This bar is sooooo cool and a great spot for a drink! Inside was mostly just standing room and pretty loud, but there are tables outside as well. It's a fun atmosphere!! Really enjoyed the espresso martini! read more

Howards Bar and Club - Outside - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It is the perfect place for a good cocktail either before or after dinner at one of the many cute neighboring restaurants! I got the espresso martini and it was absolutely delicious! The inside was perfect and the staff was great! Highly recommend! read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Had a few rounds at Howard's - did not try the food, only the beverages. The service was quite good, fast and attentive. The mid afternoon atmosphere was comfortably quiet and mellow with a few more people coming in as the afternoon progressed. The atmosphere is retro hip; this is a cool place. I would add the drinks were super expensive, the tab for a couple rounds was a solid three digit number.. whoa.. read more

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Howards certainly has a great aesthetic, in fact, has much of a speakeasy vibe in the interior...and the appeal of quaint meets lively in Clarksville. I'll admit, it draws an interesting crowd of all ages. A turn off is the loud music. Doing too much. A huge DJ booth, advertising themselves as a "dance club" but honestly the seating is not suitable for a dance club. I could see them benefiting more from a Jazz set-up or blues love music. We'll be back for HH to try both drinks and they're claimed to be popular hot dogs. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Paper plane - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

the worst crowd i have ever experienced. the drinks were DISGUSTING!! i almost threw up in my mouth after tasing my "margarita" i just went for dj q cuz he's the bomb. terrible horrible place i do not recommend. read more

Hated the service. We got two lemon drop shots and as i was paying, my boyfriend told me he will tip in cash. As i pressed no tip, the bartender rudely and sarcastically said "oh thank you so much for that". We still ended up tipping her $7 on a $17 tab. But her attitude sobered us up!! Rudely snatched the paying device. BOOO read more

Howard's Bar was a nice place for a quick stop before dinner but it is pricey. We got two cocktails and it was 40 dollars with tip which is seriously California prices at this point. I did a low ABV cocktail spicy manzanilla sipper and my husband got a tequila based drink. They were nice but also not mind blowingly good. The bartender was nice, but the bar patrons were a little bro-ey and fratty to make me feel like this wasn't really a place I was welcome. Overall, I would probably come back again if I needed to kill time before a dinner reservation but I'm not necessarily going to seek out this bar as a hangout for me and my friends. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Came here early on a Friday evening -- it was already packed but we were able to snag a table. It's a beautiful, moody bar with a little bit of pretension -- definitely fits the "new" Austin vibe. It gets super, super loud when it's full...and it wasn't even a "club" when we were there. Seems like the outdoor seating might be a better option if you're looking for a more laid back experience. We ordered espresso martinis and Tom Collins. Both were fine, not great, not strong, which is disappointing for the high price point. Our server was nice and easy going. My take: This is a seen and be seen spot. If you're looking for an upscale, modern experience at a new Austin bar, don't care about paying for an overpriced, average drink, don't care about being packed like sardines into a nice place, and want to feel "cool," this is your place. If you want good, strong drinks at a reasonable price in a quiet, laid back, down to earth setting, this isn't your place. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Espresso Martini and Tom Collins - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

We went for a pre dinner drink and we're impressed with the interior. Cozy diner meets retro high end cocktail bar. It was busy but not packed, however, the talking bounced a lot and it was pretty loud for how busy it was. We sat right down at the bar and David the bartender welcomed us and gave us menus. He was extremely welcoming and we enjoyed our time chatting very much. He was very knowledgeable and made a superb pink lady. Prices seemed very high. There was very little variety or cheaper options. The drink was good but $17 for a classic cocktail that didn't have expensive ingredients seemed excessive. The wine prices were through the roof which is why I chose the cocktail instead. I did not experience the club. I probably never will knowing it turns from a cozy cocktail bar to a club on weekend evenings mean I will avoid the spot at those times. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Pink lady - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Cozy and dark bar. Perfect to have a first cocktail date or romantic cocktail with your hunny. Friendly staff that makes a good martini. Just came for cocktails this time, but next time will for sure try some food! read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I love Howards for a happy hour cocktail. The ambiance is great, and the quality of people is always on point. Their bar food is playful, and hits the spot. Well worth a 5pm visit most nights of the week. read more

We went for a nice out, a buddy was DJing for the night. We thought it would be a casual thing and we ended up waiting in line for an hour. When we got it the place was packed but not super packed. They kept just enough people in there to fill the bar but not make it unbearable. Bartenders were quick, music was great, def a hidden gem. read more

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I really want to like Howard's, I've given it quite a few chances but my experience is consistent. First thing, the bar staff is not very polite. They made it feel like it was an inconvenience to them every time I ordered a drink....and the drinks were beyond expensive. A Tito's soda was $17?! That's beyond insane for just vodka and soda water. The vibe and location here are great. But these two things consistently ruin my experience here. read more

I frequent this area and have been to Howard's Several times. Service goes from great sometimes to rude sometimes. I never see the same employees. Four of us women in our 50's went in to order cheeseburgers at 3:15pm and we had a car service for the day hired, after a fashion show day and we were the only ones in there, not falling over or obnoxious in any way, and were refused service! We couldn't believe it! We said we would go to another said bar and they called that bar to say we were coming! It was like a crazy dream. We got to the other bar who welcomed us with open arms for hours! They got our money. It's too bad, it's not the first time I heard bad stories about Howard's service. And I love it there during the day but not anymore, and we all tell all our friends about it! read more

I realize that with bars, a person's experience can vary greatly depending on the day and time you go. So this review is based on my experience going on a Monday evening around 8 PM. When I walked in, I felt a coziness that I don't normally feel in Austin bars these days. They did a great job with the decor and ambiance. Great lighting, booth seating on the left, bar seating on the right, a DJ booth in the back in front of an exposed brick wall. It was definitely giving off Chicago/NYC vibes. I sat at the bar and started off with a Pink Lady cocktail and Chicago hot dog. Although pricey, everything was good. The bartenders really know their stuff and my bartender did a great job checking in on me. I was impressed that the Chicago hot dog was like a real one -- on poppyseed bun, with no ketchup, and bright green relish. Although on this evening there wasn't a DJ, they still played some good house music, and I liked the fact it wasn't too loud, so I could comfortably sustain a conversation with my friend (she ordered a beer and the cheese curds). To me it felt like a low key, cozy, tavern experience. They serve outstanding cocktails, have decent bar snacks, play good music, with a great ambiance. I'm not a party person, so I don't think I'd go on the weekends, but for a casual weeknight, I can solidly recommend this place either going solo, with a friend, on a date, or with a group of friends. Cheers! read more

Howards Bar and Club - Pink Lady cocktail - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I love it here! Great spirit selection and cool ambiance & lighting. My bartender Cole was a vibe and made me one of the best cocktails I've had in a minute. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

For a day-drinking location, I'd prefer darkened windows. But damn, those fries! Maybe the best I've ever had! Good Paper Plane. Liked the dancing bartender, liked the music. Had my first espresso martini -- don't understand the thrill. Haven't you ever had a Black Russian? Yum. read more

Great service and drinks! Was greeted by a bartender the second I walked in the door and each cocktail I've had here has been great quality

The best bar in town is made even better because of Brooke. So friendly, funny, and 1000/10 service. The rest of the staff is incredible too. Get the burger. read more

Brooke is the best bartender I've had in a while. So personable and also cheap drinks!!!

Such fun vibes!! Love that it brings an upscale cocktail lounge vibe to Austin. Came to watch a UT game and eat dinner and by 8pm the place was getting packed and fun! Need to come back for when the DJ comes out. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bar area - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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"Espresso Martini" When you come to a high price cocktail bar you expect drinks to be done right. However there was an intense lack of care put into the drinks served with a sense of entitlement from the staff. The top menu drink was the Espresso Martini, which per their "twist" does not actually contain espresso nor the other qualifying ingredients for it to be an espresso martini. Instead it was a cheap tasting, bitter cold brew poured from a tap shaken with vodka. If you've ever had cheap vodka and store bought cold brew then you can imagine what this tastes like. Comes for the vibes, experience all 500 sqft of them, and go enjoy your evening out elsewhere.... read more

Howards Bar and Club - Two sad espresso martinis and the smell of a college bar. - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Howards is truly a neighborhood bar mid-week, with the charm of one. The crowd mid-week usually trends a bit older, and it is less youthful and trendy. These aren't the party people, but just people that want to have a good drink and relax - or go on a date. Further, these are also the people that don't fit in with the "It Boy/It Girl" crowd, so there's a pronounced 'alt' and LGBTQ+ contingent here. On Fridays and Saturdays, however, the scene changes drastically. This is where it becomes filled with the tech-bro, finance-bro, high-roller, influencer, and sugar daddy/sugar baby crowd that want to chase a vibe. Still, however, regulars remain, and generally add a level of true fun, sophistication, and laid-back-ness to the space, even in the hustle and bustle of weekend nights. The prices may trend a bit high for Austin, and when they opened, they certainly did. Now, however, drink prices are considered average for an upscale cocktail/neighborhood bar in a neighborhood surrounded by million-dollar houses. Pours of whiskeys may potentially run you up to a couple hundred dollars (have we talked about their whiskey and Scotch selection? Very curated, very good). Expensive bottles of champagne ($1000+) do exist there. It is possible to get chips and dip with Caviar - and you will pay for it. However, they also have the single most accurate Chicago Hot Dog in Austin - just shy of using actual Vienna Beef. When Howards first opened, the impression intended was one of exclusivity, velvet ropes, and lines, with bouncers donned in black and checking IDs, faces, and clothing. Howards, however, had since changed their policy in regards to this, and most people are able to get in most nights without being held up - unless it is at capacity, there is a popular DJ or a prior event, which *will* involve standing in line or purchasing advance tickets. The 'Neighborhood Bar' is now emphasized a lot more rather than the 'Exclusive Disco Club' that was initially marketed. The bartenders are a fun, knowledgeable, and relaxed bunch. Their rapport with regulars and even sometimes with non-regulars is something not found at most bars. They take exceptional care of their clientele, and not just the bartenders, but managers and bouncers. Ultimately, however, if a regular comes in being disrespectful, pretentious, already-drunk, or surly, they do match energy, so check yourself when going in. All in all, Howards is a place that sometimes, you may have to give a few chances to. As with most Austin bars, it is necessary to go mid-week for the best experience. It's not for everyone, and that's okay, but the people that it is for are the people that will continue going back again and again. It is a pure example of not necessarily promising a great time, but that customers will get out of it what they put into it. read more

Stumbled upon this place after grabbing coffee and and I was pleasantly surprised! The cozy booths, the kind bar staff, the cool music...It's refreshing to hear different music that what most of Austin is offering. We got there at happy hour so grabbed a drink and I ate probably the yummiest hot dog I've ever had. So random but it was bomb! It started filling up around 7p so we gave ourself some space and sat outside. Will definitely be back later in the evening to hear the DJ's and werk that cute little dance floor! read more

Howards Bar and Club - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Such a bad ass place. Really cool music, great drinks, such a vibe! You need to come here for sure

Went late afternoon on a Sunday. Really nice, low key spot in the former Wiggy's space. Bartenders and server were all very pleasant and seemed to be service pros. Drinks were well made and priced accordingly in post Covid Austin. Space itself is very nicely appointed and comfortable. DJ Mishka laying down fantastic funk, soul, RnB and blues sides. We'll all be back. read more

Sat at the bar on a slow afternoon and Ben was amazing. Great drinks, great service and great conversation while killing some time. Would definitely recommend! read more

Very cool atmosphere. Over 30 crowd. It's fun and the food is surprisingly good. Recommended.

Come for happy hour! Half off drafts. A nice hazy IPA. Cheer! Service is amazing and their location is in Clarksville!

Great ambiance, new place opened up 4 months ago. Has djs on thursdays and the weekends sometimes. Really cool spot and it's named after a poodle. Only negative I would say is I wish the cocktail list has more variety. There were no tequila or mezcal drinks. read more

Howards Bar and Club - Food menu - Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Pretentious and douchey for the sake of being pretentious and douchey. Nothing actually cool about this place. MML to a T

Went to check this place out at 6:00 on a Wednesday and had no trouble getting a booth for 4. We had a great time, the vibe and drinks were really fun. This place caters to an older crowd and reminded me of a bar in NYC. By the time we left around 9:30 the place was packed. read more

Terrible! This place tries way too hard. The staff is very pretentious and rude. The drinks and music are good. This place actually an example of all the things wrong with 'new' Austin. I would be embarrassed to tell people to go. If I were McQuire Moorman and Liz Lambert I would be embarrassed of their staff here! Shameful read more

They have an inconsistent policy for letting people in on the weekend. I would not recommend them, you may not get in if there is a line.

Best non-alcoholic drinks out there. Love the ambience and vibe. Plus, onion dip is crack.

Yikes, not Austin. Poor kid at the door, felt for him. Holier than thou atmosphere... unecessarily mean vibe, very odd don't think this will turn into a hot spot read more

My first time here was 4 months ago. I love the vibe here and how private it is. Been back many times since. If you like upscale Manhattan and San Francisco bars then you'd love this place. read more

Yesterday was told Thursday - Sunday guest list only. New rule? Reading other reviews might just be normal thing here. Have gone many times in the past with no issue read more

Overpriced for what it is. The bar is cute for events but its layout is not conducive to large parties (unless you reserve a booth.) Servers were friendly but there's no reason a hot dog should be priced at $13/$14 dollars. It feels like something that should be in the Music Lane development on South Congress. read more

Love the vibe here! Very cool bar and good music without being too loud. Bartenders were amazing! I ordered a tequila sour (not on the menu) and it was amazing. The drinks are definitely priced on the higher side but I wouldn't expect anything else for a very well made cocktail! read more