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.

Their drink menu is incredibly creative, with unique cocktails that are both well-balanced and…read morebeautifully presented. You can really tell the bartenders know what they're doing. The food was just as impressive - fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully put together, with plenty of options to pair with drinks. The outdoor patio is a huge plus, especially when the weather is nice, and adds to the overall experience. Overall, Wooster's Garden strikes a great balance between a laid-back vibe and high-quality food and drinks. Definitely a spot I'd recommend and look forward to visiting again!

As one of the most popular places in Midtown over the past decade plus, Wooster's Garden came to an…read moreend earlier this month after ownership (#1) decided that it was time to go. Considering the recent shutter of other places (#2) within the hospitality umbrella, it's not too big of a surprise that Wooster's would also be in the crosshairs. The space was always a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating, which combined with its dedicated parking lot made this an easy drinking outlet for all kinds of occasions. The intimate indoor space was lovely and well ventilated, and it felt like there wasn't ever a moment where the bar wasn't slammed. The outdoor space was much of the same, with lots of tables and chairs, and even the trendy swing chairs facing the city. The only thing that was a little bit of a liability were those open flame heaters; it would only take on person to accidentally walk into one or trip onto it. For libations, the drinks were well priced, well made, and always potent. I appreciated the aesthetics, as well as the bartenders who made them. The only part that wasn't exciting was the limited food menu, which did its part as munchies for the drink heavy crowd, but was mediocre otherwise. The space is already undergoing the new facelift of a separate concept, one of which I hope will do the area justice, just as much as Wooster's did. ____________ (#1) The Kirby Group. (#2) R.I.P. Verde Garden: https://www.yelp.com/biz/verde-garden-houston-2

I've wanted to check this place out for a while so I was so excited to stop by! Speakeasies always…read morehave the best, most creative drinks. We went to the upstairs area which was dimly lit and played 80s/90s hip hop. We tried few drinks. Lion's mane tail, brown butter washed whisky, mushroom (which I found so unique). It was quite strong and was nice to switch up from the usual old fashions we try. Second drink was sharp turn. It was super fresh and crisp. Clear as water but I definitely felt it. Service was really good here too. I like that the bartenders all create their signature seasonal drinks so they genuinely are so well versed when describing the drink menu.

Refuge is such a high quality bar. You can tell that they put immense care into the quality of…read moretheir drinks and service. I ordered 2 mocktails and my husband ordered two drinks. I thought that the catch 22 ( mocktail) would be too sweet or vinegar forward but it was tangy and light. My husband actually said he liked my mocktail more than he liked his cocktail which was good but a bit sweeter than he likes. The second mocktail I ordered was off the menu. I asked for something tropical and not too sweet. It was pretty good but not as complex as the catch 22. My husband liked the jaded merchant better than the dew drop. He also was sipping far too much of my mocktail which speaks volumes about how good it was. Love the moody vibes, drinks, and service. I've only visited three times but should make it one of the places we come to more often.

we had a take out order and they had it ready on time and gave us extra's we didn't even ask for,…read moreit's a great place for wings.

The Two Headed Dog sits in Midtown like a story that knows better than to explain itself. You do…read morenot stumble into it. You are drawn, the way one is drawn to a place that promises honesty with a wink. It wears the posture of a dive but carries itself with intention, a little bohem, a little defiant, and entirely comfortable in its own skin. The bar hums with craft. Cocktails arrive balanced and deliberate, built by hands that understand restraint as much as flair. Nothing shouts. Nothing apologizes. Each glass feels considered, as though the bartender paused just long enough to ask what kind of night you were hoping to have, then answered without speaking. The staff moves easily, quick with wit and generous with attention, treating regulars and first-timers as if both had already earned their place. The decor tells its own quiet rebellion. Mismatched, layered, worn just enough to feel lived in, it carries the sense that stories have been told here and will be told again. And then there are the bathrooms, unisex and unashamed, their walls papered with vintage Playboy centerfolds that celebrate the female form not as spectacle but as art. Tasteful, sexy, unapologetic. A reminder that admiration can exist without crudeness, that beauty does not need permission to be acknowledged. The Two Headed Dog is less a bar than a posture toward the world. It resists neat categories. Not quite dive, not quite cocktail lounge, not quite anything else that could be reduced to a label. It is a place for those who appreciate craft without pretension, sensuality without excess, and atmosphere without artifice. In a city that thrives on reinvention, this bar stands firm, confident enough to be exactly what it is and nothing more.

Vibe: Grown and sexy. Heels required for the ladies. $10 valet…read more Drinks: Our bartender killed it. The cocktail "The Dream" was amazing. Highly recommend. 9/10. Fruits of the earth was huge but tasted like juice (came with a little show). A little too big to be holding.

Sante is a chic, cocktail bar/lounge located in Upper Kirby neighborhood. It's best to probably…read moreuber here or they have valet service as well. The ambiance is very lively and always a good time. I've been here a couple times for happy hour and at night as well. Service is actually really good for a bar that's always busy. The waitresses check in often and bring drinks quickly. I've tried the picante drink, fruits of earth (pineapple and pass fruit mix so it's sweet), an expresso martini here. I enjoyed it all! The happy hour specials are a great way to try out the menu $7 cocktails, $5 martinis, discounted caviar service at $47. It's a great place for happy hour with friends or a stop when out bar hopping around town.

This is a cute little date spot. The outside area is huge. The lighting and setup is really cute…read more They have parties and poetry nights here. No food but there has been a taco truck and pizza maker on site depending on the day I'm guessing. Free parking is street parking and very scarce but they do have a valet lot. Bartenders are nice. Drinks are average priced.

Went to the Speakeasy Burlesque show Friday night and had a blast. This is a very small and…read moreintimate venue area which made the show an even better show as the ladies were able to interact a bit with the audience. Loved the New Orleans speakeasy vibes of the place. The ladies were beautiful and funny will definitely be coming back as they did inform us there are different ladies each night.

This is my second time at Bar Madonna and it truly blows me away every time. I brought my mother…read morehere to celebrate Mother's Day and we were met by jazz as we entered the building from a very talented group on the lawn. The interior is absolutely stunning and although it was not my first time it still took my breath away. The bartenders were very friendly and prepared delicious drinks. Bar Madonna takes you out of Houston in the best way and I'm excited to return.

Okay! What a cute bar inside of a quaint hotel tucked a few blocks off Westheimer. I arrived just…read moreas it was turning dusk to dark and the bar had such a cozy "sit and stay a while" vibe. It was decently packed with every other table full. The cocktail list was polished and I loved both drinks I tried! We did order the bourbon sausages and for $16, feel like these really missed the mark as a bar snack. Overall I'd highly recommend for a small group of 2-4 catch up. A great alternative to a bustling restaurant. The servers were so kind and I could not get over the beautiful bar!! Street parking was easy as well.

If going twice in two nights when visiting from L.A. isn't a testament to a great bar, I don't know…read morewhat is. I ate at Norigami Tuesday night and it was great as were the cocktails served up at the nextdoor bar called Hidden Bar. On Tuesday, I tried the Thai Chili Ginger Margarita ($13) and it was great, complete with a hunk of candied ginger which I "gingerly" consumed throughout my drink experience...see what I did there? Next, I had the Three Dots and a Daiquiri ($13) with Rum, Lime, Velvet Falernum, All Spice and Pineapple and it was very similar to one of my favorite tiki drinks, the Three Dots and a Dash, complete with 3 luxardo cherries. To finish, I had the absolutely incredible Golden Laurel ($16) with Gin, Italicus Bergamot, House Greek Botanical Bitters and Sea Salt. It is equally beautiful served with a clear bay leaf and delicious. Last night, I was guided by the friendly bartender to try the Et Tu Banana" ($15) with Banana Bourbon, Spiced Pear, Creme de Banane, Campari and Citric Acid. I was a little worried about the cocktail being overly banana-y but it wasn't at all. It was a fantastic drink. For my last call, he recommended the Left Hand ($13) with Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth and Chocolate Bitters. Again, fantastic. Both nights, the bartenders and drinks were fantastic. Ambiance is nice with moody lighting. They even have a bidet toilet seat in the bathroom! Hidden Bar is a "hidden" gem, for sure. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Stopped by The Hidden Bar for drinks and let me just say... the ambiance is EVERYTHING the…read moreaesthetic is super cute, very picture-worthy, and definitely gives that "night out with the girls" vibe. They even have a selfie ring light on the wall, which is such a fun touch for pictures (because if you didn't take pics, did you even go??) Now--fair warning--we went on a Friday night and it was PACKED. We were lucky enough to find seats, but it was so crowded we could barely talk without yelling, and we were basically shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around us Other than that, it's a really nice spot to grab drinks, hang out with friends, and get some cute content. Would I go again? Yes... just maybe not on a Friday night

Mr. Nice is a great intimate cocktail bar. I love the atmosphere with the dim lighting and upscale…read morecosmopolitan vibe. Since it is a smaller space, seating can be limited, but I visited on a weeknight, and was able to get a couch right away even with it being fairly busy. The service is great. It was quick to get a drink and everyone working was friendly and attentive, checking up on us. The espresso martini was wonderful - and I'm pretty picky about those. They had a DJ that kept the energy going! They have a valet parking lot and some street parking available (though hard to find).

Lovely cocktail bar! I went here on a Friday evening for pre dinner drinks! This was the perfect…read moreplace to start the night and offered the best drinks we had that night too. I ordered the pornstar martini (also served with a side of Prosecco) and my fiancé ordered an old fashion. Both were well made drinks! The ambiance inside was quiet, nice. We got there around 8pm so I'm sure we beat the bigger crowds. This was my first time in the Harlow district area so it was definitely a vibe.

It is a very fancy place to get drinks and it has a nice ambience, but the only caveat is that it…read moreis connected to a hotel. I went because this was the only bar open during Labor Day when I had guest visiting. So I would say it's a pretty nice location, considering the fact that it is always consistently open. They had a good menu with different cocktails that were fun and fruity. Otherwise, I did also see people could order coffee at the bar and have different espresso drinks. It looks like the drink that I ordered is also no longer on the menu. The bar prides itself on having a rotating meal changing menu so I think that's a lot of fun when it comes to trying new drinks and new combinations and it truly shows the artistry of the bartender. There was the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior was more of a dimmer, elegant and darker tone. I can see it being pretty classic if you were to go at night time. The bar set up was really beautiful and they had different 2 to 4 seating wooden tables. Overall, the inside would probably only fit around 20 people. I was very sad because we couldn't sit outside. The day before it had rained so every outdoor seating was wet. But I was told that they had a beautiful seating outside with a garden and a pool. Service was good. The bartender came out of the bar to take orders, give menus and give you the check. I will say that it got really busy at the end and it took a while to get our check. There's only one or two bartenders working at one time so if there's multiple people with different drinks that are ordered, it will take a little bit longer. There is both valet parking and also street parking in the neighborhood nearby.

On a Friday evening, as the last stop of the evening, we walked over to Bar No. 3 for a nightcap…read more Located inside the Colombe d'Or Hotel in Montrose, Bar No. 3 is their hotel bar. Not hard to find, it's located to the right as you walk in. What brought us here is that it's listed as one of the top 50 bars in Houston in Houstonia Magazine. Service (3/5): While we had a waitress, she was slow to greet us and slow to check up on us. It's a small bar and there isn't a ton of seating so it's not like she was overwhelmed. For a fancy hotel, you expect better. Maybe sitting at the bar is better than sitting at some seats as we did. Ambiance (4/5): The Colombe d'Or is a beautiful hotel and Bar No. 3 reflects that. It's an elegant spot to grab a drink, although small. Food (N/A): While there are expensive items on the menu, I had dinner earlier that night so I was on a liquid diet. Drinks (3/5): Bar No. 3 is known for its cocktails so I focused on the cocktail list. The list isn't large but it features a nice selection. Like the food, you're going to pay a premium. I enjoyed my adult beverage but felt like it was a bit overpriced. Hitting up hotel bars isn't a common occurrence in Houston unless you're a traveler. For Bar No. 3 to be the only hotel bar on Houstonia's top 50 is a feat in itself.