The drinks are severely overpriced for what you get. The bar tenders are decent but the bouncers are terrible. Every time I have been with friends someone gets kicked out for a dumb reason and yesterday I was kicked out 30 minutes from close because I sat down on a bench outside and used my inhaler for my ASTHMA literally a life saving device, after being in the pit for over 30 minutes. He even knocked it out of my hand and I had to use my phone as a flashlight to find the pod while he stood over me and wouldn't let me go back inside to even find my dd or let my friend go into to find him. The staff is ableist and not understanding in the slightest and won't listen to reason even when you're even a little intoxicated. One of my other friends got kicked out one time for tripping. So I would only go here if you have no intention of having any type of human needs. I would also like to point out there was someone on the patio literally passed out on the patio that they deemed allowed to stay. I'm extremely disappointed in the staff for turning one of my favorite places in Houston into the worst experience I've ever had with a staff member at a bar or a club. read more

I had heard about this place for a couple of years but ended up going there with some friends on a Friday night and it was quite an interesting experience. For starters, this is located in the "other" midtown away from the trendy restaurants and bars and literally on the other side of the tracks south of Main. What I'm getting at is it's sketchy as hell. If you park on the street there, there is a pretty good chance it'll get broken into since the street lights have mysteriously been knocked out and you have a large homeless and/or druggie population wandering around. We had a large enough crowd that we decided to walk down there the couple of blocks. Getting in is also interesting since they give you the TSA treatment and get the metal detector out and ask you to empty your pockets while mean mugging you if you don't know which way the entrance is. Inside has the classic beatdown downtown warehouse decor but on the plus side, the AC works, the bathrooms are surprisingly clean (which is why I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1), and in its own way is kind of welcoming if you're not into any of the trendy places. It kind of reminds me of how Houston's alternative scene was in the 90's...not sure what the kids call this nowadays. Then there is the music. It wasn't good. The sound system is muffled and the music selection was pop rock style from like 2007-2012 mostly so even though I am older, I can still say it was lame without sounding like that old guy who hates new stuff. I actually WANTED to hear new stuff and not what I would listen to on Pandora 15 years ago, but apparently the younger and alternative crowd seemed to like it. It's kind of like Numbers Night Club for people who don't like wearing black and think of the 2000's as their 80's? I gotta say though, despite having the scary walk and dealing with frowning security and bartenders who act like they're doing you a favor for letting you in, it's a great place for people watching. read more

Barbarella Houston - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

If I could leave 0, I would. Door guy is So mean. went outside to smoke a cigarette and wasn't let back in bc I was "too drunk" . I have been sober 2 years but he was very adamant I was fucked up. Ruined mine and my homies night. (They drove 3 hours to come to here) do not come here. They aren't friendly read more

the bouncers were beyond rude and condescending. this is the place to go if you want to be disrespected by staff and have drinks that are mid and overpriced. read more

This place is a steaming pile of shit. The door guys have a shitty attitude. There is mandatory gratuity. There is a cover. The bar service is mediocre. I would not visit again. read more

Girl in the horns tonight was really rude to me. We got there an hour before close with 7 people, and i asked if there would be a discount because the club was about to close. She said no you can leave read more

Horrible security experience as I am wanded down BTay gave uneasy and unsafe predatory vibes. This is whom you are trusting to keep ladies safe? Disgraceful . Stay safe girlies. Bartenders are not very pleasant. Drinking on the job as I wait to order drinks cheap but not great read more

Had an "altercation" with a person there on Friday in which an employee decided to kick my friend (2 hours after it had happened) and I out 30 minutes before the bar closed. He proceeded to take a picture of my ID in which I asked if I was banned or if something was going to happen to which he completely disregarded and ignored my question. My friend and I left and didn't argue or cause a scene. Fast-forward to Monday morning, I come to work to find a nasty and accusatory review of an interaction she had with me AT my place of work with my full name, from the person I had an altercation with on Friday. Whoever the employee was gave her my personal information/picture of my ID in which I DID NOT CONSENT FOR AT ALL, she was able to find my name and workplace and accuse me something I did NOT do. Now this person who I do not know has my personal information along with address. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU WANT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO GIVEN OUT. I will no longer be coming to this establishment nor recommend it to anyone I know, I have tried to call to complain but the phone call does not go through. read more

If you've been on the fence about going lately because of the rude bouncers, you'll be happy to know that they're no longer there anymore. Management has gotten a lot better and the DJs there have gotten better as well. Seems like this bar is returning to its old self. read more

One of my favorite spots because I love 80s but yea it's $10 to get in now when it used to be $5. But that's okay. Cause they have another DJ on the patio now so it makes sense. But I love barbarellas! read more

The Big walrus thing at the counter was very condescending when I asked about the payment .. she/IT cursed me out and flicked me off! Don't recommend , they are apparently "cash only" area was sketchy and ambiance was dead read more

We like Saturday nights because it's 80s night. This was my second time here and both times have been a blast. We danced pretty much the entire time. There is a $10 cover charge which is cash only, drinks are pricey but who has time to drink when your da ding the night away! read more

The staff here is SO rude and the bouncers/security are even worse!! We went after leaving the bars on a Saturday to dance and upon getting to the door, there was a $10 cover. (I can't believe this dirty bar charged a cover in the first place, they should be lucky people are still going)! Anyway, I had $20 in cash and paid for me and my boyfriend. He used the ATM inside to try to pull cash out for everyone else, however the ATM kept just eating his money. He'd get charged and no cash was coming out. We all agreed to just leave at this point bc the bouncer had already been giving us a hard time and being rude. When leaving they kept my money and would not give it back even though we didn't even go in the bar! My boyfriend went in to use the ATM and came right back out!! All in all this place is gross, overpriced, and bad vibes! If you're looking for a place to have a good time, go literally anywhere else! read more

Haven't been posting as much as I usually do... yelp is not as fun this year, BUT I will still post once in a while on the new, fun places I visit! If youre an 80s and 90s FREAK you will love Barbarellas. Of course parking is crazy in this area and can cost as much as $20 so I would take an Uber from wherever you are. The dance floor is full of life. Young and old, colorful, vibrant personalities of all shapes, sizes and depths come here to let loose and just have FUN! A night very much needed on my end. Every one is care free and dancing the night away. My feet were so swollen after a fun filled night here that I could hardly walk the next day. Just think, a night filled with Madonna, Duran Duran, Kate Bush "Running up that Hill"! Yesssss! Good drinks, great people and no one to judge you. Highly recommend coming here for a fun night of dancing with friends. Thanks Barbarellas for yet another fun night in the books!:) read more

A group of us came here three years ago for drinks and some funky dancing to a great mix of music! It was number two out of three bars we went to in Downtown Houston and we had so much fun dancing on there stage away from the bar! This place is a must visit if you want to dance the night away and you appreciate a good mix of music, real music. We came on our bar hop for New Years Eve three years ago. It was early in the night so when we arrived it was mildly packed. My friends and I ordered some drinks that I don't remember the names but they were not that strong. I remember they were pretty bland. However, the main objective was to dance and have fun and that we surely did! They have a lot of space for dancing, even a stage with a mirror to watch yourself as you're getting down lol. Fun place! I may go this New Years Eve!!! read more

Drinks are auto grated!! Not sure if there was a sign we missed about this but when bartender gave us the small machine to sign after payment, the tip options came up and she did not say anything about the gratuity already being added and it was not shown on the machine. Pretty scammy if you ask me read more

The ambiance was amazing! The 80s night is the best in my opinion. I wish this place was in Katy Texas.

These are the current hours at barbarella Houston! Google hasn't updated the hours! should be updated soon! read more

Barbarella Houston - Current Hours - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

Stood in line early at 9:15 . Didn't let anyone in until 10:15 when the event started at 9:30 ??? Drinks are too pricey and it's not even an open bar. Also it was BRAT night and they hardly played any Charli XCX songs. They replayed like 5 songs off of brat 3+ times...... but what about her entire discography full of bangers???? Next time hire a good DJ with good music taste that can go 5 minutes without replaying a song they just played. Regret spending a Friday night here. Wish I could ask for a full refund. First time here at Barbarella but the Numbers has never let me down like this. read more

I used to love Barb's. I hadn't been here since Covid until recently and was disappointed. I always loved the decor and the huge dance floor and eclectic people, but now it's just a different vibe. Feels ran down, both literally (holes in the couches so if you're wearing tights be careful, smells bad) and energetically. The bouncers have changed and whereas the old ones made me feel safe, these decidedly do not. Someone I know stopped a dude (some random guy on the dance floor) from slipping something into a girl's drink. The area right around it is sketchy too-- which I mean I get it, I'm a Houston native-- but usually I Uber so had no real issue. Last time though I was accosted 3 times just on my way back to the car. One man sat and watched me from his car until he got out and started to walk towards my car, almost blocking it. Not sure his intentions, didn't stay long enough to find out. I'm not sure if I'll be back or not. But I am sure that it isn't the same as it once was and that's a shame. Guess we only got #s left now. read more

Had a great time getting my 70s/80s fix in. If strictly on DJ most likely 4+ stars, but service, drinks and some real cringy ppl that make you think twice about coming here lowered the rating. read more

Hi barbs!!! I've been going for a good while now, but not so much lately. Last night I tried entering with my friends Charles and it seems one of your staff as in (the pink hair girl who works just the door) seems to kick or ban anyone she's slept or cheated on her husband with. She keeps harassing him and any of the females he's been dating and sleeping with other guys who she's banned and calling it assault right after. Only saying something bacause it's become an issue. I really love going to emo nights and dark wave nights but she keeps harassing my friend Charles when he's not even interacting or bothering her at all! Karina Rivera also has a friend who keeps tagging along with her in some of these events named Bowen. He also keeps harassing and shouting horrible comments to my friend when he's just simply existing without bothering him or her. If anything can be done by this please. Him and I aren't bothering anyone and she keeps harassing and bothering him. It's ridiculous that she keeps kicking or trying to ban people that's she's slept with just so they wont bump into her "husband". It's ridiculous that I even wrote you guys on Instagram and you still haven't responded. read more

Love this club a lot just need the men's restrooms to get fully restored thank you forever a customer here and goer and for sure do recommend this club read more

It was 80's night. I was celebrating my birthday. It was a wonderful time. Lots of fun to be had dancing. I felt very safe. The bartenders were on top of things. Would definitely go back for a fun night out. read more

Honestly, of all the bars that I have been to in Houston wether they are straight, gay, strange, goth, whatever... Barbarella Houston is guaranteed to always be a damn good time. The vibes here are just so laid back, people are genuinely here to have a good time and not cause any trouble. Took me a minute to figure out exactly what kind of bar this was as in.. is it gay? Is it straight? I've come to my own conclusion that ANYTHING goes here. LOL. Tuesday is Emo night though this is now changing to TuesGayz night for the LGBTQ+Ally's community starting January 2020. Makes sense to align well with Austin's Barbs that does the same thing on Tuesday. Thursday night is 90's night. Fridays is 'New Noise'. Saturday nights are my favorite nights to come, it's 80's night and cover is only $5. There's a nice patio on the second floor where all the smokers and what-not hang out. Plenty of picnic tables for people to sit. Drinks are always cheap though they do come in really small plastic cups. If you've had a little too much to drink there's a water station in the back right of the bar all through the night. Stay hydrated folks and don't drink and drive. read more

They include a 20% gratuity. DO NOT TIP THE BAR! I noticed they already include a 20% gratuity already! Again, DO NOT TIP THE BAR!!!!

This is literally the best place to go dancing, I don't know of another place in Houston that plays good music like Barbella's! Love this place, I have my best nights here! read more

Chill place to have some drinks on big event nights. They got two bars on bar g events and a outside deck to go chill at. read more

See all

Happy birthday barbarella!! I always have a wonderful time here, Thursday is 90's night and they're open until 3am!! You can get a bottle of champagne for 20 bucks and drink it on the dance floor. Okay more Britney!!!!!!!! read more

See all

A couple of friends and I came to Barbarella on a Friday night at around 11PM with free cover, and we stayed here until just after midnight. As soon as I walked in, I could tell that this is a free space that you can come to as you are, no need to dress a certain way unless you want to (you won't get judged for however you're dressed). Perfect place to get some drinks, dance your heart out, and rid your mind of all your stress and worries. The interior is dimly lit, but still vibrant-looking with colorful walls and furniture. There is an elevated top dance floor and a bigger bottom main dance floor, and a smoke machine to make your experience more fun. The music is pretty retro and not the typical EDM/house music I'm used to hearing in a dance club, but it was still fun to dance to. read more

See all

Barbarella will always be the dance club where you could have a great time to dance the night away without a care. There's always all types of crowd coming to here because there's only so many big dance clubs in Houston where the drink is decent price, the light, the sound, and it's moderately air conditioned building that all feels just right. If you get in before 12AM, there will be no door charge! Normally the Saturday night is 80s night so if you feel like some great 80s dancing time, you should make Saturday a Barbarella night. Then there's also New Noise night and sometimes theme nights on other days. The club is spacious as there's an elevated floor for people to dance on. However, you have to be careful because sometimes the floor may be wet due to people spilling drinks and it makes it very slippery especially you're wearing a less traction shoes. There's also an outside patio where people can get some fresh air and a great view of the Houston skyline. You can always walk back inside as long as you got the black light stamp on your arm. As for water to quench your thirst, there's usually two big water dispensers near the back of the bar for you to self-serve. In the back is also a photo booth and a few lounge chairs along the side to sit down. If you come on other nights there will be different themes so it depends on your mood of dancing but over all I never had a bad time at Barbarella. Parking is always tricky in that part of town but as long as you see street parking that everyone else is parked there, you should be safe to park there as well. I would certainly recommend anyone who wants to dance all night long should go here first or last, depends how your night goes. read more

Barbarella Houston - View from the balcony. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

I miss this place soo much very nostalgic,unfortunately I live in Las Vegas now so never go anymore read more

Barbarella Houston - Before going out - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

Fuck this place! normally it's a great place IF YOURE PAYING CASH! I went to emo night and started a tab. Closing time came and of course it takes a while to get to the bar, and once I did it's 2:04. So I go to the main bar to close my tab And was met with a bouncer pushing me out! I tell him I have to close my tab, and the female bartender tells me no you need to leave! I tell her I need to close my tab and she proceeds to tell me no you walked your tab so you automatically get charged 20%. I don't mind the amount and I would have tipped more but that's my choice! I did not walk my tab! Let me close my tab if I did not walk my tab! This bullshit needs to change! I didn't even get my receipt! Some drinks were wrong and I need to know if I was charged for them. This smells like a scam to me! read more

This review is based on the potential Barbarella has to be an amazing spot for a great night. Due to a bad weather forecast, it seems no one in Houston wanted to risk going out on a Friday night, so the whole place was completely dead at 11pm on a Friday night...except for a 50-something year old couple dancing tango on the dance floor. What? Anyway, this place is the definition of dive. It's kind of gross, but awesome at the same time and I can tell why my friends in Houston love coming here to drink and dance the night away. Maybe during my next Houston visit weather will cooperate and I can boogie myself, not tango. read more

See all

Went for 80s night and Dj did not disappoint. Good drinks and good vibes. Love coming to barbs

Would not recommend. Security guards will physically assault you outside of the venue. I was thrown out, emphases on thrown, and asked for names. Just kept getting excuses and rowdiness while being followed off premises. After being followed, two security guards proceeded to verbally and physically assault me. Thankfully I had friends with me to correct these people on how they treat others. read more

Barbarella Houston - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

Barbarella is totally tubular in every sense. Come as you are, dress is outrageous 80's costumes, dress to the nines -- whatever. Whatever you want to feel slick on the dance floor is cool here. Bouncers are exceptionally nice when checking IDs before entering where you'll hit the enormous bar first. Drinks are standard and more for efficiency to drink quickly so you can go out and dance. THE DANCING is again, totally tubular. Multiple levels have light up dance floors and TV screens showing the music videos. Pro-tip: Put your hair up, girl. You're probably going to get sweaty if you barbarella the right way. read more

Barbarella Houston - Dance Clubs Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is the SHITiest bar I have ever been to. The staff is incredibly rude and not helpful in the slightest. If I could give zero stars I would. The WORST...most DISGUSTING Place I Have ever been to. I was literally insulted going into this "bar". I would not wish my worst enemy to enter this establishment. The music was terrible, the service was even worse. The manager did not care about our safety or concerns. The manager cussed at me and was less than 6 inches from my face. Unprofessional and extremely rude. Would not recommend. read more

Awesome place to be on a Saturday night!!! Great environment and staff. It goes down!!!!!

Open till 3am. Cover is $5 cash except when special events are happening like New Years. If you wanna safe place to dance but don't feel like putting up with ridiculous club prices, $20cover come to Barbs. No judgement club, popular theme nights, expect a line on theme nights. Patio upstairs for hanging outside. Fast drinks just don't get to complicated with it. Bouncers do their job and keep it safe so don't be a creep or get wgw/sloshed. Food vendors outside are great or just go to Mony's PIZZA for a Jumbo Slice 3 min away!! Can always find street parking. LGBTQI+ friendly and best on HALLOWEEN bring a costume! read more