I remember the first time I went into this bar, oh wait, I really don't because I got so hammered that I don't recall much that night. When people say they want to check out dive bars in Houston, I will certainly take them to this place. I just like the fact that there's $2 well until 11PM, which means it's a great place to get fueled up with booze before going elsewhere or stay there and chat with a variety of characters. Since Lola's Depot is a dive bar, it is best to pay with cash. Yes, they do accept credit card but there's a minimum charge on it. Of course most likely you will reach that minimum in no time but it's always faster with cash as the bar gets busy from time to time. There's also a small bar out on the patio area as well. Sometimes they will have a food truck that serves food too. Back on the inside, there's pool tables where you can simply ask to play the next game and meet new people, that is of course you pay for the game. Now the restroom is nothing to write about because you can see the pictures and it's a dive bar restroom, as long as it works, then that's good enough. One thing you'll notice is the ceiling and the wall is full of memorabilia and stickers, again, don't get intimidated by this dive-y look. Parking is a hassle as there's only so many street parkings near the bar. So far I had nothing but good times there. I even met a random Yelp Elite on one visit during a random chat with people out on the patio. When you feel like you are tight on money and still want to get trashed, you should think about coming to this bar for an interesting time of your life. read more

Where do I even begin to start, Lola's is the most surreal dive bar I've ever been in. Its dark and down right seedy looking. The drinks are cheap and the place seems like something you would read about in a novel, not just any novel but a cheap murder mystery. Lolas would be the place where the crime went down. The jukebox is amazing and honestly if you sit at the bar for a night and watch the regulars wonder in and out you get a real idea of what its like to be a true low life scuz bucket lookin for a cheap fun time in a dirty Texas city. Now I know the above paragraph may sound scary but if you know and love dive bars you will love Lola's. I dont think they make them like this anymore. The only thing that makes me sad is that you can no longer smoke inside bars in houston. Theirs something about the inside of Lolas that makes me want to stop and smoke a cheap cigarette, not something tasty like a camel but a GPC extra light, something that doesn't taste like tobacco but like burning chemicals and gives you a slight head buzz The cheap drinks are always a plus also getting drunk here is one of the single greatest experiences of my life. When I left Lola's i had to stop by the liquor store across the street and buy a bottle of thunderbird for the ride home. If you are even considering going to Lola's do yourself a favor and act on it now! You wont regret your visit to this wonder haven from all that is good in the world. read more

Yo. This place IS a dive bar in the most negative sense of the phrase. My gf and I walked in, well, attempted to walk inside for a drink and was rudely yelled at by a homeless looking person behind the bar. "Outside!" "Outside!" So we took a step back into the patio and thought, no thank you. Freakin patio is falling apart!!! Screw this place, man. You'd have a better time drinking a quart of beer at a bus stop. read more

This is a onesies/twosies split. Blame Patricia S.'s review below for tipping the scales from twosies to onesies. Some of the people here are pretty grossface and intolerable to be drinking around. Probably not Lola's problem per se, since if they kick out perverts, then hey, less booze gets sold since it will be elsewhere that he tries to liquor up her (or him) to make bad decisions later on. But really, this place is kind of a joke even though it is a "dive" - I would come here with someone I did not really respect for a drink or two - I would never take a client or anything like that since it is so unpredictable what kind of spectacle will unfold right in front of your very eyes. Kind of like Poison Girl I see why some people love the place, but it is just not for me and my Armani tie. Just be warned before you come here. Stiff drinks, sure. Inappropriate behavior in your sightline, likely. Cockroaches? Anyone's guess. Don't take your mommy here for a cocktail. Don't do it! read more

My Go to! I hung my bra up the first time stepping into this beautiful place. If your weird , you like options with your toiletries and have a heart of gold this is a place is for you. people WILL talk to you and treat you like they've known you for years it's amazing Kenny is a Gem but we all know that Oh ya drinks are a great price all day everyday read more

Lola's has cleaned up (sort of). It retains the crown of Houston's BEST DIVE BAR IMHO. They now take credit cards! The bathroom is sanitary! There are lights! This Montrose institution has gone through many incarnations as it descended into the abyss of abuse. I was pleasantly surprised when I brought some guests from Denmark here the other night. The drinks are only $1.75 during happy hour (4:00 until 11:00) The ambience remains decidedly downtempo but they have cleaned up the entire bar. There is now a fully stocked bar outside on the substantially cleaned up patio. Lola's doesn't deserve the shrill harshness of older reviews. If you are ever in the area and want to whet your whistle for little loot, stop in for a drink and prepare to be shocked at: 1) how cheap drinks can be 2) how strong drinks can be 3) (see above) repeat until satisfied read more

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It feels run down and cheap, but in a good way. Like a cross between an old punk rock bar and an ice box combo. I went in on late Friday night and there was a decent amount of people in there. The ratio of guys and girls was surprisingly skewed towards the females, they actually outnumbered the dudes in there. Shocked by that honestly. People were friendly if you wanted to chat with them. My friend ordered up some shots and PBR's forgot how much the shots were, but it was 6 tall boy PBR's for $10.50, can't argue with that kind of pricing. There was a fair sized patio outside and it was filled with random goodies, like a plywood board painted with green lantern and superman you can stick your head through and take pictures with. It has a great juke box playing rock stuff. I'm definitely going back sometime. read more

Good old Lola's Depot aka the purple house!!! This place is great!! Always a good time, because of the people and the drinks, it's not the fraternal house bathrooms or that basement decor, which to me says welcome do whatever the f*ck you want, just know you will be thrown out of here only to return another night to be welcome to do it all over again. read more

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One of those 2 am bars a traveler must search for. I dope spot for those who wander who are lost. Or not lost, pending one ones opinion. read more

Lola's Depot - A most unusual bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is really a cool nice bar! I came here on a Saturday night and I love it. So the drinks here are cheap and not bad at all. The ppl here were all really nice and fun. I will come back here again if I am in this area! read more

Total dive! Have a great time inhaling mold and asbestos. Short and honest go see for yourself.

Love it! Great real dive bar but with great staff and great crowd. How she looked like a woman and talked like a man....Lalalalala Lola!

This is without a doubt, one of the divey-est bars I have ever set foot into in my entire life, but I somehow an strangely drawn to it from time to time. First off - cash only. The drinks here are sometimes horrendous. I don't know what it is, but my simple Diet Coke and rum and cranberry and vodka have all managed to taste like they have a certain gasoline essence. I kid you not! Anyway, nonetheless this place still satisfies the dive bar kid in me and the drinks are stupid cheap so that's fine . . . I hear gasoline gets you drunker most quickly (kidding). There's a pretty large backyard/patio area with wooden benches and tables - dare I say they sometimes have a minimal bar outside (there seems to be a structure outfitted for such, but I've never seen it used - or am I imagining this?). The interior is a little claustrophobic - from what I remember - low-ceilings . . . somewhat tight door frames, etc. As for the clientele - well it kind of varies, but more often than not, you'll find some of Houston's most questionable population lining the walls and pool tables. But really laid back and friendly folks. Sometimes too friendly as a random person will always start jabbering to me about something or another and I know I have my best "don't talk to me" face on, but that tend to not be very potent here. So yeah basically I always feel like I need an hour long hot shower after hanging out here, but I somehow always end up back! Maybe it holds some sort of nostalgia value for me as I used to actually hang out here sober, back when I didn't drink with my alcoholic friends (look, I was being all New Age about my body and whatnot back in the day, shhh!) and now that I do, it just feels like a whole new world. I can't exactly explain my attraction to this place. I certainly don't TRY to come here, but whenever I do, it's always a hoot. read more

This reminded me of a skinhead bar with a bartender who appeared to ignore the only minorities in the bar. I experienced what felt like complete racism which I have not felt in 20 years. Bartender saw us waiting and completely ignored us and went to his white customers first even though we were standing there for over 5 minutes patiently waiting. When he did come to us, he was a complete asshole, almost trying to make us leave and was condescending. I was in utter disbelief and we all left because it felt too American History X. Reading the other reviews, it seems like my feelings were correct. They need to get with the times and accept that all ethnic backgrounds may frequent. I don't support places or people who would give their business to this type of anti minority establishment. read more

I lost my wallet and called them and they said they weren't gonna look for it until the next day even though they were there it would take them one second to look but they would rather wait 12 plus hours. An hour or two or even a few minutes is the difference in the finding it or not. If one woman worked there I bet she woulda looked but just a bunch of lazy ass men incompetent men. Come here if you wanna wait 30 minutes to get your drink or check out !! read more

Great bar, love the service and bartenders been coming since 2016! Cold cheap beer and great people. Have been taking friends and family for years and they all come back. Looking for a good spot to pre game before you go dance or clubbing here it is read more

True dive bar. No other judgements of service or staff. Great people + great prices, as expected from a dive bar.

Lola's is a dive bar (if that weren't obvious by the many pictures and reviews). For those that aren't familiar with what a dive bar entails, let me put it this way; it's probably not someplace you would take your parents (unless they sport tattoos and listen to metal). I'm not saying that to dissuade anybody, but only to set the expectations straight. That being said, this is the best dive bar I've been to. Cheap drinks, cool/edgy decor, AWESOME music selection (from classics to metal/rock hits), dimly lit and usually fairly crowded, you probably know by now if this is your type of place. I've met awesome people here, most recently a regular and her friend who I had a wonderful time socializing with. I've come here both alone and with friends, and I always have a great time. Now all this praise does come with a couple cons. First off, drinks are served in plastic cups, which is somewhat expected for the cheap price, but that could be a turn off to some. Also, there is no parking lot so you'll either have to look for street parking (usually not that hard to find if you know where to look) or pay $10 to park at a nearby lot. It's worth mentioning that the bartenders work hard, but expect to have to wait for drinks during busy nights. Patience is a virtue! All in all, Lola's Depot is exactly what I want out of a bar. Inexpensive drinks, my favorite genre of music, and an intriguing place to chill and chat. read more

Look, I think the spot suits "it's crowd", but it's not totally my jam. If you're one of those super social, awkwardly inked, colorful hair types, that would prefer an evening bike ride, more than a romp in the car... This is your jam. You know who you are, don't front on me, I see you through those overly sized thick frames glasses. Drinks are on the cheap side, but it's sorta a grimey spot... I can't tell if it's intentional, or it's part of the image of the place. And I think I got over my whiskey being served in plastic disposable cups back in college... ‍ Don't come here on a date. Don't come here to enjoy a drink and have engaging conversation with the neighborhood locals. Come here to be super hip and trendy and all about that hip@#$ life (we don't use that word, it's a bad word). read more

The best dive bar in the city. This has been a favoured haunt for years. It hasn't changed. Purple building in corner of Grant and Fairview. Music by the eclectic jukebox. This is many things but boring if not one of them. The patio is always full of conversations and the junk.of past parties, ceilings adorned with bras. Walls painted by local artists there are 2 pool tables and a bar inside, the patrons are a mixed lot. Different ages different backgrounds. Patrons dressed like Ramones, suits, cocktail dresses. The drinks are cheap and strong. A great place to start the evening or just hang out. read more

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Let's face it. If you are drinking at Lolas, you are probably down on your luck. It's OK, drink your blues away.. nobody is going to judge you.. not at this place. Seriously... I started coming here because my stuck up friends refuse to go. And also because it's walking distance to my house. Those two factors combine make me a semi regular.. so here's the deal: 1. Cheap drinks. $1.75 wells and Domestics Monday through Friday from 5pm-7pm and again from 9pm-11pm. 2. Tuesday it's happy hour all day. 3. There is no food per se, but the bartenders have invested in a deep fryer and will surprise you on occasion. If you give this place a chance, all the bartenders are friendly and they make strong drinks. They view outsiders a little suspiciously at first, but at the same time they take care of you once they get to know you. This is not somewhere you would take a date or go to try to pick up someone. Most of the people here are trying to get wasted and have a good time with little pretense. Nobody is here to impress anyone... It's a good place to both start and end the night. There are a few crazies from time to time... but you know, everyone is a little crazy with a twelve pack or two pints of vodka in their system. When the weather is nice... Sunday afternoons tend to be pretty chill. read more

Lola's Depot - Dive Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is hands down my absolute most favorite dive bar in Houston. Anyone and everyone is welcome and there is never any drama. I'm always greeted and treated well by staff. I can't wait for them to open up their doors again. read more

Got brought here on a datesque thing. Didn't work out with the guy but this bar will always be memorable. Total dive bar. Don't expect anything crazy. Just cheap ass drinks and super chill people Walked out to that back patio area and there were tons more people out there just hanging out. The food truck (Belly Up) was about to close up shop but he sold us his last little bit of boudain and it was so good. It was just awesome. I told my friends about it the next day. Excited to be around and stop by Lola's again read more

I fucking love this place. Last night was a blast. Talk to some really cool people. Thinking of going back tonight

Its a dive. I read others reviews about the cleanliness and decor not being up to standards...its a dive. Drinks were cold, patio was great, people lf all walks of life enjoying the night . If you are up for sinking back and meeting new folks in Houston with a few drinks, in a unique place, then Lolas has you covered. read more

I love this place. Very cheap and good drinks. I ordered 4 shots and 4 margaritas my total came to about $22. Pool tables and outdoor patio if you like to smoke. Very diverse crowd. They play mostly heavy metal, Rock music if you mind. Really cool atmosphere. They don't serve food but you can get free hotdogs on Sunday. If you want to drink all night and not break the bank this is the place for you. The bar staff gets pretty busy so just wait your turn they will get to you. Free parking if you can find a spot. They are not usually super packed so you will find seating. The frequent patrons are really friendly as well. Great place to drink and have a couple rounds of pool. read more

The diviest of dive bars. Cheap drinks and no frills. This place isn't for the faint of heart.

Best dive bar in Houston with always interesting characters to observe. Cheap drinks, great atmosphere. Back patio is large and even when it's packed I've always found a bench to sit on. read more

Recently dumped? Fired from your job? Loss in your family? Cat was run over by a car? Lola's is where you go if one of these things or all of the above has happened to you. Strongest of the strong drinks. So dimly lit no one will ever see you breaking down from your life crisis. Location is perfectly placed so that you can stumble into more fun trouble in the neighborhood. Enjoy read more

The superior of all Houston dive bars. I hadn't had the pleasure of actually checking the place out till a month ago when a veteran Lola's customer brought me here. I had it on my list of places to visit for like a year but never got around to it. My first impression was memorable. It was 2 mins away from my new place and we came here after moving a butt load of my crap all the way from NW. It surprised me that I hadn't laid eyes on it before seeing that it was so accessible and right behind the Hollywood Viet /Chinese restaurant. Don't know why I never drove down Fairview, but that has since been rectified. Kenny was at the door and recognized my friend, apparently they went wayyyy back. I walked in to be taken aback by the captivating darkness and glowing bar lights of Lola's. (The back mirror with all of the out of state/country stickers is the places Kenny's visited- -very neat) My first order was the Wholee's infamous Cape Cod with a splash of pineapple. Difficult to fuck up, more difficult to master. The first sip almost gave me the involuntary reflex to close my throat, ...nothing but vodka. Awwww yeaaaa!!! Needless to say the drinks were dirt cheap, more so since my buddy had a mad hook up. The price he charged him for 3 mix drinks and 3 shots were equivalent to what I paid for one drink at a douche midtown bar. The rest of the night was carried out getting drunk and getting the bartenders drunk. My second night was just as entertaining watching two bartenders fight and break a bottle of Jack ....priceless. On one occasion I took two buddies here because they had been drunk fighting all day at Rudyards, Poison Girl, Brasils, so I figured what better place to let them brawl in peace? Fucking Lola's! So after about 2 minutes of being there one friend fell off the bar stool, 5 mins later the shoving match between the two resumed, 8 mins later they were on the floor of the bar wrestling, 10 mins later they were at it again out on the patio and even managed to knock down the huge metal fan outside. I think the most that was said to them was when the bartender gave them drinks and said take it outside. Good times! Oh, and the patio is very 420 friendly from what I've seen. read more

WTF? What happened to Lola's?!?! It became a neighborhood bar!! I don't know if you can still buy illicit drugs here (seems less likely, these days), but once upon a time you could. I speak not of "soft drugs." I also speak of "hearsay." Annnnnnyway, it's now a little cleaner and and a bit less like a truck-stop bathroom. It's CHANGED! It has new owners, I'm told. They even ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?!?!? Chebus, what's next?!? Dog's driving cars? It's a crazy whirled. Anyway, Lola's is perfect for those of us that wax nostalgic about what ####-hole it used to be and, yet, have "grown past" those places. It's a time machine sans Tim Curry. Although it's still in the Montrose. To quote as passage more descriptive of the 'hood than I'm likely to write... So come up to the lab. And see what's on the slab. I see you shiver with antici... pation! But maybe the rain isn't really to blame So I'll remove the cause, but not the symptom. Give Lola's another go-round. The bathrooms are still scary (although a notch less)... and the drinks are still cheap hooch served in plastic... but you like to feel dirty, don't you? Don't be proud... read more

Oh, man. They sure do pride themselves on being the "Home of Reality." (They even have a sign behind the bar saying this.) Yeah, it's a dive bar. Yeah, they have cheap drinks ($1.50 wells during happy hour...with Tuesday being happy hour all day, I'm told), and yes they have an awesome jukebox. But this place is filthy. I sat on the patio with friends for 10 minutes until we could no longer endure the cockroaches jumping onto us. Then sitting by the bar inside my friend noticed her feet soaked in dirty water leaking from the restroom. We were bewildered by the used car-salesman-looking guy groping his ladyfriend under her shirt next to him while he groaned "oh yeah this is awesome!" So yeah, go if you still think dive bars are kitcshy and ironically cool. Or if you're unemployed and would rather use your busfare to get to an AA meeting on getting tanked. read more

Oh man this was exactly what I wanted out of Houston nightlife. The Galleria is fun and all, don't get me wrong, but this is what I love. Old cable spools for tables in the backyard patio (and an oddly flooded chess board? what was that eh?). Cash only, which is rough sometimes, but get over it. They don't dick around here! Many thanks to the illustrious Jim for showing me the divey side of Htown! read more

I didn't know there was a depot tacked on to the end of the name... This place is always fun, be careful going to the bar and back again from your car. I first went here about 15 years ago or so with my x brother law. I didn't realize it was going to feature in a lot of random stories I have to tell. It's a cash only bar and the back patio is mostly where I sit it's great for big very casual get togethers, sometimes I see people dressed I here, but what's the point. I have seen what looks like a lot of slumming occurrences taking place here, so it's best to stay away from any potential dating situations here. The place is grungy, smelly, dangerous, your apt to wonder what your watching or participating in later on, but good for people watching as the whole atmosphere is very dark. read more

I went with my friend here once and I didn't enjoy my time. There was a guy selling all types of drugs outside.. all in the open. I felt unsafe and uncomfortable. I quickly finished my beer and Left. Also people doing cocaine In the bathroom. Yeah I know it's a bar... but we went around 9 PM like really? read more

Definitely not a place for a timid, shy suburban person. This is probably the sketchiest place I've ever been too. Thanks, to my brother for taking me here on numerous occasions. Its his favorite hangout spot, not mine. While I can enjoy it for what it is, I will say I have never had anyone be rude or aggressive with me there. Everyone inside this deep, dark hole is just there to kick back and drink. I encourage most to get a good buzz going before you go here. Its not something you should enter sober. If not, this place makes some cheap, strong drinks served in a glorious plastic cup. You'll see a wide variety of people here so obviously there is some great people-watching to be had. I wouldn't be surprised if you caught some action either whether its a fight, or an arrest or something along the lines of illegal activity. This is a CASH ONLY bar. No fancy, smancy credit card thingys accepted here. Also, beware of the people outside that say they'll watch your car for you. Assholes are just trying to scam you. I suggest parking in a well lit area on the street. Once I took my innocent, southern roommate to this place to meet up with my brother. I warned her about what to expect but nothing would prepare her for our journey from our car to the bar's front door. Just be careful if you are a girl. You shouldn't be alone in these parts of town. read more

Only one watering hole in all of my plebian Montrose existence has ever succeeded in getting me completely bottom-shelf wasted for less than $20. They over-pour and under-card. I've never entered Lola's with ID anywhere on my person. Management will occasionally post a door guy at the entrance. He sits on a bar stool all night, but more for aesthetics than utility. I've seen him ask people for ID, only to wave them in when they started in with the whole Over-Exaggerated-Where-Did-I-Leave-My-Wallet-Pocket-Pat-Down. As someone who has perfected the O-E-W-D-I-L-M-W-P-P-D, I appreciate any act of pantomime that leads to cheap booze. Every mirror inside this bar has been ruined by decades' worth of shitty band stickers. My favorite is either an announcement for or a warning of: THE PUPPET CUNT PUNCH TOUR of '91 - - SOONER THAN YOU THINK! The back patio is decorated in themes that are either a) minimalist or, b) low-fi . I refuse to call it grunge, which is accurate but also lazy. It's grunge the way Jane's Addiction is grunge, meaning predictable. And who could have predicted in their wildest fever-dream, the abundance and accessibility of cheap, pre-Obama administration grade cocaine? Nobody. Fuck grunge. All five stars and three cheers for Lola's. Where dreams are dumb. read more

If you haven't wanted to off yourself because of a bad hangover in a while, or slept through an entire Sunday because it was too bright to move, head over to Lola's. The drinks are $1 and are served in plastic cups. I won't say for sure that some of my vodka tonics haven't been made with Sprite. This place isn't fashionable. It's not down-and-out. It's not kitschy. It's just a dark bar with a pool table and a big outdoor area with picnic tables and a weird little gazebo. The last time I was there, it was raining and rowdy outside, and at 10:30 a man in an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt motioned to me to play along while he lied into his cell phone, "No, honey, I'm out with the kids right now. We're at dinner." It's the perfect stress-free ending to any day. read more

Chill place to hang out w/o worrying about what you're wearing. Pool tables. Really dirty restrooms. You can't complain with their well drink prices for happy hour $1.75, but if you only tip a dollar each time you order a drink, the bartenders start making snide remarks. In addition, why is the bouncer outside assuming that he needs to get a tip when there is absolutely no crowd inside nor a line outside the place??? read more

Someone played a trick on me and told me that this place was hosting a watch party for the Alabama vs Mississippi State game. So we went in fully decked out in Alabama gear and saw that the place was full of hipsters. We left pretty quickly as there were some guys wearing jeans that I was worried would cut off circulation soon. There were a bunch of people wearing glasses with no lenses in them? What is that? Maybe we will return to Halloween! read more