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    Barbarella Houston

    3.1 (194 reviews)
    InexpensiveDance Clubs
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Arie M.

    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.

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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

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    3 years ago

    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!!!!

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

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

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Barbarella Houston

    What are Wednesday nights like?

    they are not open unless a special event is planned. up to 2015, wednesday was goth 80's, but the night was dropped.

    What's the theme for saturday?

    saturday is 80's music night. new wave, synthpop, top 40 pop with mtv type music videos

    What is the cover for Saturday nights?

    five after 12

    Does anyone know what kind of music they play on Wednesday nights?

    they are not open on wedesday night. only thursdy, friday, saturday nights, and for special events.

    Can 19 and up get in? What type of music is usually played?

    no. 21+. club nights are themed. 80's, 90's, new indie, etc.

    Hey guys where do you recommend to park?

    their parking lot has 30 spaces. downtown street parking's ok after 6 pm so long as signs don't say other. don't pay the parking meter after 6 pm. it's free.

    Is it 18 and up on Friday nights?

    17+

    What is the cover on Friday and what kind of music do they play typically?

    $5 after 11pm. & Friday nights are the rolling nights if you know what i mean.. so lots of pop and edm.… Read more

    Is there an age requirement to get in?

    Yes, 21 years old minimum.

    View All 15 Questions

    Review Highlights - Barbarella Houston

    Some advice, if you're new to Barbarellas, keep your drink order simple, especially at the main bar.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Behind Closed Doors

    Behind Closed Doors

    4.5
    (67 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    On my recent trip to Houston!…read more When I was searching for dowtown bars and dancing, Behind Closed Doors popped up. It looked dark, clubbish, and fun (exactly what I was looking for) and I couldn't wait to come here. After a 25 minute Uber ride we were downtown and walking to our destination. At first we could not find it but thankfully a nice gentlemen showed us where it was. Upon walking in, darkness with these bright lights paved our way. We sat down at the bar, but realized dancing did not start until 10pm. The bartender came over and said to us "we have a speakasy behind door #3" we were like WHAT! Let's go. So, we walked down the dark hallway and pushed open door #3 (hence the name) to find this super cool speakeasy bar. Dim lights, really modern decor, comfy suede chairs and best of all, some really great cocktails. If you are ever in Downtown Houston, I highly recommend you coming here. I promise you will have the best time. We did not stay for dancing.

    Behind Closed Doors is a cool downtown "speakeasy" experience. Each room has its own vibe and…read moremusic, which makes it feel like you're discovering something new as you move around. The drinks were solid, and the overall atmosphere was definitely a vibe. We went on a Saturday evening, so it was pretty crowded, but once we found our spot in the Gold Room, we stayed there most of the night. Great music, great energy, and a unique concept. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something different for a night out. Not sure how it took me this long to stumble in here. Parking is what it is downtown so, there's that.

    Photos
    Entrance
    Entrance
    Scrolling bar menu
    Scrolling bar menu
    Do these buttons actually do something? The lights seem to change refardless.

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    Do these buttons actually do something? The lights seem to change refardless.
    Bauhaus

    Bauhaus

    3.0
    (55 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    There were a lot of great things about this venue. The parking lot was super bright and only cost…read more$10 when I went on a Friday night. There was a guy at the parking lot entrance charging $10 and using a card reader, but there was also a sign in the parking lot that said parking was supposed to be $5 and had a pay station, so idk what that's about, but it didn't seem like a major issue. The venue entrance was basically in the parking lot. With someone there to check tickets/charge entrance all night, it felt like the parking lot would be safe since it was basically being monitored by the door people. The outdoor stage had a really nice vibe with lights and cute decor. I went for a specific dj playing on the 2nd floor though, so I went straight there and enjoyed the music. The ac was blasting on the dance floor. Best ac I've ever experienced at a venue. I don't even think I was sweating, which is unheard of. The sound was also the best out of any venue I've been to, but I was standing in the center of the dance floor with the speakers pointed at me from every direction. The sound wasn't as good outside of those speakers, but I don't remember it being bad. The drink I tried was good, strong, not watered down, but a little pricey. I think a whiskey sour was $16 for one of those smallish plastic cups. Service was quick though and I didn't notice long lines at the bar. Now, for the cons. It was really bright at times. I wish I brought sunglasses. The dance floor felt like it was gonna collapse. You could feel it bouncing up and down because of all the people jumping on it. It made me pretty anxious because of how unstable it felt. The people in the crowd can be too much. This can happen anywhere, but it felt like there were more socially unaware people than other venues because it's open later and probably attracts drunk people wanting to party longer than other venues allow. There were a lot more guys than girls. I'd say maybe 80%. Also a lot of tall people the specific night I went lol that made it even harder to see the dj because the dj booth isn't elevated for some reason. I know the ceiling is low, but PLEASE ELEVATE THE DJ BOOTH. People like to look at the dj, but most people couldn't see him. It makes a huge difference, especially if you're paying a lot for a ticket. All in all, though, the cons weren't that bad and the pros were great! This is now one of my favorite venues to see a dj! I just hope they elevate that dj booth!

    Place has an underground vibe to it but its not. Mostly because its pretty small and you are up…read moreclose and personal to the DJs. Venue is clean, bathrooms were clean and modern. They have an outdoor patio which is pretty nice. There is not much around the place, its sort of in the lower south east corner of Downtown. You could probably walk to it if you are in or stay around Discovery green. Not bad for a Houston club.

    Photos
    It's Cristoph
    It's Cristoph
    This is actually pretty cool
    This is actually pretty cool
    View of DT skyline from balcony

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    View of DT skyline from balcony

    Barbarella Houston - danceclubs - Updated July 2026

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