We stopped by Charbar after attending a comedy show at Bayou Music Center. I hadn't heard of Charbar and had no idea that it operates as a tailor shop (Duke of Hollywood) during the day. The bar is right across from Market Square in one of the historic buildings. It has an extremely laid back vibe with photos of the owner's family on the walls. The menu is simple, and the drinks are reasonably priced (or at least they were back in November 2024 lol). I had a gimlet which is one of my favorite gin cocktails. I forgot to snap a photo because I was too busy enjoying it, but it was very good and balanced. Charbar is easy to overlook, especially since it's near many other bars, but don't sleep on this place. read more

Charbar - Menu (November 2024) - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I have been to Charbar a handful of times. The first time, my friend introduced me to this unique bar. She's a Houston native and this is one of her favorite spots. On my most recent visit, I stopped by on a Saturday night after seeing a comedy show at Bayou Music Center. Charbar is the only bar I've ever seen that operates as both a bar and a tailor. Looking to get a custom suit and down a cocktail at the same time? You can do it here. Chabar has been around a long time so you'll see pictures of the family business adorning the walls. And you'll also see the things you typically see at a tailor which initially look out of place at a bar. It's a cool experience. The service here is pretty solid and they typically give you a heavy pour. Charbar is one of the unique bars downtown that you must check out. read more

I've been coming here for YEARS. I love visiting with Mike & Jeremy. Always a great time! It's a tailor shop and a bar! Cozy atmosphere and I always meet the nicest folks here. There's an upstairs balcony with a beautiful view read more

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Charbar is hands down the best place in Houston. Jeremy makes a bomb old fashioned, you can play anything you want on the jukebox, and if you get there before the tailor leaves you can be fitted for a new suit while enjoying your cocktail. read more

Best dive bar in Houston. The Shapiro Family treats every customer like family. Great atmosphere. Great history. Great place to grab a drink with friends after work. It's worth the trip! read more

Cool vibes, great bar tenders, and consist fun with friends. We love going to charbar and creating our own kind of fun!! Definitely recommend. read more

Charbar is certainly a place where you fellas can escape away from the misses. Grab a cocktail, get your shoes shined and get fitted for a brand new suit at this two-in-one downtown staple. (Yes, I can count. Just hear me out.) Duke the Hollywood Tailor has been in bizz since the 30s, and it wasn't until seven years ago when they incorporated the bar, Charbar. The two story venue features tables, a bar, a shoe shining area and walls of glass cabinets filled with fabric, along with old photos of members of the family-owned business. Upstairs you'll find another bar, dimly lit and welcoming to those who like to feel like they're in an actual bar. I won't go any further to describe it, just check it out for yourself. The clientele ranges from the after-work crowd, old skool cats in bright suits, young sweet thangs ('cause they know this is where the gentlemen go) and regulars who plan private parties (like baby showers, yes baby showers) in the upstairs bar. If you do plan a private party here, management does allow you to bring in outside food. Now for the good stuff: cocktails. They're *strong* and filled to the rim, so you just might have to sip your glass while it's still sitting on the bar until it's safe to pick it up. Last time, it took me a good hour to get through my first extra dirty martini; it was that strong. But no complaints here. And the staff is as friendly as they come. You'll find the owner with his raspy voice and a measuring strip around his neck chatting up clientele, along with his son Jeremy and daughter (oooh, I'll write in her name as soon as it comes to me) serving up some more famous bevs. The beer and wine selection aren't that big, but like i said, they're known for their stiff cocktails, so do it right and order one next time you swing by. read more

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What a great, quiet, local bar right by Market Square. Came in on a Tuesday night and there was only a handful of people there so drinks came quick and were strong! They have an awesome patio on the 2nd floor, outside, overlooking the city. It was a great spot to sit around and catch up with friends. Worth a stop in if you are looking for somewhere quiet to chat. read more

Charbar - View from Patio on 2nd Floor - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I wish I could give this place 10 stars. Came here with my husband and my in laws last night (we're visiting from CA) and we had such a wonderful time, largely thanks to our amazing bartender Jeremy. Greatly enjoyed hearing about his family's business and drinking his fantastic cocktails! Thank you for such a lovely evening. We will be back if ever in town! read more

Had the best tone here !!! The bartenders are just amazing and they own the bar !!! Will definitely be back soon !!!

We came here after leaving Warren's. This place was cool, in both temperature and atmosphere. I don't know what it is about downtown but our group had AC issues all night. When we walked into this place there was only 1 other customer and the bartender. It's small and simple. I was told during the day it's the home of a tailor. If you look on the walls you can actually see the fabric he uses. That aspect alone was cool. The drinks were cheap and the service was fast saying that it was only 1 bar tender. They have a very up to date jukebox with oldies and many recent songs. Nice little place to grab a quick drink and have a conversation. read more

I have no clear answer why CharBar is often neglected by Market Square bar hoppers. Everyone flocks to Warrens, but overlooks an even better bar next door. Okay, on a weeknight, Warren's is worth a drink or two, but for atmosphere on any given evening, I think I prefer CharBar. (I'm not including La Carafe in this equation.) Is it a tailor's? Is it a bar? Is it a tailor's bar? Hmm. It doesn't really matter (how dorky the last bit was), the atmosphere within the narrow space is wonderful because of it. Charming old bar on one side, with pictures of the family members in the space throughout the years. Tailor's on the other, along with a wall jukebox and shoe shine station. All atmosphere and quirkiness. I can't help but look around in fascination while there. Our large-ish party took over the very center of the bar a couple of nights ago. We clogged the artery so to speak. Various people sat on the cutting table, while a few of us sat in the wonderful swiveling bar stools. It made for a "nontraditional" seating arrangement, which was a bit refreshing and casual. I'm going to mention the blown up pictures on the wall behind the bar, again. If you look at the very top and center pic of a youngish girl, then down at the bartender...yes same person. Well, obviously, the bartender is the still young, extremely nice, Charlein, the namesake of the bar. CharBar...clever, no? read more

Mike (the owner) is incredible. We talked tailoring and design, drank a great selection of whiskey, and enjoyed our night here. Parking at night on weekdays on the street is free and it's in a great part of town. The store is clean, but with a nostalgic smell of cigarettes, patterns and tailoring supplies and tools are along the walls along with a shoe shine Booth. Drinks aren't too pricey-fairly priced and nice dark liquor selection makes this place a nice drop in spot. An amazing place to drop by for a chill drink and low key time when visiting houston. We'll be back for sure. Upstairs balcony for a bit of overview of downtown and just good times. Visit for sure! read more

We stopped by this unique atmosphere bar during the Market Square Night Out where they were having $5 a shot and a beer. The first thing we saw when we walked in was 3 nice looking shoe shining chairs on the left side. Right next to the shoe shining chairs is the jukebox, which was already being queued up with songs. The place is very narrow and if there's already a 10+ people in this bar, it would feel like it's really crowded. There's just 1 bartender that night and he worked really fast. We asked for the special for the night and he brought out 3 shot glasses and filled them up with something, which I should have asked what it was. The beer would be any beer they have on the wall and we chose Guinness. We took our shots and it tasted like candy, there was no need to drink our beer as chaser. But he was really good at customer service as he poured a glass of water for my girlfriend who wasn't drinking that night without us asking for it. We sat at the bar talking to each other. They had a baseball game on the only TV in the bar. There was some other sports memorabilia on the wall and a lot of pictures and newspaper clippings of the Duke The Hollywood Tailor. You could still see the nice clothing behind the locked glass cabinets and the hallway to the restroom is full of old people tacky ties that come with matching handkerchief and yards of different fabric all rolled up in the bottom shelf. There's also the 3 way viewing mirror for you to look at your tailored clothing. But that night it was a dancing mirror for this overweight gentleman who was dancing to himself in front of that mirror. I didn't really want to laugh because his friends are near the bar area but I could see they were snickering at his drunk foolishness. This would definitely be a good chill place to be if you want to just sit down with good friends and have a drink. But don't expect a great selection of crew or micro-brew beer or fancy out of this world cocktails. This is definitely your good old watering hole and a place to buy tacky ties once you're drunk and can't tell the difference between a good looking tie and a tie that looks like it was made by Jason Age 8. read more

I think I've walked by this place a couple dozen times before realizing you could get a drink in there. I'm partial to hole in the walls and this place fits the bill. Quiet, small room with limited seating, low number crowds, good jukebox and plenty of booze. Hard to go wrong when you're in the mood for that kind of drinking. (we caught the place nearly deserted so if it's a sea of people regularly, my apologies) If next door Warren's is too crowded or you feel like sitting down for a drink in that area of town without fighting to hear your table, this one will probably be a winner. read more

We didn't stay here long. So I don't know just how it would have been to drink here all night. It felt like a "regulars" bar. I did get a free shot from the bartender because it was my birthday so that was pretty awesome. Aside from the free shot though, I didn't get what all the fuss was about. It was long and skinny and not many places to sit. The novelty of the tailor shop might actually be worth something when it's the weekend and you can get your shoes shined or something. I give it 3 stars because it was A-OK. I liked the feel of it, the old pictures, all that jazz....it just didn't dazzle me. I'll be back again I'm sure and I hope it changes my mind soon because people rave about it. read more

Charbar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I will never go to downtown Houston and not stopp in at Char Bar. Every time I have gone, the owner's son and daughter are bartending and do a phenomenal job. I have never had a bad drink here. The atmosphere is always laid back and just old school classic. They are not trying too hard to be something specific, they just make a quality drink with quality service and it makes for an outstanding experience. This may very well be my favorite bar in the country. read more

One of those cool downtown bars that has been around for ages. It's not fancy. Characters are welcomed. I have enjoyed going upstairs and hanging out on the small balcony. A place that's good to know it's still there after all these years. read more

Charbar - Outside on the sidewalk - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is the spot! Fine cocktails and tailored suits! Family owned since the beginning my wife and I could not have been more pleased with a proper cocktail bar than this! Take the time to stop in and listen to history! read more

I can't believe this bar hasn't been Yelped! This is a working tailor shop by day, and a bar by nite. The bartenders here are very good at what they do. I always feel welcome here, from both the staff and the clients. The decor is quite unusual. It's enjoyable just to look around and people watch. On one particular evening there was a lot a cute gals, all very friendly and having a good time. In fact, it always seems like there are more girls than guys here. At one point, I wasn't sure if it was a group of girls who like girls, or, if they were just very friendly and affectionate. Either way, it was still comfortable and everyone was nice and talkative. The music is played softly, so it's easy to have a conversation. The drinks are good, and it's very affordable. It's located right on the market square downtown. There are news clippings behind the bar describing how the owner converted his shop into a bar\shop. In fact, the bartender looked so much like the guy in the photos I had to ask - of course it was his DAD! How cool is that? One night I came by with my hooligan sport bike riding buddies, and we were just chilling and having diet cokes. Some of the other patrons engaged us in conversation, and urged us to return on another night when we weren't on bikes and could have a few drinks and party with them. I highly recommend you stop in for a drink or two on a Friday or Saturday nite! Great stop for the over 30 and over 40 crowd! read more

Almost a four star. This is a really fun bar that I have been to several times. I love the interior, all ancient wood and glass cabinets, old pictures, a place for shoe shines, and apparently you can get fitted for suits :0. Just a small bar toward the back with a few wood tables to mingle (I have not checked out the upstairs yet). They have a good selection of liquor. I went with my usual cocktail, Old Fashion. It was nothing special, and the bartender had trouble making it. She is very sweet, but just slow and unorganized . Not a bad thing, especially when everyone is having a good time. Though I would rather just have a glass of Bullleit, instead of the cocktail next time. Another fun and ancient bar that has been in this area forever. If Warren's and La Carafe are your thing, this is definitely a place you would enjoy, and are probably already familiar with. read more

I suppose the fanciful entertainment of drinking a beer with a judge here fades over time. The other night when I stopped in after work I was not with a judge. And I did not have as much fun. DAMMIT. They do have Guinness though - just in case you walked in, saw the row of liquor bottles, and started to hyperventilate. There are options, so chill. read more

This is a fun dive place to go to after work, especially if you work in the downtown area. The decor is straight from the 80s, but I enjoy going there for the flashback feel. The bartenders are more like your friends than servers working to create high turnover at the bar. It's got a very laid back atmosphere and a full bar. Also, there's a great upstairs patio that overlooks Travis and the Market Square park. It does have a bit of an old, grungy feel, so if that's not your thing, this may not be the place for you. read more

Charbar - Upstairs area (and an interesting contraption) - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

We were here for maybe 5 minutes because the downstairs crowd was not quite our scene but the view from the balcony alone is worth a trip to this dive. Gorgeous view of the park and downtown and a nice place to escape from the hustle bustle for a few minutes. Next time we'll get a drink and sit up there to watch the world go by... read more

This place has been here forever it seems, but has few reviews for some reason. I don't spend a ton of time downtown, but I seem to always end up here when I do. Each time, I've missed the rush (either pre- or post- Friday night crowd). I didn't actually know that it got crowded until it started to fill up toward the end of our Friday night visit post Hearsay dinner. We left just before 11 pm. Each time I've been, I've met some interesting (read: drunk) patrons with fun stories. There ar some curious elements to this bar like the tailor factor and the family pictures behind the bar. The bartenders are fun to talk to when they're not busy. I'd agree that this is more of a regulars/Cheers kind of place, but I didn't feel unwelcome. Since I've reached a point where I rarely enjoy crowds and music so loud I can't participate in conversation, I find Charbar refreshing and charming. read more

What a cool, random little place in the heart of downtown. The definition of dive bar, redefined. It is a tailor shop that is a great bar with cheap drinks at night. I feel like it would be hipster before hipster got 'cool' and expensive...but slap me on some tight jeans and lets go... great spot for a night cap before leaving the city. Food: n/a Drinks: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Service: 5 (super friendly down-to-earth) Price: 5 Check it out for a cheap adult beverage in a throwback scene! read more

This is a main stop on the mini crawls of Market Square we tend to do quite often! The ambiance and decor are pretty different and even more interesting to look at! It really is a custom tailor shop as well! Very cool! The place is still family owned, and you will probably run into Miss Char herself! She serves up drinks now and then! Don't plan your party here, or anything else with more than 10 people...it's a small intimate place, and most people there like it that way. Every time we have dropped in it has been a great time! The drinks are a decent price and a heavy pour. Don't be surprised if they offer a free shot or two...they have been known to give some love away! read more

We wandered into this place one day because it was too early for Warren's to open, and was it surreal! Old-fashioned, actual working tailor shop on one side, with bolts of fabric and a shoe shining area, and a quaint bar with pictures of family members on the other side. Not a wide selection of premium beers, but they did have Guinness, so we were satisfied. Good selection of music on the jukebox, too. We had a really weird but interesting conversation with the old guy who owned the place. His son, who was bartending that night, also tipped us off about the original location of Ninfa's restaurant and gave us good directions to it. If you ever need to get fitted for a new suit and get drunk at the same time, or even if you just want to grab a drink in a really unique watering hole, check out CharBar. read more

I just adore this local, family-owned bar. The service and prices are amazing. You feel like you are a part of a rich downtown historic culture the second you walk in. read more

Favorite bar. Calm and very friendly. Neat atmosphere. Best place to relax or wind down the night.

Wow! Wait til you read this! We hosted a nearly 40 person Pub Crawl last Friday night and this was our last stop. Several have contacted us since to rave about it. We ordered downstairs and carried our gathering to the upstairs balcony. (Exquisite view by the way!) We drank perfect drinks and socialized as loud as we wanted without the bother of constant staff service. The next morning one of our guests realized she'd left her phone AND my husband had left his credit card. She easily retrieved her phone though the place wasn't open yet for business. My husband retrieved his card with our bill totaled out including the tip that staff had written in......$1. Yes, they only allowed themselves $1. Hold your card and then do that???? Of course, that was only the icing on a well made cake (per say) but do we recommend? YES! THANK YOU, CHAR BAR. See ya next month! read more

Char bar is just too small, I felt very cramped. Then again I did not make it upstairs. I did like the whole old tailors shop mood, but to me it's just a waste of good fabric. Sorry that's just the Stitcher in me! The place is nice and simple, just a place to hang out and meet new people. The bar is OK, a bit heavy handed when mixing drinks, but that can be a good thing sometimes right? Any-who this place did not make a big impression make, but I think I could see spending a good Saturday night with old friends at char bar. read more

Passed this Bar several times, Finally my boyfriend insisted we go in. The bartender are not so friendly, I cant stand when they treat you like its a burden for them to serve you a drink!!Im spending my beer money somewhere else. NO WONDER ITS ALWAYS ALMOST EMPTY read more

Attitude of bartender has consistently denigrated into a bad attitude. Unfortunately what used to be a fun stop is now a bummer. Whatever you do don't ask to turn up the music! read more

This is a cool little spot with lots of history & oodles of personality. Part tailor shop, part bar, this place is a breath of fresh air from some of the more hoighty toighty bistros & bars in the area. The boisterous owner/barkeep/long time tailor barely gives you a chance to order before the stories & antics begin. As if he wasn't enough personality for the place, just wait until his trusty sidekick shows up..that's when it really gets real. Hilarity is bound to ensue & your face will hurt from laughter, guaranteed. They offer a few craft beer options from Saint Arnold, your usual domestics, & have a full stock of liquors. The bar was added a decade ago, while the tailor shop has stood it's ground for 70 years I was informed. All in all this is a cool little place that just oozes personality, worth stopping in if you're in the area. read more

Not wild about this place. Something odd about it. The suits and clothes sold there must smell of cigar smoke and shoe polish. And the owner is terribly dressed, so that's not a great advertisement for the suits. read more

You can't beat Charbar for it's friendly nature, good drinks or great atmosphere. I love the owner and the staff.

Won't be going back. Not because the service or the beer were bad, but because the decor and the ambiance didn't do anything for me. There are places with better history, and better decor in downtown. Tried it once and that is enough. read more

Great bar!! Very friendly staff that knows how to pour a proper drink. The atmosphere is good, and the jukebox has all types of music.

My husband and I stopped in here after having a nice dinner at Hearsay since it was just across the street. I wasn't sure what to expect from reading other reviews, but it sounded like we could at least get a well-made drink. When we walked in there were only a handful of people. We sat at the bar and my husband was pleasantly surprised that they carried Russian Select vodka since you can't find that particular brand in most bars. Our drinks were very well made and the bartenders, Char and Jeremy, were very friendly. They told us about the history of the bar and were very helpful when we asked for recommendations of places to visit in Houston. There was only a jukebox for music, but since nobody else was interested in choosing songs, I was kind of the DJ for the night. Which I really enjoyed. :) The atmosphere is very classic...hardwood floors and lovely woodwork. A nice place to just sit, relax and enjoy a drink. If we ever make it back to Houston, we will definitely go back to Char Bar. read more