Been a while Dean's! Let's just say this gem has been around a long time, and with the new decor, it has created a place that celebrates downtown Houston's past and present. After stepping through the doors, you are immediately drawn to the past of Downtown Houston and the many people that helped build it to the great city it is today. They have pictures of old buildings that were built in the 19th and early 20th century...which makes one say ahhh as you look back into what Houston was before. The drinks and live music go together well. Each drink is carefully constructed to be awesome! As well as an amazing...spectacular choice of different beers. I mean they have the 22oz and 27oz beers. Especially my favorite "Adelberts Tripel B"...I usually have to try to find that at Specs. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and are great to talk to as well. It felt like I could make this my new neighborhood bar...if I lived close enough. All in all this is a great place on a Saturday and especially on a Sunday when they have live music and it is a low key night. read more

Now I have been to what I'll refer as "Old Dean's" and that was also before I joined Yelp. Dean's had a change of ownership and the new owners pretty much re-did everything on the inside and out to make this joint a great bar on par with all the other ones next to it in the Houston downtown Main Street scene. This bar has a good front patio for smokers to have a cigarette and still drinking. One of the small detail for their patio is that they have plants that does make a difference. Now on the inside, you can tell by the photos uploaded to this page, that it is now a chill lounge-y bar with a bit of dark lighting. The music volume level is decent as it does get a bit loud sometimes. On weekdays, the happy hours goes all the way to 10PM, which is a plus as their old fashioned is pretty good. They have a little bit of everything for everyone, from fairly good price $3 beer to great selection of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. One of the thing I like about this bar is the awesome spooky elevator. Okay, it's not really spooky but as you may tell, this place used to be a clothing store with more than one story tall. So they kept the elevator in tact and transformed it into a cubby hole with some seats, a stomp for table, and a faux candle light to illuminate the cubby hole. If things are a bit too loud for you to talk to your friends, you can always hide in there and actually close the elevator door for some privacy. I would certainly recommend this place for out of towners, local Houstonians who haven't been to downtown bar scene for some time, and anyone that's 21+ to check out this bar. You will certainly enjoy it in some way. read more

Dean's is a really cool spot with great ambience, music and interesting menu. There was really only one problem. The bartender was a total jerk. Not even in a quirky, normal, "I'm not trying to be rude, I'm just a very busy bartender" way. Like a total A-hole for no reason. My friend asked her opinion between two different cocktails and was met with "well those are two completely different flavor profiles so I'm not even sure what you're asking me," before rolling her eyes and walking away. When she returned 10 minutes later we decided to just get bourbon on the rocks since we no longer trusted her to put any love or effort into those $13 cocktails. Turned out to be a good decision. Had a sip of a friends Negroni and it was the worst I've ever had. TLDR: Go here. It's delightful. Hopefully the bartender we had has the night off. read more

Love Love Love Motown Mondays. Had some colleagues in from out of town -took them there and they almost shut the place down. Great drink selection - including shots. read more

I absolutely love this place music always awesome and always clean and fun even the restrooms definitely going to visit again

I have to say, I was impressed by the new Deans. I used to come here quite often around 2010 for the various fashion shows, bands, and other things they had, but the place looked and smelled old and overall had no real identity. Oh, and I saw a fist fight break out there too! The new Dean's removed the display windows outside and turned it into sidewalk front seating and it's much better and opens up the bar. The bar itself is modern but still keeps with the downtown dive bar charm. Overall, they did a great job. read more

$5 old fashions on a Monday night, can I just live here? When we got there a DJ was playing some great tunes but after he left the bartender put on some old school hip hop and it was heaven. Great little patio to enjoy a drink and a smoke. The couches inside are super comfortable. read more

Dean's Downtown - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great downtown ambiance! The bartender made a great hot toddy on a cold night that was PERFECT. This is place is great for a casual hangout with friends. Will be back! read more

Dean's is a cool bar to meet up with friends due to plentiful seating both indoors and out. The drinks are good, medium strength and price. Bartenders are friendly. One of the best bars downtown to meetup with a crowd of people. read more

Dean's Downtown - Dean's from the back -- apparently it's haunted - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place gave me speakeasy vibes! Loved it. Stop by during a visit to Houston, on a mad dash of bar hopping. Didn't drink that night, so can't vouch for that. But the menu looked decent, mix of spirits and beers. The DJ was good for the short time I was there. It was a mix of old school and new hip hop. Comfy couches inside and a nice patio in the front. read more

My friend and I went in for a couple of shots that the bartender quoted $39.90; when her bank notification popped up on her phone the next day he tipped himself $17.29. I had already tipped him in cash since she had paid for the drinks. Some bar man contacted her back and claimed it got mixed up in other card info, lies, lies, and more trash lies. Good thing she kept her receipt because they would've lied about the actual charge. BE AWARE and keep your receipts because I'm sure they do this all the time, thinking people are so drunk they wouldn't realize. THEY ARE SCAMMING IN HERE YA'LL read more

I remember when I first went to this place when I was younger and it was more of a "kind of all Over the place" vibe. My parents decided to take me back when I had moved back to Houston during the summer, the owner has done an amazing job at fixing this place up and making it more sexy, elegant, and just a really good spot to have a great date night or just to relax with a group of girlfriends or work buddies. The drinks are incredible and definitely different. The taste will catch your attention. The inside and outside seating is very comfortable and I just get obsessed over some of the chairs and couches the owner has chosen. It is also located near other die bars and it's just a really great spot. I know a couple of my friends who have done some art shows there and I highly recommend this place due to the fact that they support local Houston artist and also the owner is a very great guy read more

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This place is ADORABLE. I'm a book nerd so I love the decor. Comfy couches, tiffany lamps, bookshelves with fun old artifacts like the "Remington Noiseless" typewriter and of course old books. $5 old fashioned for happy hour was delicious. Bartender boasted the orange bitters was made in house and you can tell the difference. totally recommend for a chill cocktail. read more

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I love Deans. It's literally my fav bar downtown but after what I saw Sunday (3/26/2023) I'm disgusted honestly. I visit Deans several times during the week I just like the atmosphere and the staff is friendly. Unfortunately, Sunday was a gross experience for me and several other patrons that I later talk to. One of the staff members, (tall, thin white guy with tattoos) who is usually a door guy and usually very chill and friendly was there having drinks I'm guessing on his off day. Within the span of an hour I witnessed him loudly berate his girlfriend, and go off on a patron who politely asked him to stop using the N-word, he stated things like "I work here and you can get the f**k out" then tried to back track by trying to apologize while still being covertly racist "I can say it cuz I'm 25% black" "I'm from the hood" "I'm Nicaraguan" (which isn't even a race!) etc. I was disgusted and uncomfortable. This man was using that word so loudly and aggressively like he was trying to prove a point it was just too much and very disrespectful. He used what power he thought he had over this patron by telling him that he works there and he can leave. He loudly stated to this man, "I drink my way into this job, I've tried to get fired I run this place they ain't going to get rid of me". Very gross! Also a homeless man walking by begging (because that's usually what homeless folk do) was berated so badly and loudly there's no way he saw that man as another human being it was disgusting. I understand it's annoying that they beg but these are still ppl and should be treated as such! I love coming to Deans but I won't be coming around if that guy is at the door. His behavior was unacceptable and I don't feel comfortable or safe in his presence. I hope someone speaks with him and let's him know that these things aren't okay. The other staff and DJ are always bomb, they are very respectful and friendly and I do really enjoy this place! Please sit this grown man down and have a conversation about workplace etiquette especially on your day off! read more

Nice bar. This place has a good vibe. I went at around 6:45 on a Friday and left about 45 minutes later. Place only had a few people. The bartenders are fine. I knew what I wanted but good recommendations were made for others. Nice happy hour that includes a better than decent Manhattan $5 that goes until 8:00. Was told that they have the oldest electric elevator in Texas...kind of doubt it but check it out for yourself. Nether also have a lot of good games including Simon Say. read more

Bartender last night was very rude, second time this has happened in there. Just went Nextdoor instead.

Another cool little downtown Main Street bar. Cool spot, good beers, good cocktails. Outdoor and indoor seating. Good service. Loving these great Main Street bars! Definitely add it to your downtown Main Street bar hopping night (with Moving Sidewalk, Captain Foxheart's, La Carafe, and more)! read more

Dean's Downtown - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a curious location in the midst of the Downtown revival along the northern part of Main Street. The place has an awkwardly mixed vibe, with the lighting and bar of a classy upscale location mixed with the run down furniture and prices of a hole in the wall locale. I've never seen more than about eight people in here. There's a small seating area outside that looks like it was converted from a display case from when this used to be a retail clothing store. As you walk in, the rest of the place gives off a similar "we didn't try to conceal that we roughly renovated a discount store" feel. On the bright side, the bartenders are friendly and the drinks are stiff. Prices are pretty reasonable, especially during happy hour. This wouldn't be my first stop on a block loaded with other good options, but if you're going to be bar-hopping along the Light Rail, as I usually am when I swing by here this is well worth visiting. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. I heard some good things about it and when i first got there it was relaxed and chilled. The first bartender was great but then we got another bartender and he was super rude. He was skimpy on the drinks and acted like he didn't care. I will be back but not to him read more

Great location in downtown. Comfortable yet dated couches in the outside for sitting bar is covered away from the sun. The inside is much more decorated with a fun ambience- old fashioned meets modern. There are a good variety of drink options and drink prices on the high end. The service is poor for the ambience and the price point. There are too many similar bars nearby with better service for me to really give this one more than 3 stars. Bottom line...if you are looking for a quiet happy hours spot during the week, this place is great for higher end drinks. There isn't any food but some bar snacks which is hard coming from work Pros Location Nice indoor ambience Nice variety of drink options and many drinks on happy hours Clean bathroom for bar Cons Outdoor couches could be updated Drinks are priced at be top tier level esp for Houston Bartender is not very accommodating or friendly read more

This was by far the worst bar I have ever been to in my life. One of the managers HARASSED our group because the bartender deemed that one person's ID was not valid to serve drinks, but it was valid enough to enter. He began to argue with us after we told him we were no longer interested in hearing his explanation of why our friend could not get drinks. He was past the point of personal space literally in another bar telling our friend why we couldn't get drinks at his bar. He then proceeded to tell us that he "owned" several establishments on the strip and that we were being rude. HOW?!! You pursued us to tell us information we weren't interested in. NEVER go to this bar. read more

Happy hour is definitely a nice touch, especially since their's are an hour later compared to some of the other bars downtown. They have industry discounts too if you work in the food/restaurant industry. Talk to "E"! He'll hook you up with whatever drink you would want by asking you series of questions and you'll love him for it. They also have some free snacks during happy hour which is a nice touch. My boyfriend swears that their old fashion is one of the best that he has had downtown so I would definitely recommend that if you're a whiskey kind of person. If you like fruity stuff try the bomm which is made with their blackberry moonshine! It's got a nice sweet and minty flavor which is so refreshing on a sweltering Houston kind of day. If you do any shots, I definitely recommend their Girl Scout cookie because it tastes like a liquid thin mint cup of deliciousness. read more

Seriously disappointed. Management was rude and unprofessional. I was there having celebratory drinks, only to be told to leave with no justification. We were sitting on the couch and none of us were inebriated. This was the worst experience I have ever had. read more

I love the historical nature of the building and the eclectic decor...granted, I'm biased because I'm responsible for some of it! Dean's is a great place for a chill drink during happy hour, or anytime before 10pm -- the patio is perfect for people watching. Be prepared for a late night crowd Fridays and Saturdays, though! read more

Cool fuking spot laid back good drinks my wife & had our 1st date two years ago and it's the same great service

This place is a must for downtown Houston! The staff is amazing, the drinks no's are great, and the atmosphere is incomparable! Brittanie is the best, and Dean's is a Houston staple. read more

Good vibe. Excellent variety of specialty drinks. And the decorative setting is a lux lax treasure. Have a drink & enjoy yourself. read more

Dean's Downtown - A decorative quaint place to get an amazing variety of drinks. I recommend the B.O.M.M. A the treasure. - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

First of all, I was only here for about 30 minutes, because for whatever reason I thought I'd have more time there even though I know bars close at 2 lol. Got there to meet a group of friends for a bday party, and everyone seemed to be seated perfectly fine on that Saturday night. I really liked the vibe, liked the different looking couches, and couldn't complain about the prices I paid for my drinks. If I remember correctly, a Hopadillo cost me about 4-5 bucks, and 2 shots of fireball cost me $10, so that really wasn't bad in my opinion for a downtown bar. In my short time there, I had a good time. Definitely want to come back and check it out, outside of closing hours. read more

Remember the Alamo? I don't. I had a cocktail with this name at Dean's. The first sip was incredibly delicious but I don't remember much after it. This was made while we were off obtaining Frank's pizza for bartenders Will and his partner-in-crime (who can make a hell of an old-fashioned, by the way). When we returned, the punch bowl my friend was toting around due to bad timing was perched on a silver shaker, filled with "sweet cuvee cava" and grenadine. The joke was on us! It was terrible. The night was anything but. I felt safe and loved and as if I were out at a bar that I had been coming to for years. This was my first time there so that says a lot. The whiskey, bourbon and beer selections were very carefully curated. The gentlemen at the helm are no amateurs. The punch was real punch made on the spot for us. You have to try this stuff to understand what real punch is, the care involved and what you've been missing. I am now disgusted at what punch has devolved to in American drinking culture. Those at Dean's would likely share my disgust without my newfound self-righteousness. It was hilarious how a woman ran in and yelled "It's my 38th birthday so I WANT SHOTZZ." The whole bar got quiet. Whiskey shots that tasted like pancake syrup were produced anyway. That's the kind of place it is. Everyone is made to feel welcome but you're even more welcome if you have some sort of appreciable personality, no matter what it is. Unless you're the disgusting supposed heir of a certain local beauty parlor chain but I digress (and he was kicked out twice so they keep riffraff out, unlike other downtown establishments). As comfortable as it looks with the old couches, tv case full of games and throws, you will not fully appreciate Dean's unless you truly enjoy quality spirits and even better quality conversation. It's the kind of place that I could see characters from Coen Brothers movies using as a watering hole. I'll be back to work through the MENU of Old Fashioneds (oh my goodness), the seasonal cocktail menu and whenever I want a really good time with Houston's most interesting characters. I usually visit bars a few times before reviewing them unless I love the place that much. Dean's win's this distinction. Forget all these overhyped bars downtown. Dean's is where it's at. read more

I've been to Dean's twice in one night - once that I remember... The bar boasts a time credit store sign right above it, but there are talks of putting up a huge neon fixture, to mesh well with the rest of the old school establishments on Main Street. Love the outside space - drinking outside while people-watching is one of my favorite activities.The inside decor is really neat also - huge fan of the spacious bar, the lounge area, and whatever is happening in the back. The bartender with several names - I believe he introduced himself as Jody - was knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. The drinks aren't too pricey, the drafts are plentiful, and the cocktails are delicious. They "deliver" pizza from the joint next door - which is kind of neat. read more

Dean's Downtown is a quaint little gem, tucked away at the end of Main st. near Goro & Gun and the Pastry War. With direct access to the metro rail this bar is a chill little spot not to be ignored, but unfortunately often is. they will have cocktails on tap, just like beer and they are quite tasty and unique. Donald, the Bartender, toted that their Old Fashions are "the best in Houston!" Make sure you try one of those too as they are on happy hour for $5!! read more

You almost wish that they had come back rebranded so that the struggles of past years didn't weigh down their current rating. This review will be mostly focused on the positives. No, Dean's is not perfect, but it also is not contrived or trying to be something it is not. That earns some credit in my mind. Also probably helps that self-aware locations are less likely to attract the dross. But I digress. My girlfriend and I visited on a Friday for their HH. She ordered a mojito and I ordered an old fashioned. We live pretty close to Anvil and have had our share of well-done drinks. While more basic, both of our drinks were MARKEDLY better than anything we have had downtown. The quality and HH price was enough alone to bring us back. From an aesthetic standpoint, we were generally in favor. Perhaps some opportunity for more focus inside, but we really enjoyed the outside space. Good surfaces, plenty of seating for nicer days, and fresh herbs. We liked the heritage signs too, although the space will likely benefit from the street as a whole getting refurbished. The bartender was incredibly friendly. He rocked this cool, misprinted 76er hat which made for interesting banter. Poor guy seemed somewhat bored as it was still early and most folks were either at OKRA or The Pastry War. Overall, a very positive experience. Nothing we would drive an hour for, but the experience is better than the midtownish crush of some of its neighbors. read more

Love the vibe of this place and the bartenders are fantastic! A true Houston gem. Cheers!

Endearing place. I loved the mellow, vintage rock but found the proximity to the smokers at the door to be less than stellar. Maybe I am a stuck up Californian and I'll get over it though. I really enjoyed the decor, and my boyfriend would argue there's a little gothic engineer hipster in me. It was vintage, dark and welcoming. They have old fashioned drinks and a bar tender that is upfront but friendly. Definitely my style. Looking forward to seeing the creepy elevator next time! read more

Great Hppay Hour. Barkeep is excellent. Knowledgeable friendly and creative. Craft cocktails with some Vegan options read more

Dean's Downtown - Awesome Happy Hour - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

I came in briefly with my sister on a slow Friday night but liked what I saw. The interior is both chill and plush. I loved the sofas and love seats which face the long bar. They were playing some old movie at the end of the bar. We just got simple vodka sodas but they were poured and strong. I cant speak much to the service as they weren't very busy (most bars weren't that night) but it definitely seemed like the kind of place I would want to go if I was downtown. I would go again if in the area. read more

Dean's Downtown - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

I didn't know this place existed as I am not a frequent downtown person. I avoid downtown as the parking is horrible and usually there are a ton of homeless peeps. We came here after El Big Bad and I'm so glad I did. The drinks were great and the environment was happening. I definitely want to come back here and try out the other drinks. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 is because there was definitely a creeper at the bar who was trying to hit on me and get me to meet him the next Saturday. I had seen that he was sitting at the bar by myself and had another drink next to his. 20ish minutes after my friends and I ordered at the bar, we went to sit down at one of the couches and he followed us. He offered me that drink that had been sitting there and I immediately LEFT the bar after that. Who knows what he could've put in there. I'm sure I'll be back but hopefully that creeper isn't there!! ha read more

Very cool and hip place to be on a Saturday/Friday night. I loved the vibe they hat going on. It wasn't pretentious or stuffy, but laid back. The people who go there are also a down to earth looking crowd. Nice strong drinks. Their craft cocktails are great! Artistically made drinks here. read more

Dean's Downtown - Classy, old-fashioned drinks and post modern atmosphere! Solid cocktails. - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Look out Bluebird Cafe. Awesome spot in Houston with great emerging artists, comfortable atmosphere, friendly bar tenders. Nashville meets Huston and Houston wins... read more

Traveling to Houston for work meant barhopping on a slow Tuesday night. I popped into Dean's because of the ambiance. The living room style patio and the cozy interior made for a nice setting. Fortunately, the decor didn't override the friendly atmosphere with a pretentious feel. My bartender, Dustin, was especially friendly and helpful. In my opinion what makes a great bartender is the following: the ability to multitask, knowledgeable about what you're serving/ local offerings, and a willingness to become best friends with someone even if just for one night. Dustin not only served me drinks but gave me many recommendations on places to go in the area and could easily carry a conversation about - well just about anything. You've got a good one here, Deans You can't really beat the $5 old fashions during happy hour. But even outside of HH, the cocktails are well crafted and worth the price. On Thursday night they also had a great DJ. If you're in Houston, check this place out. You won't be disappointed! read more