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    Anvil Bar and Refuge

    4.2 (1.2k reviews)
    Open 2:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Anvil Bar and Refuge Photos

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    ANVIL BAR AND REFUGE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Trendy
    Classy
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Anvil Bar and Refuge

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    Christine D.

    Love this neighborhood bar in Houston! Their happy hour is excellent, and they're incredibly knowledgeable about their drinks. The menu can be overwhelming, but you really won't be disappointed with whatever you get. Highly recommend the kettle chips and cream cheese dip as a snack! Crunchy and salty in all the best ways. Also super impressed with all their on-tap choices, including on-tap rum!

    Mezcal drink (on menu)
    Carmen S.

    I like to pop in here on "off nights" like M-W when it's fairly low key. On the weekends it gets very very crowded & can be a challenge to get a table or bar seating. The mixologists do a great job of making whatever drink you like or recommending a drink based on your description of your preferred drink profile. Its a pretty dark atmosphere. Gotta use your phone to see the menu but they do craft cocktails well. Parking can be a challenge with some spots across the street. They also have valet parking for $10 (at least that's the weekday price) Anvil is a go to bar for me when I want a well balanced craft cocktail. I also really enjoy their sister bar, Refuge, in the back, upstairs when I want a more intimate, upscale vibe. Drinks & talented mixologists are equally wonderful there.

    Ilana Z.

    Solid bar in Houston that we went to while visiting for the weekend. It was pretty busy but we managed to snag seats at the bar. My espresso martini was solid, but I've had better. Good music and friendly bartenders!

    Yasmin S.

    Loved this bar! It's pretty jammed inside, with limited seating besides the bar. However, I do love the music that they played and the ambiance was nice. I tried the blended margarita, and it had lime sherbet in it. That was a first for me. I will definitely be back!

    Paper cut and old fashioned
    Brandi J.

    Excellent drinks! I visited on my birthday and I'm so glad I did. It wasn't very busy, which nice. We were greeted as soon as we entered and handed a menu and told to order at the bar. After deciding, it didn't take long to prepare our drinks. They were both delicious! It will definitely be a place of return to, I look forward to trying many more drinks.

    Great place great bartenders shout out to Gisselle she's the best! If you stop by ask for her. Her energy is amazing and makes amazing drinks!

    Annie D.

    It was very busy as expected for Saturday night. There were a lot of people coming in and out so we were able to snag 2 seats at the bar fairly quickly. The bartenders are fast and very attentive. As for the drinks, the cocktails are craft with very unique flavors. One of the best bars we've been to.

    Outside area
    Rachelle Rare P.

    I was told this is the best cocktail place in the city. I came here on a weekday night and it was pretty busy. We were able to find seats quickly at the bar. Our bartender was very accommodating the music at this place wasn't the best but definitely not the worst. I would come here again for a drink. The espresso martini was perfect.

    Holley Janae P.

    I finally visited Anvil after receiving many rave recommendations from my husband and his friends. I stopped in on a Friday night around 9pm, and the bar was pleasantly full without being crowded. The backdrop of the bar is its extensive liquor shelf which is bright and colorful. There's plenty of room to stand, but if you want to sit I'd recommend arriving earlier to snag a booth. Our server provided us with great drink recommendations before Our drinks were refreshing and festive - perfect for the end of summer.

    Anthony S.

    Impeccable service from bartender Manny. Place was packed and we were hesitant on going in thinking we wouldn't get great service. However, Manny was prompt with service and offering menus as soon as I walked in the door. When seats opened up, he personally introduced himself and shook my hand. I got the Cafe con Whiskey which was expertly crafted. Great atmosphere with great cocktails.

    Elizabeth S.

    Anvil is a staple in Montrose. While some of the trendy bars come and go in popularity, Anvil remains busy- and for good reason! On a weekend night, it's usually packed. My boyfriend and I recently went on a Thursday early evening and it was still pretty full, but a nice slower pace, where we could hear each other talk. The service is still good on a weekend but even better when they weren't as busy. Our bartender was sweet and funny. We've definitely been there while honoring Dry January and the mocktails are awesome. The cocktails are also always unique and good quality. It is fun to try new ones whenever we are there!

    Bar area
    David S.

    Initially walking in, it was loud as expected. The bar was full but despite this, we were quickly provided a menu by a bartender. We eventually found a seat at the bar and the service was amazing. The cocktails were amazing. Great experience overall. Highly recommend checking out.

    Double Windsor: bonded bourbon, hazelnut, cacao nib, amaro
    Chi C.

    Anvil is nestled in the heart of Montrose, with an excellent drinks menu that accompanies its cozy bar atmosphere. There's bar seating, high tables for standing, and large booths and tables perfect for dates and nights out. I went with a friend for a few drinks to enjoy my first evening in Houston, and the ambiance made for a great first impression. I ordered two Double Windsors, which had my preferred liquor of choice in bourbon. Our drinks came relatively quick and the service checked in on us often, both in ensuring we were satisfied with our drinks and for witty banter. The atmosphere is lively as expected, particularly once it reaches traditional hours when people start going out. There's no formal seating rules, so expect to be on the lookout for seats when arriving (or be ready to stand during more crowded times past 10:00 PM). Great drinks, solid staff interaction, and all you can ask for in a consistently strong bar!

    Interior

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    Ask the Community - Anvil Bar and Refuge

    Any bar food available there or just drinks?

    They actually have sandwiches, olives, chips with dip, cheese board.

    Does this place have a chill vibe where I can still talk to my friend or it's does it get loud? Looking to visit on a Saturday night. TIA!

    It gets pretty loud on a Saturday night.

    Is this bar only open until 5:00 p.m. now? New hours on yelp say 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., but website says 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

    No, we are open daily from 4pm-2am. Not sure why Yelp did that.

    Do you have valet parking?

    No just limited parking

    Do you have a mechanical bull?

    no they don't! It's just a bar

    Did they close?

    No we are definitely not closed even though Yelp has marked us as closed for some reason. We've asked them to change this and are waiting.

    Is there wifi?

    Yes. You just have to get the password from one of the bartenders.

    Is there hookahs?

    No, but across the street there is a hookah bar.

    Is there a dress code?

    Definitely not

    View All 14 Questions

    Review Highlights - Anvil Bar and Refuge

    I've had other variants of this drink like Pliny's Tonic, which is good but a little too spicy for me.

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    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge - outside, covered patio area

    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge

    4.7(121 reviews)
    0.9 miFourth Ward, Midtown, Montrose
    Free parking
    Happy hour specials

    We stopped into Jethro's Cocktail Lounge while we were out at the Vintage Community Market hosted…read moreby Faculty Club Never, and it ended up being one of those places you're so glad you randomly walked into. First, the vibe. It is warm, stylish, and very Montrose in the best way. It feels elevated but still relaxed enough to just sit, talk, and enjoy your time without feeling rushed. We came during happy hour and it was such a great deal. I ordered the Sweet Like Peach Tree, which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with the peach and ginger. My husband got the Frozen Paloma and it was just as good, super smooth with the right citrus bite. We also shared the churros and they were honestly a must order. Warm, crispy, and paired with Nutella and caramel. What really made the experience stand out though was our bartender, Manny. He was incredibly welcoming from the moment we sat down, had such a great personality, and made the whole experience feel personal. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and that kind of service is hard to find. He also told us about their upcoming two year anniversary party on May 3rd with rotating live DJs, which sounds like it will be such a fun time. We will definitely be back. Between the drinks, the atmosphere, and the service, this place really gets it right.

    On my weekly walks through midtown, I got to watch Jethro's be built and come to life. First visit…read morewas a big HIT for me and I love finding time to come back. The vibes are immaculate! It's a little small inside and a small parking lot, but if you're lucky and can walk there, do! The quality of the drinks are really excellent and the burgers have been voted some of the best in town! I can't speak for them, but the drinks and the spot, are phenomenal. They have bingo nights, dj nights, and other themed events that keep the place packed out. Maybe once I try the burgers, it'll be 5 stars, but the smallll parking lot and lack of safe street parking keep me at 4.

    Photos
    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge - Cheers to Papa

    Cheers to Papa

    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge - Bar

    Bar

    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge - Flor De Cana 12yr Daquiri and Redemption Bourbon Chocolate Old Fashioned

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    Flor De Cana 12yr Daquiri and Redemption Bourbon Chocolate Old Fashioned

    Wooster's Garden - Bayou Bramble. Yum!

    Wooster's Garden

    4.3(698 reviews)
    1.0 miMidtown, Fourth Ward
    $$

    Their drink menu is incredibly creative, with unique cocktails that are both well-balanced and…read morebeautifully presented. You can really tell the bartenders know what they're doing. The food was just as impressive - fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully put together, with plenty of options to pair with drinks. The outdoor patio is a huge plus, especially when the weather is nice, and adds to the overall experience. Overall, Wooster's Garden strikes a great balance between a laid-back vibe and high-quality food and drinks. Definitely a spot I'd recommend and look forward to visiting again!

    As one of the most popular places in Midtown over the past decade plus, Wooster's Garden came to an…read moreend earlier this month after ownership (#1) decided that it was time to go. Considering the recent shutter of other places (#2) within the hospitality umbrella, it's not too big of a surprise that Wooster's would also be in the crosshairs. The space was always a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating, which combined with its dedicated parking lot made this an easy drinking outlet for all kinds of occasions. The intimate indoor space was lovely and well ventilated, and it felt like there wasn't ever a moment where the bar wasn't slammed. The outdoor space was much of the same, with lots of tables and chairs, and even the trendy swing chairs facing the city. The only thing that was a little bit of a liability were those open flame heaters; it would only take on person to accidentally walk into one or trip onto it. For libations, the drinks were well priced, well made, and always potent. I appreciated the aesthetics, as well as the bartenders who made them. The only part that wasn't exciting was the limited food menu, which did its part as munchies for the drink heavy crowd, but was mediocre otherwise. The space is already undergoing the new facelift of a separate concept, one of which I hope will do the area justice, just as much as Wooster's did. ____________ (#1) The Kirby Group. (#2) R.I.P. Verde Garden: https://www.yelp.com/biz/verde-garden-houston-2

    Photos
    Wooster's Garden - Great drinks, great food, great people!

    Great drinks, great food, great people!

    Wooster's Garden - Part of the tap wall. I'll have one of each please :)

    Part of the tap wall. I'll have one of each please :)

    Wooster's Garden - Great crowd, amazing patio and delicious cocktails!

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    Great crowd, amazing patio and delicious cocktails!

    Refuge - Mocktail

    Refuge

    4.4(97 reviews)
    0.0 miMontrose
    $$

    I've wanted to check this place out for a while so I was so excited to stop by! Speakeasies always…read morehave the best, most creative drinks. We went to the upstairs area which was dimly lit and played 80s/90s hip hop. We tried few drinks. Lion's mane tail, brown butter washed whisky, mushroom (which I found so unique). It was quite strong and was nice to switch up from the usual old fashions we try. Second drink was sharp turn. It was super fresh and crisp. Clear as water but I definitely felt it. Service was really good here too. I like that the bartenders all create their signature seasonal drinks so they genuinely are so well versed when describing the drink menu.

    Refuge is such a high quality bar. You can tell that they put immense care into the quality of…read moretheir drinks and service. I ordered 2 mocktails and my husband ordered two drinks. I thought that the catch 22 ( mocktail) would be too sweet or vinegar forward but it was tangy and light. My husband actually said he liked my mocktail more than he liked his cocktail which was good but a bit sweeter than he likes. The second mocktail I ordered was off the menu. I asked for something tropical and not too sweet. It was pretty good but not as complex as the catch 22. My husband liked the jaded merchant better than the dew drop. He also was sipping far too much of my mocktail which speaks volumes about how good it was. Love the moody vibes, drinks, and service. I've only visited three times but should make it one of the places we come to more often.

    Photos
    Refuge - December 26

    December 26

    Refuge - Small seating area

    Small seating area

    Refuge - Espresso martini

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    Espresso martini

    Two Headed Dog - Patio

    Two Headed Dog

    4.8(65 reviews)
    1.2 miMidtown

    we had a take out order and they had it ready on time and gave us extra's we didn't even ask for,…read moreit's a great place for wings.

    The Two Headed Dog sits in Midtown like a story that knows better than to explain itself. You do…read morenot stumble into it. You are drawn, the way one is drawn to a place that promises honesty with a wink. It wears the posture of a dive but carries itself with intention, a little bohem, a little defiant, and entirely comfortable in its own skin. The bar hums with craft. Cocktails arrive balanced and deliberate, built by hands that understand restraint as much as flair. Nothing shouts. Nothing apologizes. Each glass feels considered, as though the bartender paused just long enough to ask what kind of night you were hoping to have, then answered without speaking. The staff moves easily, quick with wit and generous with attention, treating regulars and first-timers as if both had already earned their place. The decor tells its own quiet rebellion. Mismatched, layered, worn just enough to feel lived in, it carries the sense that stories have been told here and will be told again. And then there are the bathrooms, unisex and unashamed, their walls papered with vintage Playboy centerfolds that celebrate the female form not as spectacle but as art. Tasteful, sexy, unapologetic. A reminder that admiration can exist without crudeness, that beauty does not need permission to be acknowledged. The Two Headed Dog is less a bar than a posture toward the world. It resists neat categories. Not quite dive, not quite cocktail lounge, not quite anything else that could be reduced to a label. It is a place for those who appreciate craft without pretension, sensuality without excess, and atmosphere without artifice. In a city that thrives on reinvention, this bar stands firm, confident enough to be exactly what it is and nothing more.

    Photos
    Two Headed Dog - Bathroom area

    Bathroom area

    Two Headed Dog - Outside

    Outside

    Two Headed Dog

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    Hidden Bar - More mini cranes!

    Hidden Bar

    4.5(57 reviews)
    1.9 miWest University

    If going twice in two nights when visiting from L.A. isn't a testament to a great bar, I don't know…read morewhat is. I ate at Norigami Tuesday night and it was great as were the cocktails served up at the nextdoor bar called Hidden Bar. On Tuesday, I tried the Thai Chili Ginger Margarita ($13) and it was great, complete with a hunk of candied ginger which I "gingerly" consumed throughout my drink experience...see what I did there? Next, I had the Three Dots and a Daiquiri ($13) with Rum, Lime, Velvet Falernum, All Spice and Pineapple and it was very similar to one of my favorite tiki drinks, the Three Dots and a Dash, complete with 3 luxardo cherries. To finish, I had the absolutely incredible Golden Laurel ($16) with Gin, Italicus Bergamot, House Greek Botanical Bitters and Sea Salt. It is equally beautiful served with a clear bay leaf and delicious. Last night, I was guided by the friendly bartender to try the Et Tu Banana" ($15) with Banana Bourbon, Spiced Pear, Creme de Banane, Campari and Citric Acid. I was a little worried about the cocktail being overly banana-y but it wasn't at all. It was a fantastic drink. For my last call, he recommended the Left Hand ($13) with Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth and Chocolate Bitters. Again, fantastic. Both nights, the bartenders and drinks were fantastic. Ambiance is nice with moody lighting. They even have a bidet toilet seat in the bathroom! Hidden Bar is a "hidden" gem, for sure. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

    Stopped by The Hidden Bar for drinks and let me just say... the ambiance is EVERYTHING the…read moreaesthetic is super cute, very picture-worthy, and definitely gives that "night out with the girls" vibe. They even have a selfie ring light on the wall, which is such a fun touch for pictures (because if you didn't take pics, did you even go??) Now--fair warning--we went on a Friday night and it was PACKED. We were lucky enough to find seats, but it was so crowded we could barely talk without yelling, and we were basically shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around us Other than that, it's a really nice spot to grab drinks, hang out with friends, and get some cute content. Would I go again? Yes... just maybe not on a Friday night

    Photos
    Hidden Bar - Love the decor!

    Love the decor!

    Hidden Bar
    Hidden Bar

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    Bar No. 3 - French Onion soup

    Bar No. 3

    4.3(22 reviews)
    0.3 miMontrose

    It is a very fancy place to get drinks and it has a nice ambience, but the only caveat is that it…read moreis connected to a hotel. I went because this was the only bar open during Labor Day when I had guest visiting. So I would say it's a pretty nice location, considering the fact that it is always consistently open. They had a good menu with different cocktails that were fun and fruity. Otherwise, I did also see people could order coffee at the bar and have different espresso drinks. It looks like the drink that I ordered is also no longer on the menu. The bar prides itself on having a rotating meal changing menu so I think that's a lot of fun when it comes to trying new drinks and new combinations and it truly shows the artistry of the bartender. There was the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior was more of a dimmer, elegant and darker tone. I can see it being pretty classic if you were to go at night time. The bar set up was really beautiful and they had different 2 to 4 seating wooden tables. Overall, the inside would probably only fit around 20 people. I was very sad because we couldn't sit outside. The day before it had rained so every outdoor seating was wet. But I was told that they had a beautiful seating outside with a garden and a pool. Service was good. The bartender came out of the bar to take orders, give menus and give you the check. I will say that it got really busy at the end and it took a while to get our check. There's only one or two bartenders working at one time so if there's multiple people with different drinks that are ordered, it will take a little bit longer. There is both valet parking and also street parking in the neighborhood nearby.

    On a Friday evening, as the last stop of the evening, we walked over to Bar No. 3 for a nightcap…read more Located inside the Colombe d'Or Hotel in Montrose, Bar No. 3 is their hotel bar. Not hard to find, it's located to the right as you walk in. What brought us here is that it's listed as one of the top 50 bars in Houston in Houstonia Magazine. Service (3/5): While we had a waitress, she was slow to greet us and slow to check up on us. It's a small bar and there isn't a ton of seating so it's not like she was overwhelmed. For a fancy hotel, you expect better. Maybe sitting at the bar is better than sitting at some seats as we did. Ambiance (4/5): The Colombe d'Or is a beautiful hotel and Bar No. 3 reflects that. It's an elegant spot to grab a drink, although small. Food (N/A): While there are expensive items on the menu, I had dinner earlier that night so I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (3/5): Bar No. 3 is known for its cocktails so I focused on the cocktail list. The list isn't large but it features a nice selection. Like the food, you're going to pay a premium. I enjoyed my adult beverage but felt like it was a bit overpriced. Hitting up hotel bars isn't a common occurrence in Houston unless you're a traveler. For Bar No. 3 to be the only hotel bar on Houstonia's top 50 is a feat in itself.

    Photos
    Bar No. 3 - Library inside of Bar No.3 at La Colombe d'Or

    Library inside of Bar No.3 at La Colombe d'Or

    Bar No. 3
    Bar No. 3 - Fall 2022 Seasonal Craft Cocktails at Bar No.3

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    Fall 2022 Seasonal Craft Cocktails at Bar No.3

    Anvil Bar and Refuge - coffee - Updated May 2026

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