catherine H./Yelp)

The first floor of Sophie was a nightclub atmosphere while the terrace made me feel airy and had a posh ambiance. The terrace is decorated with greenery and flowers peeking out of the hanging potted plants. This foliage pairs well with the white wicker chairs and blue seat cushions. The grass wall and neon sign duo, perfect for selfies or fully body group photos, tied the interior together. Given how charming the entire terrace is, you could take photos in your seat or tucked in the corner of the terrace. 

Lychee martini at SophieHTX. (Kelsei Brianna/June 2025)

After concealing — as much as I could — my carry-on luggage and travel backpack, I placed my order. I started with a lychee martini. This martini was intense, yet tasty. For my appetizer, of course, I grabbed the charcuterie where I built my own and loaded it with all my favorite fixings. Moving into my main course I decided on the Sophie Burger, it was crowned with gruyere cheese and caramelized onions on a brioche bun and was served with a side of shoestring fries. The spread was heavenly. The food was looking back at me while I decided where to dig into it first. My thought process was cut with a quiet panic and slight anxiousness when I realized my flight was leaving in three hours and I was about an hour away from the airport. I tasted four fries, chugged the martini and paid for my almost $100 meal — I am not proud of this number but looking back it was worth it.  

From L-R. charcuterie board, Sophie Burger and lychee martini spread. (Kelsei Brianna/June 2025)

Half-tipsy, I ate my meal at Houston airport. It survived the shorter-than-expected drive and was still steamy. I was surprised by the quality of the meal. The burger was worth every penny. The cheese and onions enhanced the flavor of the sandwich, and I found it hard to take breaks between bites. The charcuterie was everything and more. I did, however, order too much brie cheese — it was too stacked. Honeycomb with each bite would have elevated the to-go charcuterie box.  

I enjoyed everything about the meal and would eat at Sophie again — better dressed and less stressed.  

My rating of Sophie is a 9/10 — the scenery was unmatched, but the price point knocks my rating down. Being that it is a lavish experience, I understand why it was pricey. Regardless I am glad I did not cancel my reservation and still showed up it was worth the hype and the mini panic attack.