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    Julep

    3.9 (519 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Julep Photos

    Business Info

    JULEP ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Julep

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    Reviews With Photos

    Cathy H.

    The Kentucky Derby Party May2, 2026 was a hit. The decorations were incredible. The weather was perfect. The band was awesome, however, they offered a small selection of beer and then ran out of beer. Strange for a bar to run out of beer.

    Allison K.

    For parking, valet is available but my friends and I did street parking on White St where there was plenty of space available. My friends and I had a reservation for Friday night and we were originally expecting to be seated in the main area but since Juelp was having a soft launch of their speakeasy bar, we were seated there instead. The interior is intimate and moderately lit unlike some speakeasies where the lighting can be very dim. The menu is quite extensive with a variety of different drinks available. For the speakeasy, there was a list of new drinks available at a discounted rate of $10 due to the soft launch. That being said, I ended up ordering the Golden Halo since that was the recommended drink for people who enjoy very sweet drinks such as myself- and it did not disappoint! My other friends ordered the Sakura Current and the Silk & Oak which they all enjoyed. As for food, my friends and I ordered truffle fries, baked brie, confit flatbread, and oysters. Personally, I thought the fries were a little too skinny/small but the truffle seasoning was good! The baked brie and confit flat bread were delicious and the oysters were refreshing. Overall, this was such a cute spot and I'm glad to have been able to try it out. On top of the good drinks and bites, our server was very knowledgeable and welcoming. Looking forward to coming back!

    Bradley L.

    I've been a fan of Julep for years--it's always been one of my favorite spots in Houston for a great cocktail. So when I got last-minute tickets to their Sip & Guzzle pop-up, I was excited to try something new. Unfortunately, the experience was flat-out disappointing. Our reservation was at 7, and we were promptly seated. Several tables were open, but I appreciated being sat right away. We ordered the French onion dip for a snack, along with a Dirty Mango and a Tomato Tree. The dip came out after about 15-20 minutes, but from there things unraveled. Thirty-one minutes in, a Sixty Forty arrived instead of the Dirty Mango. Only then were we told the Dirty Mango was unavailable because it was a "batch cocktail" and already gone. Two issues with that: first, I didn't expect a pop-up at a high-end cocktail bar to rely on batch drinks; second, we never ordered a Sixty Forty in the first place. Still, we kept it and waited on the Tomato Tree. The service was sloppy at best--especially considering the bar wasn't that busy and they were only serving three cocktails. Honestly, little kid lemonade stands manage more variety in batch drinks and better quicker service. Another server eventually checked in after I voiced frustration, and he managed to bring the Tomato Tree. But by then, we were 42 minutes into a 45-minute reservation window and had only received two drinks--neither of which matched our original order. Around the 50-minute mark, our first server finally appeared with the Tomato Tree he'd gone to retrieve 20 minutes earlier. If you're going to hold guests to a 45-minute slot, drinks need to come out much faster. To make matters worse, we watched some tables get no attention at all, while others seemed to have staff and managers constantly checking in. The inconsistency was hard to ignore. I hope this was just a poorly executed event and not a sign of how Julep is being run now. I'll give them another chance because the owner, Alma, genuinely listened when I spoke with her before leaving, and I do believe she cares about guest experience. But this pop-up simply wasn't worth the time or money, and it left me questioning a place I've enjoyed for years. The event definitely doesn't make me want to try Sip and Guzzle in NYC.

    Old fashioned
    Albert T.

    If you're looking for an upscale cocktail bar or possibly a place to take a date for drinks and some light food - Julep would be a decent place. I love to have good old fashioned and I think this place made a decent one. I've had some pretty bad ones where I could taste the bottom shelf liquor but the ones made here - you definitely can taste the difference. Smooth with a hint of sweet - a small kick of bitter. Place can get pretty busy after a work day but nonetheless the waitress were attentive and I had no issue with my drink.

    Lauren C.

    A sweet and intimate bar with speakeasy vibes. It's beautiful inside and the drinks were very good. The service was great too. Our waiter was very attentive and had great recommendations. I will absolutely come back here again. I made a reservation so I'm not sure if it gets busy how the wait is. But it was very smooth once we arrived.

    Ericka S.

    Years ago, I worked in a New York City dive bar in the zone between NoLita and Greenwich Village, so I can usually tell what's on or off regarding any particular bar or night spot. When it comes to Julep, I went in knowing the bar was awarded a 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. So, I've known about this spot for years, but only recently visited within the past week or so--for a pre-birthday celebration cocktail. Decor and Design [5/5]: I love the look of this bar. It is so cool. The design is sophisticated but also inviting. The lighting is perfect, in my opinion. The blue seating and wooden tables are appealing. Cocktail [5/5]: I ordered an Amaro Colada, which is listed under Julep Favorites on the menu and includes: Amaro Montenegro, Pineapple Juice, Coconut Cream and Ron Barrilito 3 Star. The Amaro (In Italian: bitter), which is an herbal liqueur, dilutes the sweetness of a regular Piña Colada. It is a delectable, memorable cocktail. Highly recommended! Service [2/5]: The server, in my opinion, was not very knowledgeable and I doubt she has ever worked as a mixologist. She couldn't really give a straight answer to my questions, which seemed odd as there is so much hype and buzz surrounding this bar. Before leaving Julep, I sat down in one of the chairs near the door. Several parties were waiting near the host station, but there was no host and no one to greet them. In my opinion, the station should always be attended. That's just good business. Atmosphere [3/5]: I couldn't really pick up on a vibe here. Overall [4/5]: Good, with room for improvement. I would like to return to try the oyster special and another cocktail - so many interesting cocktails to choose from. Caveat No. 1: Parking here is rather limited. When I went, there was absolutely no parking out front - it was all blocked off. There is a valet, and the entrance to the bar is situated in the back. The street parking situation didn't seem legit. It looks like a street (just East of the bar) where one's car could easily get towed. Caveat No. 2: I would suggest making reservations in advance. Personally, I had no idea reservations are a thing here, but if the bar is mostly full, it is kind of tough to get booth seating.

    Margarita
    Mandisa N.

    Visited Julep on a weekday afternoon for their $1 oysters (I tackled a dozen alone, this is a new record). The fixings were good and the oysters were a good size for the price. Very fresh, very delicious. I did also order a margarita, and loved it. Maybe because it was a Monday, the place wasn't super busy which surprised me because they have such a good oyster deal. Definitely worth the visit!

    Hurricane
    Jamaal W.

    Julep is a nice cocktail bar near downtown Houston. I found this place on social media marketed for their great cocktails. They did not disappoint because the cocktail selection was outstanding. I appreciated how the drinks were separated by spirit. I went for the Hurricane because I wanted rum and it was a great choice! The ambiance inside was very vibey and a great choice for a romantic date night. Service was straight forward, nothing to complain or rave about. Didn't appreciate the valet parking for such an early reservation and small parking lot, but it was tip only so price wasn't a factor, just the principle. Overall 8/10.

    Mint julep and espresso martini
    Alan R.

    As many may know, Julep has been ranked on America's Top 50 bars. We had been wanting to come here before the rankings and had to come once they were released. Our experience at Julep did not disappoint. Although it was busy, our drinks were made quickly and we were well attended to by the staff. The atmosphere there is a great place for a date night or for a nicer hangout. In terms of the drinks, they were very good. The mint julep for which they are named was excellent and well presented. I have had better espresso martinis but still enjoyed this one. Overall, while living in Houston, this was one of my favorite bars and we went multiple times. Note- there is valet service for parking.

    Winter Menu
    Chris P.

    I've been coming to Julep ever since Alba opened this cozy cocktail joint around a decade ago. It's been great watching her grow her brand and the business over time. There are many aspects that remain steadfast through the years and there is so much to love about this spot, yet with recognition and success comes some unfortunate realities. First, let's hit a couple of the annoyances, the top for me is parking is now ruled by a valet service most of the time. There's still a couple of spots to grab in the parking lot or on the street, but consider me one of those in the camp of a valet service isn't necessary when the parking lot is immediately in front/adjacent to the business. I typically walk here, but for those who cannot, I'd suggest for anyone planning to stick around for a bit to simply use a ride share service. Second, given the recognition (such as. James Beard award), it's more difficult to simply show up and enjoy a great cocktail with friends. Don't get me wrong, it's still possible during certain hours and days, but to be safe, I recommend anyone that knows they want to go to consider a reservation. It will help to get a seat quicker. Now the positives, the place is still fantastic. The decor, the low key yet refined experience still shines through. The back patio has transformed in many ways over the years and now is fully enclosed with a bar itself. This makes service far more convenient and consistent there. In the primary bar and seating area there is typically someone roving to make sure you have everything you want. Food & Drink There are plenty of great on and off menu options for cocktails. There is always some form of rotating house cocktail menu, which maintains fresh options to choose from. Many have moved to being staples of the menu, which makes for plenty of great choices! Alba has been a staple to the Houston craft cocktail scene and it's always exciting to see what the team comes up with as a new menu item. Over time the options for food has grown and makes it far better for those who may want a small bite to go with their cocktail. One item that remains a steadfast staple and a personal favorite is $1 oyster specials every Monday; this is Southern hospitality delight! Service This can vary a bit dependent on how busy it is, but in general it's quite good for cocktails. There's only been a few occasions where we had to wait an abnormal amount of time for a drink. The food can take a bit longer, particularly if you're visiting on a Monday with oysters. But fear not, patience will payoff and besides, why rush here? It's an experience and a great environment to catch up with a friend. Cost As I say, subjective, but you're going to find the prices about in line with norms these days. The cost has creeped up over time, but I guess that's just inevitable. My only suggestion would be to expand happy hour pricing to a bit more than just house cocktails? Maybe a rotating set of classic cocktails too? Just a thought. Overall Look, I've waited for ages to post a review here because I talk about it so much to others. All I can say is for anyone looking to catch up with a friend, have a night out to celebrate something, or a great location for a date, it's worth stopping by. As someone who has worked in the industry and has considered stepping back into the world of owning a bar myself, we know the level of effort it takes. We are proud to see Alba continue to achieve so much and give back to the city. She is everything this city and food/drink scene is about. Keep it up!

    Missionary's Downfall
    Delina G.

    Julep is one of those spots that makes you fall in love with cocktails all over again. The drinks? Absolutely phenomenal. The bartenders here are artists--knowledgeable, fun, and genuinely excited to walk you through the menu. I tried a few recommendations and they nailed every one. That said, everything outside of the bar experience left a little to be desired. Our food arrived cold and honestly didn't feel special. To top it off, we were served without utensils, had to ask for extra plates (one came out dirty), and only got one water with no refills. The service overall was minimal--our table was checked on once after the food arrived, and that was it. Bottom line: If you're here for the drinks and vibe, you'll be in cocktail heaven. If you're counting on the food and table service to round out the night, you might walk away underwhelmed. Would definitely come back for the bar alone, but I'll probably grab dinner elsewhere first.

    Raven A.

    The drinks here were pretty good in taste. Definitely refreshing. It was definitely a drink that sneaks on you. I was telling my boyfriend that they were weak. I was wrong lmaooooo. The ambiance was nice. It was definitely date night material. It wasn't too loud. It was very vibey. The lighting was very dim and sexy. It wasn't very busy, which is why I was wondering why it took so long for the waitress to come back to our table. She didn't really check on us after we received our drinks. So we only had one drink and left. However, she was nice to us.

    Cherry Bounce Sour (red)
    Christy L.

    Julep is one of my favorite cocktail bars in Houston. This bar is nestled in Washington Ave and features classic cocktails and has won a James Beard Award. It is a perfect and cozy location for a girls night out or a after dinner date night. One of my favorite drinks here is the Cherry Bounce Sour julep. The cocktail is incredibly fresh and bright with a good balance of liquor. It is easy to sip on and leaves you wanting to order more rounds throughout the night. Parking can be a bit tight here, but there is plenty of street parking around. The vibes and service here are great and I have no complaints. It is better if you make a reservation as it can be harder to get a walk in spot (although, both times I have visited, I was a walk-in and luckily there was space).

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    2 months ago

    Service was horrible. It took forever to get a drink and the wine selection is not good.

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    Julep Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Julep

    1) Do they take reservations? 2) Do they have happy hour? If so, what is it?

    They take reservations through OpenDoor and Happy Hour is 4:00-5:30 from Monday to Friday.

    Will they make custom cocktails or are you limited to what's on the drinks menu?

    Yes, they made us custom cocktails during our visit.

    How much is the "valet only" parking?

    Hello, I have been there twice, and they have complimentary parking on Wednesday-Saturday. I also confirmed it from the website. Side Note: They are the friendliest valet you will ever meet and remember you.

    Are they still serving the lobster roll?

    It doesn't show up on their website menu page.

    View All 7 Questions

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    Permission Whiskey & Service - Vitamin Sea and Gold Rush

    Permission Whiskey & Service

    (215 reviews)

    $$

    The Heights

    Great bar Met some…read morefriends here after dinner. They were packed and boomin when we arrived. Dj set up right behind us and got the night started right. Even though the place was completely full, the service was still quick and really good. They brought out more chairs to accommodate our growing party and we never had to wait long for drinks. After about an hour, we slid through the back door and into the speakeasy. This portion of the bar was equally impressive and had the same high end vibe. More great service, more great drinks. Some Louis XIII may have been poured- which came with white glove service and a complete history lesson btw lol Literally zero complaints. Just a great night out.

    If i could gove 0 stars for the service inside on. May 2nd i would…read more I left a 0 tip on my tab since i PAID for my drinks.. and had to wait over 30 min i KID YOU NOT to get my drinks ... I even had to remind 3 waiters and 1 told me i didnt get the tocket but came thru Shout out to him. Management was trash, my party of 15+ people wanted to drink more but waitresses were never to be seeen Bartenders did what they could And a guy that looked like a boss was jus ttaking paymentts and doing a shit fucking job My party was ready to spend 120-250 per person but were only able to spend 48 bc of how long it took To order 1 ducking drink 10 win to order 15 to wait... I waited 30 on top of the 10 to be able to order Inagine almost a f hour... Dont go here Management .. do better

    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge - outside, covered patio area

    Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge

    (121 reviews)

    Fourth Ward, Midtown, Montrose

    We stopped into Jethro's Cocktail Lounge while we were out at the Vintage Community Market hosted…read moreby Faculty Club Never, and it ended up being one of those places you're so glad you randomly walked into. First, the vibe. It is warm, stylish, and very Montrose in the best way. It feels elevated but still relaxed enough to just sit, talk, and enjoy your time without feeling rushed. We came during happy hour and it was such a great deal. I ordered the Sweet Like Peach Tree, which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with the peach and ginger. My husband got the Frozen Paloma and it was just as good, super smooth with the right citrus bite. We also shared the churros and they were honestly a must order. Warm, crispy, and paired with Nutella and caramel. What really made the experience stand out though was our bartender, Manny. He was incredibly welcoming from the moment we sat down, had such a great personality, and made the whole experience feel personal. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and that kind of service is hard to find. He also told us about their upcoming two year anniversary party on May 3rd with rotating live DJs, which sounds like it will be such a fun time. We will definitely be back. Between the drinks, the atmosphere, and the service, this place really gets it right.

    On my weekly walks through midtown, I got to watch Jethro's be built and come to life. First visit…read morewas a big HIT for me and I love finding time to come back. The vibes are immaculate! It's a little small inside and a small parking lot, but if you're lucky and can walk there, do! The quality of the drinks are really excellent and the burgers have been voted some of the best in town! I can't speak for them, but the drinks and the spot, are phenomenal. They have bingo nights, dj nights, and other themed events that keep the place packed out. Maybe once I try the burgers, it'll be 5 stars, but the smallll parking lot and lack of safe street parking keep me at 4.

    Julep - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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