This speakeasy was absolutely beautiful. Smartly designed, decorated, and paired with low lighting…read morethis venue easily sets the atmosphere for intimate conversations and just a great time with your partner or a small group of friends. The signature cocktails were definitely mixologist curated, well balanced in flavor and alcohol, the espresso martini made with rum as opposed to vodka was probably one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had and I think they should all be made that way now. I visited on Valentine's evening so we did make reservations but I do believe reservations are a standard regardless of the day. My only disappointment was that you have a two hour table time limit which is fine. The problem came in as it was very apparent that a lot of reservations including ours were booked over a private party so we were, albeit politely, rushed to close out before our allotted time limit to accommodate the party reservation. I'm glad we were able to enjoy a good amount of time here but I really feel bad for the people who arrived after us as I'm sure felt the same pressure to leave as well. With that said I would absolutely visit Aye Candy again.

Houston weekend. One extra night to burn. I went hunting for a slick little cocktail spot and…read moreBAM...I stumble into Aye Candy. First off... the concept is brilliant. The front looks like a nostalgic candy shop; so good I actually walked right past it the first time. Then that Christmas-kissed entrance opens up and you hit a hidden door. It's playful. It's exclusive. And yes, valet is only $10, so just do it. Inside? Modern-chic seduction. Velvet green barstools, moody lighting, the kind of space that pulls you in and keeps you close. Bring a date, bring your inner VIP, this is where you go to impress without even trying. Reservations recommended, but you might score walk-in magic like I did on a Saturday. Music? A smooth throwdown of EDM + Studio 54 vibes; you'll know exactly what I mean when you hear it. One of the owners welcomed me the second I walked in...set the tone right. I went straight for my signature: The Blackie (Black Manhattan). Pablo, the bartender, didn't miss a beat. Confident. Cool. You can just feel when someone knows their craft. Angel's Envy whiskey, flawless build, proper presentation this is how a night begins. Round two? The bold move: Tequila Martinez with El Tesoro Reposado. Pablo's eyes lit up...a twist on the OG classic and he was fully on board. Drinks? On point. Hospitality? World-class. Even the water refills were smooth. Tequila lineup is strong too...Ocho, El Tesoro, Don Fulano, Fortaleza; all the right hitters. And if you haven't tried a Tequila Martinez yet, lock that in for your next lounge run. This was just a nightcap... but trust me...Houston hasn't seen the last of me at Aye Candy. See you again soon!

Very similar to their other location, Lei Low, in that here's lots of tropical cocktails and…read morerum-based drinks. My favorites so far are the "Rhum Punch" and the "Loose Cannon".. The bartenders are usually pretty efficient, and the place can get pretty lively during happy hour and on weekends. It definitely has that neighborhood dive bar vibe...Seating inside is limited, as well as front parking (there's a back lot) and there's a few seating outside that helps when the weather's nice. The nautical / pirate-themed decor is fun and quirky, and they even have some games and popcorn to snack on. I've randomly played bingo here before during an Astros game. Overall, it's a fun, laid-back spot with affordable drinks and a cozy, local feel. Hard to ask for much more in a neighborhood bar and a good addition to Spring Branch.

Perfect kind of dive bar. Laid-back, a little rough around the edges, and full of character. The…read morepirate theme was a fun touch, the popcorn machine popping added to the vibe, and the drink names were playful and creative. Service was excellent, friendly, and quick.

I came here on a Wednesday evening for a group happy hour. I've heard great things about this place…read moreand it's very assuming, tucked within a shopping center in Spring Branch. The vibe inside is super cute with mood lighting and plenty of intimate seating spaced throughout. Parking in said shopping center is sparse. I'm not sure if parking is allowed at the neighboring businesses after hours, but I wanted to play it safe and ended up waiting about 15 minutes for someone to vacate their space. Our group had a couple of tables reserved and they had no problem having everyone pay on separate tabs. Service is offered both at the table and bar. Our waiter was attentive and had great recommendations for wine. When I was conflicted between two whites, he graciously brought me out both to taste and decide. I went with the Cacciabruco Malvasia/Trebbiano, which is a skin-contact white wine, so it had more of a reddish hue to it and almost looked like a rose in the dim lighting of the restaurant. I really liked this, as it was on the drier side and satisfied my palate more than the Gewürztraminer that I had also sampled. I didn't try the food but others in our party really liked the flatbreads they ordered. I do want to try these out next time because I know they will pair great with the wine! I'm glad I finally discovered this place! I'll definitely be back for happy hour and even a date night. With so many good places popping up in in Spring Branch, I'm sure this will become a regular spot for drinks before dinner

I I patroned The Library recently, the date of the Artemis II launch actually and coincidentally. I…read morewas there for an intellectual after work space talk event on "What the Universe is Made Of." The ambience of The Library fits its name to a t. There are books abound, along the walls, in the bathroom, everywhere. I had a glass of Experience, a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a good pour, not too little or too much and the taste was deep, well balanced and smooth. Since the event took place around dinner time I also had a Fig and Speck flatbread. The fig, prosciutto and other toppings complimented each other well. The flatbread dough itself was ok but could've benefited from a little more flavor such as some garlic, butter and herbs. I also would've liked it a bit thinner so I could taste less of the bread and more of those delicious toppings. Don't get me wrong it was good and I ate all of it but these are small suggestions I'd recommend to bring it to perfection. I could see parking and seating being tricky. I was fortunate to snag a parking spot on the side of the building near the auto place and once inside I found a seat at a table with a lovely couple, another couple joined us soon after. Many of the guests who arrived later stood at first and then halfway through the event, made their way to the floor where they sat cross legged. All in all, The Library was a nice establishment and although a little out of my way, I'd return for another event or if I were in the area again.

The Decoy--this place is truly one of a kind!…read more Tucked away in Spring Branch, it's such a fun and unique venue with two volleyball courts, which makes it perfect for hanging out with friends or getting a little competitive. They're currently running crawfish, but definitely call ahead to confirm the days so you don't miss out. And I have to say--Morgan is amazing. So friendly, helpful, and just makes the whole experience even better. You can tell they really care about the vibe and the people who come in. If you're looking for somewhere different, laid-back, and full of good energy, The Decoy is absolutely worth checking out

For a Saturday night, this place was packed; however, the service unfortunately lacked. It was easy…read moreto order drinks through their virtual online tab, where you can place both food and drink orders. However, the servers hardly seemed to know which table the orders were for, which is something that needs to be improved when assigning tables within their online mobile system. This is a nice little bar to enjoy some outdoor fun with friends, and the food such as the chicken tenders were great. Overall, I wish the service had been better, along with the turnaround time for drinks. Service 2/10 Food 7/10 Drinks 6/10

It's always a vibe in here I don't think they have food…read more But the service is always on point and the music is always a vibe

One of my all time favorite bars with great vibes. If you're looking for an authentic, no-frills…read moredive bar with incredible live music, this spot in Spring Branch is the place to be! The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a perfect mix of locals and music lovers. It's the kind of place where you feel like part of the community the moment you walk in. The live bands are the highlight--whether it's blues, rock, or country, the talent they bring in never disappoints. The sound system is solid, and you can tell they care about creating an excellent music experience. There's even a small dance floor if you're in the mood to move! They typically push back all the couches and seating in the front to make room for people to stand/dance. Drinks are reasonably priced, and the bartenders are quick and friendly, even when the place gets packed. The decor is classic dive bar--think neon signs, worn-in stools, and a jukebox for when the bands take a break. It's gritty in the best way possible. Not to mention all the stickers and drawings throughout the bar. If you're into great live music, cold drinks, and a laid-back vibe, this Spring Branch gem should be at the top of your list. Highly recommend checking it out for a fun night out!

I came here for the crispy chicken flautas and it did not disappoint. There's three good sized…read moreflautas topped with pickled onion and cotija cheese, side of salsa verde and queso for $9. It is a comfy spot to hang out and family friendly.

Lazy Oaks is a solid beer garden in the Spring Branch neighborhood that has a little bit of…read moresomething for everyone. They have plenty of indoor seating between booths, bar stools, and high tables. If the weather isn't too oppressively hot, they have a great outdoor area as well with covered picnic tables, and even a play space for kids. There's beer on tap ranging from the standard to the craft, and they offer a full bar if you're looking for something stronger. I haven't ordered food yet but everyone I know who's eaten here has said that it's above and beyond their expectations. If you're looking for a place in Spring Branch to enjoy a beer and have a casual chat with friends, Lazy Oaks will be right on target.

What a great place to stop in for a drink. Love the cocktail selection - and if there are too many…read morechoices, just choose something tried and true. Tonight I ordered a French 75. The service was prompt. Live music is always lovely. The decor is great and a bit moody. There was no cover charge are minimum spend (as there has been in the past). I really enjoyed it. This was my third time here. Tonight there was a man on the piano singing.

Know before you go…read more We are huge fans of Credence. We love the food there and the place is beautiful. So we thought we would try Sidebar. You're not going for the food. Maybe my rating is too harsh but the food was just meh. Sadly we studied the menu online and were looking forward to sliders but they had taken them off the menu. Chips and dip - the menu says "House chips", not "House-made". We swear they were Ruffles. They gave you a lot of dip but if you want more Ruffles it was $2 added. Oysters I had were good. Shrimp cocktail - nothing special. Crab rolls -ok. The drinks were good. We did not really get to stay for the music, but it sounded good for the five minutes that we heard it. We were told the music would start at 7:30 but it was more like 8 PM. Just come prepared. This is not the place to come for food.

My coworkers and I visited this really cool Japanese-themed speakeasy after work one day and even…read morethough I was going through a sober challenge so couldn't partake in any of the beautiful and delicious-looking cocktails and other drinks, I greatly enjoyed the mocktail the bartender made me based off of me telling her what I like and the food from Hando next door (geez I think that was the worst run-on sentence I've written in a while). The mocktail made for me was expertly made even with my vague answer to her question of "what do you like"? Plus, it came in a super fun red fish cup (see in pictures). Unfortunately, I could not take the cup home but it was fun drinking out of it. The food from Hando next door was good for small bites while sipping on drinks; not too overwhelming and not underwhelming either in terms of size. I did think that the taste could be better though. Every dish felt like something was missing. Service was amazing. There was only one bartender when we visited with a party of eight and she took care of us masterfully.

Little speakeasy area behind the sushi place. There was some parking in the back for exact…read moreentrance, but you can park in the lot and it's just in the hallway. It was packed on a Wednesday, but the area itself isn't too large. Shrimp: Well cooked! Decent size. Sauce was yummy and not too overwhelming. 7.8/10 Fish Taco: easy to eat. salmon was good quality and the yuzu(?) marinate was tasty. 8.7/10 Drink: did not taste the alcohol so was yummy. 8.2/10

If you've ever wanted to live out your 007 fantasies without the international espionage, this is…read moreyour spot. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere wraps around you like a tailored tuxedo. It is a fabulous retro escape that feels less like a restaurant and more like a high-stakes scene from Casino Royale. The Vibe The decor strikes that perfect balance of mid-century glamour and modern sophistication. It's moody, elegant, and impossibly cool. Whether you're tucked into a plush booth or perched at the bar, the "James Bond" energy is palpable. The Menu * Cocktails: These are the stars of the show. They aren't just drinks; they are gorgeous works of art. Precisely balanced and served in stunning glassware, each sip feels like a luxury. * Food: The menu offers delectable southern options that go far beyond standard "bar food." Everything we ordered was seasoned to perfection and presented beautifully. The Service This is what truly sets the place apart. The staff is professional and on point every single time. They are attentive without being intrusive. Bottom Line: Whether it's for a high-end date night or a sophisticated nightcap, this is an incredible experience from start to finish. Don't miss out.

Bludorn set the bar very high for Houston dining, Michelin recognition, flawless execution, warm…read morehospitality, and food that earns every dollar. Bar Bludorn, unfortunately, is not there yet... and that contrast is impossible to ignore. Let's start with the good: the food is delicious. An honest 8/10. You can absolutely get a fantastic filet mignon here, arguably one of the best in the city. The kitchen knows what it's doing, no question. Now the problem: the service. For a restaurant charging Bludorn-level prices, the hospitality was shockingly absent. Our server seemed completely disengaged, as if we were an inconvenience rather than guests. There was no warmth, no attention, no sense that anyone cared whether we were enjoying ourselves, or even planned to come back. It felt transactional at best, indifferent at worst. Bar Bludorn positions itself as a polished, elevated dining experience, but the service told a very different story. When the hospitality misses this hard, it overshadows even good food. And in Houston, where you can get incredible steaks, thoughtful service, and better value all over the city, there's simply no reason to settle. Bludorn remains exceptional. Bar Bludorn, at least for now, feels like a concept still finding its footing while charging full price for the destination it wants to be. Until the service catches up to the ambition, we won't be returning.