A bartender at a restaurant down the street mentioned we should check this place out since it was so funky. Its an old house that they converted in to a bar. Still has the kitchen, living room, etc. Its interesting. Fairly cheap drinks. The locals were pretty welcoming of random strangers coming in. Good conversation. They also allow dogs, which was cool. read more

This place was cool, i gotta come back for a better review but ps... pizza is bomb here hehe

My friends and I wanted to go to palapas (sp) but they apparently closed down! We walked in and walked right out so I can't really make a detailed review So we stopped here cuz we heard some music....walked in and felt very weird and awkward. It was a cute place and more like an house but it was so hot in there and kind musty feeling, we were never greeted either so we just walked out. Maybe i'll go back in the day time and try out their drinks read more

Nice ambience for a chill night out, I live in the neighborhood and so it's a ton of regulars and a safe crowd! read more

Komodo Pub - Negroni, pickle back, Jameson shot - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Worst hospitality I've ever experienced. While other patrons were served in glasses we were served in plastic cups. Who puts good bourbon in a plastic cup? Then they disconnected the jukebox after we had prepaid for over 50 dollars of tubes just because they thought we were taking over the music from their local regulars. read more

Cute little bar. The parking lot is really small but there's enough street parking. The place is dog friendly which is nice. It's an old home that's been converted to a bar with a decent patio. It's a very chill vibe inside with comfy chairs and a smaller bar. It looks like a place the locals hang out which I dig. If you want bomb ass food, they have a delicious taco truck parked outside. I'd highly recommend trying it while there! read more

I don't know why people consider this a dive bar. It's a casual neighborhood spot serving the apartments around it, and always seemed to attract a more mature customer base than say, its sister bar Lizzards. It's a converted shotgun house and the bartenders are cool. It's not trendy like some of the nearby spots but it's no dive. The drinks are cheaper for Midtown, and there are nice couches to lounge and watch tv while petting the dogs that walk by. The patio is nice to hang out on a cool night. What more can you want? read more

So with it being my first time there, it wasn't very welcoming at all! Once we arrived there, it was a female bartender, long brunette hair plus sized woman, she was NOT the nicest at all. Like not even a greeting smile to seem like she even liked her job or as if it's our fault that she worked there. Anywho, I wanted to order a white gummy bear shot, however I wanted to make a simple modification of it, which i asked her to use a repo tequila instead of the raspberry vodka. She then tells me in a rude disgruntled way "that's not how you make a white gummy bear shot etc... as if i didn't know what came in one. (i.e, i am a bartender). So then I could tell that she just dry did not want it to make it the way I requested. So I was just like, you know what fine just make it the normal way. Which was completely nasty! Continuing on throughout the night, just by watching her interactions with other customers that were sitting at the bar/coming in, she was more greeting and talkative to them compared to us. Which was very discriminating. She wasn't very sanitary and mindful at all, she was eating behind the bar, touching and running her fingers in her hair, DID NOT wash her hands directly after. Then proceeds to pour me a shot, asked me if I wanted to lime, I wanted a orange instead, then grabs it with her BARE HANDS. At that point, I was just ready to go. Because clearly, we was not welcomed there at all. I will not be back, this is a strong 1-star review. I would not recommend going to this hole in a wall place. read more

atmosphere - phenomenal, im new to living in midtown but i finally found a knock off or upgrade to avant garden and i was far beyond impressed. the bartender some how convinced me to take rumple mints shot or four and i don't restorer it. he was quick to identify i was in the industry and kept a very bad ass demeanor. as a trans man in early transition and it being pride month..i felt compelled to speak my truth to him. i showed him my ID: jahi was amazing. he did nothing but build me up in confidence and was nothing but supportive. despite the beautiful girl next to me i was more intrigued in Jahi's demeanor and treatment of folx- as human as possible, not because i'm industry but he appreciated the vulnerability and honored it of a stealth trans man opening up- that is community. what we as service workers strive to have in our establishments. would for sure be back when he's working, as for his female presenting colleague. i came back a few days later and my date and i felt hella uncomfortable as to how we were treated: word on th street this isn't the first complaint but i don't so much bitching because i got mad love from jahi and have never felt so welcomed and seen. komodo's, you all have jahi as a true gem. as a licensed mental health professional i highly encourage for you all to train other team members as to how to treat diverse crowds- it's our month after all and we are dying at alarming rates: Jahi- thank you for being such a bad ass person. i'll be back for you, not just the drinks. this trans dude felt safe for the first time in my life in the brief moments we spoke. much love my dude. ‍ silas read more

My first thought: There was a crowd of people. Then I realized it was around a white man saying the n word. My drink was in a skinnier plastic cup than the other people at the bar after I just walked in and they'd been there for awhile. After the "regulars" got refills, it was finally my turn to order. Yay! After a certain time, you'll get your drink...when they see you after servicing their friends. You don't want to come here as a new person unless you're open BUT even if you are...it doesn't mean they'll be welcoming you into their circle. I've been here several times, different times, and it depends on the bartender, really. It's a hit and miss but mostly a miss. It's a regular bar, nothing fancy, no dress up, no fuss....problem is the frequent people. You'll see. read more

It's a nice dive bar with a chill ambiance, strong drinks, and great customer service. I've been a few times and will return soon.

This charming dump surprised me ... it's a historical home turned into a bar with the kitchen still exposed and a modern jukebox. For being in midtown, it definitely is more of my scene over the surrounding bars. With that said, there are kind of some seedy characters... few dudes starring at me and my friend (both women) slightly creepy, but doable. The reason why I checked it out is because they have Erotic Photo Hunt y'all! One of the best bar games in existence... read more

So I bet you're thinking, "Komodo's. Really? Five stars, Farrah?" Yeah. It's a cool little bar in an old house, but there's no real "wow" factor. True. But take into consideration the location of the bar (being in midtown) and how it stands out from the rest of the bunch: seriously CHEAP and STRONG drinks; cozy, vintage setting with funky wall decor (masks and carousel horse are my fave); a jukebox to let you set the night's environment; plasmas showing sports; no lasers and/or Guidos. Next time you're in, ask the bartender for a "Sex In The Hot Tub." The shot taste utterly disgusting, but you just have to see what it looks like! read more

This place is just a bar in a little old house, so what is it doing in midtown? It feels like something that should belong in montrose, but with Houston and no zoning, you never know what you'll find. I love it because everyone here is chilled. You can grab a drink, chit chat with friends, or even watch tv, they have a few big screens. No dbags here. read more

I'm probably the last person to have visited this bar, but that's fine.....at least I found it eventually! I confused it with another bar on w. gray that has since closed. Inside, you may find it chaotic at first, but it will grow on you. Komodo reminds me of a frat house that has been converted into a bar. There is even an obligatory hole in the wall in the men's restroom, as if someone got mad one day over their ex gf. And the original kitchen and sink is even still present, except plywood has been placed over the sink. There is only 1 bar area, but several different seating areas and is a great place to visit on a nice day to sit outside. If you sit inside, it can get pretty loud. Drinks are cheap, not midtown pricing, so thats maybe part of the draw. read more

This place is hit or miss. It is either a 1 star place: if that chubby, hipster, LMFAO wanna-be-bartender who is more worried about dancing and being ironic than actually serving you a drink and when he does he short pours your tall drink and charges you for a double. I used to be a bartender and when you do a three count, it is 3/4 of an ounce. The bare miniumum for a single drink is a four count, or once ounce pour. Sadly so many Houston bartenders are pre-tenders and unless you say tall single, they assume you want a tall double. Tall means more mixer, get it right people. The five star nights are when it is basically any of the other bartenders I have ever had here: Will is especially great and always super nice. The ambiance is dive-y, but classy. It is always a chill night here with a great vibe. read more

This is a place to check out if you just wait to lay back, have cheap drinks and enjoy a good time with your friends or company. The environment is is very casual and relaxed. The inside is cozy and eclectic! Plenty of areas for sitting and lounging. The patio offers a quiet area to just relax and have a good conversation with your company. They do have a full service bar and large area for sitting. The prices are great! Cheap, cheap, cheap! The staff is friendly and pretty quick on their feet. As anywhere in midtown, parking is a nightmare, but one can't blame them for that. I will be coming back to get a second wind of this cozy place. read more

Komodo Pub - Fireball!!! - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Like my favorite hookah bar in Colorado Springs, I treasure non-house things that are housed in well, houses. It reminds me of living in a frathouse long long ago with the pool table, beer bottles and koozies (and floozies) everywhere. Komodo speaks to part of that sensibility, but manages to ditch the obnoxious fratboys and run a more muted, laid back operation that is surprising to find in the middle of Midtown shenanigans. Consistency, no true offensive total-drunks situations here, and a pretty laid back (like Agora years and years ago) atmosphere means I would feel comfortable taking a client here for a drink or having family from out of town stop by for a drink. read more

Bartenders.... all of them NOT wearing masks. Loved the music, the vibe but Come On. It's not that difficult. I assume this will shut them down very soon. read more

Morgan is the greatest bartender. Jahi is fantabulous. order the Paloma.

Cool little bar in an old house surrounded by gentrified Midtown. Prices are low for the area and usually has a relaxed crowd. Good place if you're looking for a cozy regulars style bar where you can focus on the heavy drinking you want to do by yourself or with a small group of friends. read more

Since my last review I have become more of a regular at Komodo's and have to say I'm impressed, I now feel quite at home chilling at the bar even if it is just with one of the awesome bartenders (inside tip go early after the work day then either Ashley the Awesome or Will the Wonderful are working and will take care of you!). The Komodo's Kousins (regulars and staff there) take care of each other as well and many a Sunday there will be a party for someone with food. It really is a place where you are a somebody and not just a number! read more

Komodo Pub - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

It's was hard to rate a place that you don't have a 3.5 stars option. The service was ok and the drinks were extremely cheap in this area. It's rebuild from a house too while there are many options seatings such as couch, or big and small tables and of course the bar seatings. The patios are big and nice but the restroom was a little bit horrible. That would be one major reason I wanted to give this place 3.5 stars. read more

I would definitely classify this as a dive bar. It is literally a house turned into a bar. When you walk in, there's the bar to the left and the rest of the space is chairs and couches, just like a house. I like the feel of the place, but the service and drinks left alot to be desired. We ordered a few beers of different varieties and each of them were lukewarm. We brought this to the attention of the bartender and she did not seem to fazed by it. I drank my warm IPA which was not the most pleasant thing to do. Next round, I specifically asked for something cold from the back of their fridge, she opens it, and its still warm. At this point I was done with the drinks and said we had to go elsewhere. When I opened my tab, I did not notice my card just expired, and the bartender was really rude about it. It was a mistake on my part, but it could have been handled differently. I will definitely not be back. There are way too many other options in the area to have a COLD drink and socialize! read more

I have come to this bar many times and have always had a pleasant experience until last night. I was there with a friend sitting outside on the patio. I went into the bar to order drinks but was met with a nasty, condescending and sassy attitude by Meghan who was the bartender that night (Sunday 6/30/19). I did absolutely nothing to this woman but merely ask what type of tequila was available. Apparently that was too much to ask... After going back and forth with Meghan she finally gave me the drinks but I am thoroughly disappointed with her behavior and the fact that she made it so difficult to order a two drinks. Komodo Pub owners, please find professional bartenders who can converse with customers in a polite manner. read more

Terrible place and terrible service just don't go here. They don't know anything about costumer service

This is NOT a sake bar in case you are like me and saw this place listed when you Google "sake bar near me". But we went anyway and had a good time for half an hour. It's dog friendly so that's nice if you like dogs. It's in an old house that about to crumble on your head and that was kind of charming. Reminded me of when i visited aa frat house back in college. The staff was friendly. They serve your single malt in a plastic cup. We played erotic photo hunt at the bar. You get the picture. read more

Komodo is an underrated little bar off the well-beaten Midtown path. When you walk in, you feel like you walked into the stereotypical college frat house on a Thursday night - still quiet but you know there's the potential to get wild shortly. Service is quick and friendly. We took some rainbow shots that per our bartender had to be drunk through straws. Hell if I can remember what they were called so I'll call them Mind Erasers because that's what they did. They were half the price and double the sucker punch of comparable shots on the standard Midtown strip. There's a juke box in the corner that takes your bills and turns them into tunes of your choice. Note the credit card reader doesn't work, you have to download an app if you want to pay with a card, UGH. In my opinion this place shines as a pre-game spot, with its cheap drinks and no-frills fun. read more

Xavier the bartender showed us the best time! It was the chill-est time. Great drinks with a play tunes machine and a photo booth. This spot made a Saturday with my friends absolutely epic. We would go back and hang here anytime. It's a dive bar, nothing fancy but chill vibe. read more

Love it here! so friendly! lol the bar tender is awesome! Chris Hooper chocolate Tini is the best by him! Just how I like! read more

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Tag line of this place should be "don't knock it til you try it" or "the best cocktails you'll ever have at a dive bar". This place is underrated for sure. I've been here twice. The first time it was kind of sketchy. A bunch of locals. Very divey. A pick your own music machine. My kind of joint really but sitting in the middle of trendy Houston midtown. I was feelin the vibe then but I wasn't convinced that I would really like this place until Visit two. A good friend of mine frequents this place at least once a week and knows everyone there so we found ourselves there again on Thursday night after the wrath of hurricane Harvey. I was craving an old fashioned. My friend assured me they can make a good cocktail. I couldn't really believe it. This place is the epitome of dive. But who am I not believe a friend? I asked the bartender for an old fashioned and his face literally lit up. He seemed super excited about it. He made me a bourbon old fashioned not too sweet, just like I like it. He even lit the orange peel on fire. And dudes, it was $10. That's nothing for that drink! Turns out this bartender used to work at anvil but wasn't into the pretentiousness. Which is awesome, that means he worked with some of the best in Houston! He told me he loves making specialty drinks. So. I'm sold. Not to mention they have their own parking lot in the back, in midtown! Free parking in midtown. That's right. Doesn't get much better. Looking forward to my next expertly crafted drink at Komodos! read more

My boyfriend lives in the neighborhood, and it took us a long time to realize that this building was a bar! It looks like a regular house with nice patio space, and is located a little away from Gray, tucked into the neighborhood of Fourth Ward. Beer selection is okay. They have most of your regulars and a few local microbrews, but they're not one to boast a wide selection (well, it's more of a dive bar). There is no drink menu, but plenty of liquor for the bartender to make whatever cocktail you request. It's a good enough place to plop down for a few brews on a lazy evening. read more

came out with friends...for a few shots..." morgan" was a rude bartender!! ordered atlteast 5 rounds of shots.. and tipped her good and she was still rude!! read more

Komodo was the perfect spot for us to go for New Year's Eve. We were looking for something fun but relatively chill, where we could still talk to one another. As we approached Komodo, I was convinced that it was just a really well-attended house party. I love the location: I mean, who doesn't love a house party with a seriously full bar? We decided to start the evening off with some shots, and that may not have been the best decision. My friend ordered the lunch box, which consisted of the most random concoction EVER, all in one glass. Amaretto, Grey Goose, orange juice, beer... I don't even remember. All I remember is being horrified as I watched the bartender make the drink, and even more horrified after I finished it. Yikes. Luckily the gin and tonics I sipped on the rest of the evening were far superior. Komodo's the perfect spot to hang out with some good friends and on New Year's it was an absolute blast. Good music, a laidback crowd, and a very welcoming environment. read more

Last week, an Indonesian fruit picker was mauled to death by a Komodo dragon. Last night, I was that Indonesian fruit picker. Komodo's rocks. I hit it up mid-evening Saturday, immediately after a delicious and satisfying dinner crepe from Coco's (plug) and immediately before an immensely fun night of getting wasty and socializing at Tipsy (plug). It was literally the perfect in-between spot, both in terms of physical location, and the makeup of the bar itself. What could be better to ease into a night of drinking than having a few strong, cheap, strong cocktails in what was once somebody's living room? Incredibly chill atmosphere, which is a given, considering it's in a freaking house lol. Really a nice setup. Bartenders hook it up. Strong cocktails. I would really add nothing to this place, and would love to see a beer pong tournament going down there, for the ultimate quasi-house party vibe. Great spot in a great location - I will be back for another mauling soon. Also the cocktails are strong. read more

They layout isn't very convenient and the bartenders were kind of rude. You can definitely do better in midtown. My friend was from out of town and wanted to order a local beer (specifically a St. Arnold's b/c I had been talking it up all evening), but couldn't decide because he didn't know what the different brews were. Instead of helping, the bartender re-carded him (we were carded by the bouncer at the entrance) because, and I quote verbatim, he "didn't order well." Not planning on coming back here any time soon. read more

I agree with Farrah A, this place is a cool little bar in a perfect location. I'd give it 4.5 if I could but rounded down cause on some nights, especially late-night, the crowd can be a litte "Re". And by "Re" I mean Retarded... Is there a frat house nearby that I'm unaware of? Come on, I know you just graduated from college but seriously, get a hold of yourself youngster... Anyways, aside from that, this place rocks. Great bartenders, great drinks, great music (for the most part) and great people watching. But mostly, it's just a different vibe from most other bars in Houston. Not sure about the Sex in Hot Tub shot, though. Yikes, I think you scared me on that one. read more

Komodo's has quickly becoming one of my favorite midtown stops. Its a small, unassuming bar where pretty much anything can happen. I once witnessed two guys having a dance off in the back part of the room, while there were two people in the front area playing scrabble. No big deal. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. The inside of this place reminds me a lot of college living while I was in Austin. You really just need come here one day. Its pretty cool. Bar tenders are awesome and the drinks are cheap, and like Farrah said, strong. Only place that I know of that sells the Natty Light grenades! Nothing much else you could really ask for. Do yourself a favor and get to Komodos! Also, I have not tried it because they were out of tomatoe juice, but apparently they make some of the best bloody marys around town. read more

Dog friendly inside and out. Neighborhood dive bar with cheap drinks. Customers get to control the music inside the house - luckily it's always been pretty chill. It can get wild later at night. Only negative is that the bartender is sassy - I just ignore it because it's not that serious but she could have a better attitude. read more

Happy Hour or Friday night, I always enjoy this place. I used to come here on Wednesdays for their 'wine tastings'.... For $10, they would pour you 4 FULL glasses. It was unlike any other wine tasting I have ever been to, but who am I to critique how they do it? If only Specs would adopt this habit of pouring a full glass during its tastings. Oh, and if you liked the first glass you tried, you could stay with it and not even try the others. 4 glasses, ten bucks! Honestly, I haven't been on a Wednesday night in about a year though, so things may have sadly changed. Friday nights are still as fun as always though. The crowd is very mixed for a Midtown bar. There are couples, emo-ish groups, the usual midtown crowd, etc. I tend to waste money on the jukebox after a couple of their very strong drinks. The setting is unique, the bartenders are attentive and the drinks are strong. I am definitely a fan. Oh, and they have a parking lot in the back for a few lucky souls. read more