Anyone who knows me understands I tend to avoid the corporate or heavy investor funded bars. I will…read morereluctantly go to them with friends, but I prefer local joints that I can support.
The types of places that combine the atmosphere I'm looking for: 1) has a good selection of beer, preferably local brewers; 2) some wine or craft cocktails for different preferences; 3) has a food menu, permits outside food, or brings in food trucks/pop-ups; 4) a laid back vibe that welcomes families and doesn't have the air of pretentiousness; and lastly; 5) a patio for the small windows of nice weather we have in Houston, or just anytime we want to bring along our four legged friends. I've rarely ran across an outdoor patio that doesn't permit pets and if they do restrict them, it's not worth my business. To that end, this spot ticks a lot of boxes.
For those who aren't into the Houston F&B scene as much, Robin Berwick is the creative mind behind this spot. If you've ever visited a caffeine themed coffee and bar in the midtown area, you've been to another long standing establishment of hers. When Berwick's opened roughly over a year ago, I knew this would be a spot I'd enjoy.
This spot tows the line well, it's not a dive bar, it's not pretentious, and it has the neighborhood bar feel that welcomes those looking for a great cocktail, a simple beer, or just some good vibes with family, friends, or kids. It feels like if a laid back tiki bar combined with a rustic feel. Living nearby, I think it fits the area.
Food & Drink - 4.5*
They have burgers, wings, friends, salads. All the food is good and I definitely recommend grabbing a bite during your visit. I particularly like their burgers and always grab a cocktail to go along with it.
Service - 4*
I've had mixed results, sometimes the attention to detail and service times are really good. Others they can be a little long or the sense their focus is elsewhere.
Cost - 4*
They used to have solid specials but they have dropped off over time. As an example, there used to be BOGO burgers on Wednesdays from 4-9 pm. Then it was 50% off. That's now only 25% off on Wednesday and only from 4-7 pm. They also had half price margaritas and frozen las brujas. This is now 25% off. Tuesday's was half price French 75s and Sazeracs. That's now 25% off. Thursday's used to be BOGO wings, $3 pacificos, and half price daiquiris. That is also now just 25% off wings, daiquiris, and cabana crushes. Fridays is industry night. They offered 25% off the entire food menu from 10 pm-12 am, now it's only 11 pm-12 am and only for the sandwich.
Look, I worked in the industry, I know it's tough. I get that it's really tough for bars in Houston to make the margins work when the burdens seem to continue to rise. Landlords particularly are brutal /rant.
It's even tougher when a bar is just getting their feet under them. This neighborhood has seen a lot of great additions in the last couple of years and the specials had us visiting more often, particularly when they ran til 9 pm. We now can't make it as often with the cutoff at 7 pm.
Ultimately we were spending more time and money during the past visits, but I'm sure the overall margins were thinner for them. Possibly even some loss leaders to get traffic and business in the door. Now that the specials and times have tightened we elected to diversify to other bars nearby. Ultimately, they're all local and have the vibes I look for.
Overall - 4.25*
I highly encourage everyone to give this spot a visit if you're nearby. It's a great spot with good drinks and friendly neighborhood vibes. I do wish they would make some further adjustments to certain things that I thought differentiated them from others, the 4-9 pm specials was particularly strong as it allowed for the chance to visit more often when many folks can't make it by 7 pm. At least it isn't as bad as some bars, that I won't name that have basically limited their offering to a 1-1.5 hour happy hour (though it is half price) that runs so early that it's shocking how anyone could visit during that small window.
