Great Dive! What a crazy scene... It's a bit surreal, i felt like i had gone back in time... to a time where drinks were cheap, you can smoke in bars and music sounds feedbacky and delicious... We popped in for a drink and ended up closing the bar down. There was a decent band playing - though they didn't look old enough to even be in there - HA! Must be that effect that the older you get the younger the kids look, right? uh-oh... am i getting old? what was i? oh right, the review... anywho... great atmosphere, great drinks, sinfully divey... and if it's too rough around the edges for ya, there's a more shiny bar next door... read more

There are rarely times when I walk into a bar and don't know what to expect...but this place knocked my socks off, and not in a good way. The bar is weird...from the entrance, to the decor, to the patrons. Which honestly, I am okay with. A little personality never hurt anyone. However, when you walk into a bar, downtown of all places, where there is a huge movement towards revitalization and craft cocktails, and you order a basic Manhattan cocktail while the bartender stares at you with a blank face...that's not a good thing, at all! Thus the paradox of this great city in which I now call home. There really is something for everyone...but honestly, who is this place for, bar wise? Everything else...cool as BALLS! read more

This place is very modnaR.

Went here with 2 of my gfs based off a recommendation- we were looking for an after-hours spot. While in line, the bouncer asked me what I did for a living while he considered admitting my friends and me. You can understand my bewilderment at his question. He was black and I'm half asian/half white and I couldn't determine if he was racist or merely discriminating based on my apparel (that wasn't from Buffalo Exchange). We obviously didn't want to go in and won't be back. Aside from my experience, I've heard good things about this bar from the ppl that have gone in- which I obviously cannot attest to since I've never actually been inside! Haha I just don't personally recommend going when the same guy is bouncing. If you've heard of Kung Fu's reputation regarding bouncers only letting white people in, consider this the hipster version. read more

If you don't like quirky, weird, a little dirty, and fun - don't come here. If you're down for an adventure that makes you feel like you have been in an indie film all night - check it out. Seriously awesome. read more

The epitome of eclectic Houston. I stopped at this bar at the end of a long night, and I definitely couldn't match the energy, so be sure this is one of your first bar visits of the evening. This could be a great bar for friends looking for a fun night out, but I wouldn't come here for a super classy or romantic outing. There's tons of dancing (think less clubby, more hipstery?), but I was more impressed by the live band killing it on a Friday night. Also, there are tons of strange things like mannequin body parts around the bar, so there's always something to look at. Any bar that has a chess table people were actually using was chill enough for me. I didn't end up ordering anything here, but I'm curious to see what their menu is about. read more

First, I am not one to write reviews on social media. This was my third time at this bar and I never want to go back. I have never been treated so disrespectfully in my life. I had brushed it off in the beginning, but tonight was the last straw. My husband and my friend's husband play in a band together and they were the headliners tonight. Chris the Sound Guy has always had a nasty attitude with us and the guys but tonight he took it too far. He put his hands on my friend and her husband which is NEVER acceptable. The part that angers me the most is that the manager on duty refused to send him home after this incident. He was allowed to stare us down and make us uncomfortable. We exchanged words with him and were eventually asked to leave. The entire experience was miserable. None of us need money badly enough to put up with this treatment.Spend your money elsewhere. read more

Stopped in on week night during a trip through Texas. It was pretty empty but we decided to check it out anyway. It's a very interesting place with lots to look at and they must play live music sometimes because they have a stage. The staff was super chill and cool but also attentive. We were hungry and asked the bartender about food and he said that he could order a pizza from next door for us. There was also a cat that I guess lives at the bar and was really sweet. read more

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I was brought here on my trip to Houston. Although there were many places I visited. Few left me so aggravated that I had to leave a negative feedback. The style of the bar is kind of unusual, creepy in my opinion but I reserved judgement. This place absolutely left a sour taste when I met the laziest bartender on earth to top it off she was also rude. The locals that brought me here told me that many people complain about her. So here's an idea to management; DO SOMETHING ABOUT HER! I would definitely never return to this place. read more

Preliminary Note: Dean's Credit Clothing and Notsuoh are not the same place. Some people seem to be confused by that (and it's easy to get confused). Drinks are cheap at Notsuoh and expensive at Dean's. I used to spend every single night here in the late 90's. At that time, Downtown was peopled by scores of homeless people and transients. I had my own "bum" nickname ("Shoeless Joe") and I would hang out all night there and drink hot tea with the vagrant crowd. I used to keep a stack of dollar bills to hand out to panhandlers. The owner, the infamous Jim Pirtle, looked like a young David Byrne then. His infant daughter was a regular there. Many great times were had, and many truly strange and wonderful people came and went. Around 2002 that the train line came in on Main Street and the night crowds left downtown. Shortly thereafter, Notsuoh had a lot of trouble with the Fire Marshal and was closed on/off. Then downstairs became Clark's and Notsuoh moved exclusively upstairs, as a speakeasy. I got back to town in 2007 and it was among the first places I went. I likened my feelings to the movie "Pollock". For the first half of the movie, Pollock is charming and lively and brilliant, though more than a little crazy. For the last half, he's gotten old and put on a few pounds, and things that were charming in a youthful man became unsettling. The place was always unsanitary and smelled like sewer, but somehow it was more charming 10 years before. All the "eclectic" people from the 90's left, and it seems that only the sad old drunks remained. This is a 3-star review firstly for old time's sake, but secondly because Dale, a woman of about 65 and who reminds me of a personable version of Judge Judy, is my favorite bartender in the world. read more

a very odd place It may not be quite the cup of tea for some people but for others it's quite a nice place to relax and drinkdrinkdrink read more

I thought this place was pretty cool. The decor is one if a kind. I do not remember the name of the band playing that night, but they were sort of a jam band type of bluesy genre. I thought they were pretty good. The crowd in here was interesting to say the least. The beer was fairly cheap and I liked the atmosphere. This is the only place within four or five blocks that we actually found a decent live band playing. This area seems to be more of a nightclub type environment than a live band area. read more

Notsuoh - The colorful bathroom. - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Good music, chill atmosphere. You might encounter an odd crowd of people, but I mainly enjoy the music here. They feature indie singers and bands trying to get their name out. read more

Notsuoh - Love the atmosphere here! Very laid back and chill - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Positives: unique decoration, live music is excellent, bottled beer is served in the right temperature. Opportunity areas: while decoration is interesting, there are too many signs of carelessness on the way stuff is piled up all around the place. Smoking is allowed inside, therefore smells awfully. This place has the potential to be trendy and hipsters, but as it is now it looks more like and old hippie spot. Would I come back: No Recommended drink: bottled beer read more

10/10 great vibe. I'm curious to know who did the shibari on the display mannequins at the front. Cute Asian bartender would definitely go back. read more

Notsuoh - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Like my review for Deans, seriously beyond awesome. And the prices are also extremely reasonable. With the minor exception of the moody bitch setting up the mini theater while I was there one night the overall experience is exceptional and one I recommend not be missed if you are in the area. If you like the Flying Saucer and similar places, this may not be your scene, but if you like bars that have resident domestic animals (a dog and a cat in this case), found furniture (I don't think any two seats are the same), amazing tables filled with doll parts and whatnot, and an amazing history... Seriously, I loved my nights here, and am sad to have had to say goodbye. There is another bar right next door (Dean's) that is equally as awesome. Bring cash, credit cards not accepted here! read more

Love it This is easily the most strange, out-of-place, hole-in-the-wall bar in downtown Houston. It's loungy, grungy, and artsy all at once. It belongs more in Montrose than Downtown. There're a bunch of baseball hats on the ceiling, and there are a million shoes everywhere. The bathroom is nasty. Sketchy people come in and out but mostly it's a super chill place. Definitely check out notsuoH for the underground scene, and general randomness. Oh yes this place is open LATE and sometimes there is a large (40-50) crowd that spills outside of the place. Of course, it would be impossible to miss it anyways since there is a huge sign that says "The Home of Easy Credit" right above the entrance (it's sort of above Clark's too, which is next door) ****On Nov. 13, 2008 the owner posted a blog regarding a possible sale: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=118148694 read more

Ambling around with adults barhopping makes me a bit weary. Perhaps it's because I pretend that I'm not an adult, perhaps its because I run out of things to talk about pretty fast. Having split from most of the group and ducked in here was quite a blessing. Knowing nothing about it, other than it was one of the only spot open at that hour on our walk its proved a good time. Interesting, friendly (southern charm?) people, decent drinks and a quirky space made for a pretty fun end of the night. read more

We went on a Sunday around 2:00pm. Very chill vibes with $2 Mimosas! The bartender even gave us paper and a bucket of maters for my son to color. read more

I've been here a couple of times and it isn't really my cup of tea. On my recent visit during Superbowl week, it was more of the same. This bar seems to be a hipsters haven! Not really much going on and if you're looking for something upbeat and wild, you should probably keep walking down Main. read more

The place where misfits come to gather. Everyone is welcome and everyone is invited. If you like art, music, conversation, and old school style speak-easys with stiff drinks and cheap beer, Notsuoh is the place to be. From poetry to performance art, there's always something going on, even if it isn't so obvious to first glances. Get some culture, get some conversation. Avoid the sports bar cliches and mindless cookie-cutter mentalities. Come to Notsuoh. All are welcome. read more

It's truly an odd little bar... I've been here plenty of times and on numerous occasions. Parking around this place is fairly easy believe it or not. I'm never in the Downtown area on weekends, so I can't speak for the place on those days. I can usually find a good spot right down the block. This is one place you're not going to be seen by anyone you know. Seriously. There are a bunch of old couches, sofas, and pews to sit on and enjoy your " Downtown Price" drink. You will not come into this bar and spend less than 5 bucks on a well, so be prepared. The service is usually quick and friendly. The crowd is usually mixed at this bar. Beware, there are some nights when Dub Step is being played, if you're into that kind of thing.. Along with Dub Step music, comes the Dub Step Crowd. The walls and the decorations hanging from them are very old, like the building. Lots of stuff to look at. Like I said, you're not going to run into any familiars here. If you're looking to hide and have a good ol' stiff one, I would mark this place for the next time you want to see and do something different. read more

Great place to get a drink and take in the weirdness and it's history. Freaks and geeks mellow around. Unique artsy atmosphere. Play some chess on the corner seating on some sketchy antique furniture while observing the disorganized decor. read more

I had never heard of this place until my friends took me there on a recent visit to Houston. OMG!!! I had a blast. I love the architecture of the building. I could have spent hours just looking at the way it was built, playing with all the "artifacts" they have up there, and just in general having a great time. I would love to have a building just like this some day. read more

I first visited this place as an high school student, stumbled on it by accident, anyways, same rustic feel and creative context. Back in the day it was a coffeehouse and I would say speakeasy kind of joint.. these days they sale alcohol but the dog still roams freely a sweet reminder of the goodole days I spent there. read more

We wandered in for a show. Bartender was rude (argued with us about random things like the jewelry we were wearing). She said disparaging things about the performer who was having technical difficulties. We couldn't even get the courage up to order a drink and left promptly. read more

I've visited a few times. The atmosphere is nice and the bar is well stocked. It has some really interesting art. Upstairs alone is worth a visit. I probably won't come back here because the service is not very good. I love downtown bars and I wanted to like this place. But I've seen some and experienced some bad service from the staff. After going there every so often, I saw the owner in a shouting match with a patron. It was pretty heated and they were cursing each other out. The staff was trying to calm both of them down. I don't know what happened before, and I get being the owner of the bar. I wrote this off and he did apologize to the other patrons there. I don't know if this was justified I admit. After a few more times visiting, I went there and asked for a Bloody Mary. The brunette bartender said "We don't serve Bloody Mary's here. Especially at 1:00 am." She started to walk away and I just ordered a beer instead. She looked at me like she was offended by the order somehow, like I asked her to make a balloon animal. I was confused. At this point I was done. If you want to check out some art it's worth one visit. I wouldn't call this a place to hang your hat. The staff is pretty entitled and a little out there. There are bars in the area that are a lot better to visit long term. read more

#1 Khloe's hibiscus mule is amazing. So is her Ginger Marianne. #2 I like how Jeremy shows a little of that ankle for me. #3 It is the best sculpture since R.Mutt made that urinal thing. read more

The bartender continuously argued with patrons which set a very uncomfortable tone for the entire night. He snidely and passive aggressively told bands they were too loud while his music selections between bands were far too loud and made it difficult to converse. I don't think this bartender has ever worked at a venue before, because this seemed like a normal scenario and didn't need any of his attitude. Gross. read more

The after hours is not an open club. It is a private event hosted by the owner for his friends and guests. Please don't show up out of the blue, at 2:00 in the morning demanding to get in. I recommend first spending time in the downstairs bar. Monday night is a good night. Get to know some people, and contribute to the scene. It's a real cool place with really cool people once you get to know it. read more

In order to accurately describe notsuoH and my fondness for it, I have to tell you the story of my first date (she calls it a meeting) with my wife. We had been chatting for awhile now, having met online via one of the myriad of relationship websites. Things just seemed to work. We both had long hours, and as a result, we agreed to meet up on a Monday night after I was done with work and when she was done with class. I was giddy with anticipation. I got off work a little bit earlier than she got off school, so I was left waiting. I waited in front of the Hobby Center, which, interestingly enough, is right across the street from where we got married--at the Sweeney Clock (http://www.houstontx.gov/municipalart/sweeneyclock.html). Well, she called me. I was a little bit nervous, so I don't think I won any points with her over the phone. My palms were kinda sweaty, and my normally abrupt demeanor over the phone was even more pronounced. I told her to park in the garage at the Hobby Center, and I would meet her to walk to The State Bar (I was still relatively new to Houston so I didn't know a lot of great places). She managed to walk out of one of her shoes and I managed to walk into a tree branch. We were firing on all cylinders. Things took a downturn (or an upturn) upon arriving at The State Bar. It was dead. I mean, really dead. Noone was in there except the bartender. And, upon walking in, he informed us that he was closing up soon. Rather than hang out in an empty bar for just one drink, we went out to explore. Unfortunately, downtown is dead, and kind of scary, at 10 PM on Monday. We wandered and wandered, until she recommended we go check out Dean's Credit Clothing. Well, we walked by, and it was loud, which we decided wasn't the best atmosphere for a first date. The other option? notsuoH. This was even dicier. We walked in, and I honestly wasn't sure if it was open or not. There was a group of people huddled around the bar smoking cigarettes. We stuck out like sore thumbs, me in a suit and tie, her in her work clothes. Fortunately, the eclectic notsuoH was the perfect ice-breaker. The person behind the bar may or may not have worked there, to this day we still aren't sure. I do, however, distinctly remember her wearing a coon-skin cap. She did a great job of making the first date not so awkward by being all manner of ridiculous. Her tactics included giving us a scotch tasting, convincing my wife that she was psychic by deducing that I was an attorney and a few other details, having other customers come behind the bar to poor drinks, and telling us how notsuoH attracted the intelligentsia of Houston (which made us both secretly hope that she would bestow that label upon us, too). The bar is also decorated like something out of the show "American Pickers". Little artifacts that appear to have been recovered from someone's grandfather's basement are mixed with modern art, and somehow it all works splendidly. Instead of my wife and I feeling awkward on our first date, we both thrown slightly out of our element, and it helped break the ice much more quickly than if we'd had a nice, normal, pleasant evening. The evening was definitely pleasant, but, for us at least, it was not normal. My future wife and I ended up staying at the bar until 1:30 a.m. or so, a crazy late hour for a night when we both had work the next morning. It was worth it, though, as we literally talked the night away. I don't know what would have happened if we'd ended up at another bar, but I'm willing to guess it would have been a more awkward and less interesting first date. And if you're in the area on a Monday night, I highly recommend giving notsuoH's a try. read more

I'm immensely conflicted about this review... I always loved Notsuoh's quirkiness, and frequented it often. But during our last visit, the sound guy was on a power trip and put his hands on me, my husband and another patron. He pushed me, a tiny 5'5" woman and told patrons to F off. The reason why I'm conflicted is that both the lady checking IDs in the front, the manager Khloe and the other bartender were immensely apologetic and kind to us. Although she said she wasn't allowed to send him home/fire him, Khloe tried her best to rectify the situation, and told the sound guy to "go to his happy place", but he was in no mood to listen to her, and remained verbally abusive and pushed me and another female guest again. The ID lady in the front looked shell shocked, and couldn't believe how he was behaving. Other patrons at the patio were shocked too, and came for our support. All my previous experiences at Notsuoh have been positive, hence, this has left me immensely disturbed. That unprofessional, rude man shouldn't be allowed to spoil this spot's brand. read more

Eff this place. I love dive bar/hole in the wall places...absolutely my favorite type of bar to go to. And the bar itself is great - totally fits the bill. But my experience with some of the staff this past weekend really sucked and I won't be returning because of it. My friends and I went for after hours and had to prove our worthiness to the bouncer, which felt terrible. Then the bartender overcharged for Lone Stars, and when I handed him a 20, he pretended to forget that I just paid him about 30 seconds later. "I just gave you that 20." "No you didn't...I'm sober..I think I would remember." I was so taken aback...who does that?! He tried to do it to another friend of mine later. NOPE. Bye Felicia! read more

Read the reviews below - this is a divey bar that a lot of interesting characters hang out at, and if that isn't your crowd then there are plenty others to choose from. I would also like to mention that I was there during Evelyn's tantrum as well - in fact, I was covered with water from the glass she threw on the ground when she was made to leave, because I was hanging out on the patio outside the inside building. Her and the crowd she was with were trying to start something, and the bouncer did a great job keeping them out of the bar (they were trying to get in without presenting ID). Evelyn's claim of racism came as her boyfriend was trying to beat up anyone who would look at him. read more

Cool place that deserves a Star. One night in Houston on a business trip and was recommended to me by a local for good live music. Music was done by the time I arrived so I settled on the bar. Didn't mind the unfriendly bartender until he decided to become very rude after seeing my name on the credit card. Immediately told me that I was unwelcome there and to leave. I had few drinks but I'm a happy peaceful drunk and it was uncalled for. This happened right after I stuck a conversation with a couple of his lady friends sitting a the bar. I have a very common middle easter name and it was very obvious that his reaction was triggered as he was looking at my card, carefully reading it after I asked for a last drink and to close my tab. Still have him a 50% tip because I felt sorry for his ass and thought he can use extra help for mental therapy. He whipped the receipt and toss it in the trash. Another sign of mental issues. Many around me couldn't believe what they saw. I hope he's not one of the managers or an owner. Proud American for all the majority stand for. read more

$5 cover to have your sh*t thrown away right in front of you... f the barkeep especially the dude with the mutton chops. Asian kat was cool though. Hold on to your beer and drink all tight man. the dbag barkeep walks out twice in a row and throws my f***ing beer out right in front of me... no questions asked, when confronted given no apologies whatsoever, and with an attitude as big as the Cjase tower in his own words: oh dude I throw full beers out all the time.... fellas hang tight to your beers here. or better yet dont go here unless u know the band playin and want to support them. read more

Khloe with a "k" was great. I haven't met Chloe with a "c" but I'm sure she's swell too

Had a great time last night (Saturday). Not sure if both sides of this place are considered "notsouH" (2 different bars separated by doors) but each side had much to love. On the "quieter" side there was a great hip hop act with a great drummer. During setbreak, chatted with the bartender who seemed salty in the way a person surrounded by drunkedness all the time probably should be. His hospitable side shone through the tough exterior tho as he led us into the other side of the bar and also when he later served us with a free specialty shot. At the other bar, the scene was a bit more hipster. Bartenders were super friendly and seemed jazzed to be slingin drinks and listening to some tunes. The act there was not my style, a loud one-man punk act with some AV stuff going on in a monitor behind him but to each his own. (For what its worth, I love a wide range of music. From Phish to Johnny Cash to The Roots to Sublime and everything in between). Hope this review is helpful and makes sense....still recovering from last night's libations!!! read more

This is my favorite bar in Houston. The chessboards, the piles of shoes, the odd furniture, the in-door smoking, the ever-evolving art themes (right now the theme is clowns). It's downtown so a lot of out-of-towners accidentally stumble in from the nearby hotels. You're also likely to run into a few homeless and insane people who have made the bar their home because all the other establishments had kicked them out. Old artists and photographers and dancers flock here. And anyone with a penchant for the dark and odd. I've seen some of the best live shows ever here...and almost all of them were unpromoted. Just randomly walk in and see some amazing sets from some poor kids on tour. And you can't miss the poetry night every Wednesday night. Best poetry night ever. You might hear a homeless person read a poem. You might see someone get naked. You might see someone set off fireworks on the stage! One time I saw a blind man read his poems by running his fingers over his braille journal on stage. And then he sang and played a song on the piano. Oh yeah, they have an open access piano. This can be both a good and a bad thing depending on who happens to sit at it. Monday is always a good night to go because Dale is the bartender. A surly short Jewish lesbian who lets you know what's on her mind and won't put up with any shit. She's actually the sweetest person alive once you get to know her. Just don't make any jokes about her height. I don't think this bar is for everyone...but you'll find a huge variety of people here and almost every night is different. read more

Miserable experience there. Will never ever go there again. The bouncer outside was rude. The owner wouldn't do anything about her obnoxious behavior. read more