I stopped in here on a recommendation from another bartender and I'm glad I did. They have a really impressive selection of whiskey and bourbon. I actually came in looking for tequila and was happy to see they had some top shelf options available. This is definitely not your typical Patron type of bar, which I appreciated. It was very busy when I arrived since a concert had just let out, so service was a little slow, but totally understandable. The bartenders were attentive, checked in when they could, and clearly doing their best to keep up with the crowd. I never felt ignored. The vibe here is great and the space itself is really cute inside. It feels like a good spot for a date night, grabbing a drink solo, or coming with a group of friends. I would absolutely come back and try more from their menu next time. No food available. But a lot of top shelf ish. lol. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Popped in here after a comedy show at Punch line. It's right across the street so very convenient. In short, a very decent place for a drink: Good drinks Fast service Friendly bartenders and staff who kept water filled A little dark and hard to see Close to a lot of other things read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Stopped into Reserve 101 before a comedy show across the street and it turned out to be a great way to start the evening. The ambiance is exactly what you'd hope for in a downtown whiskey bar - low-lit, cozy, and upscale without feeling stuffy. The towering shelves of bottles behind the bar really set the mood, and it feels like a spot you could easily linger in for hours. I started with the Call of Culain cocktail, which was beautifully presented, but a small word of caution: it's definitely for a more adventurous palate with earthy flavors that may not be for everyone. I ended up switching to their Old Fashioned, which was excellent. Service was attentive, and the overall vibe made it a perfect pre-show stop. I'm already planning to come back and try one of their whiskey flights next time when I have more time to explore the menu. Definitely worth a visit if you're downtown. read more

Reserve 101 - Bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I loved finding this spot while walking to look for a bar. The customer service was great. I got an espresso martini and it was sooo good. Their happy hour was soooo good. They had a lot of good choices. I can't remember what this green drink was but I remember it being delicious as well. read more

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Great bar great vibe great location old fashioned was ok . Service was quick it wasn't busy . No food . They do have a great selection of drinks read more

great whiskey bar! the service is 50/50, the bartenders weren't very welcoming.. one of them asked me to move to another table because the table i sat at was reserved... but there were like 5 empty tables. the party who "reserved" the table i was seated at and asked to move from, came in and sat elsewhere.. so the whole process of asking me to move was nonsensical. it was also not busy. like a lot of negative space empty. despite the nonsensical musical chairs, the cocktails are exceptionally crafted and the ambiance is gorgeous!! if you can tolerate a lil bs and you're in the area, give it a try. however, i would not recommend traveling across town to visit.. with the chance of the service not being spot on. also, the parking situation can be challenging. there is metered street parking and a paid parking lot around the corner. bonné santé read more

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Great spot to try out new spirits with the help of knowledgeable and friendly bartenders who will engage you in conversation, observe what hou order, and suggests other similar items hou may not have had before. A great way to sample before buying a whole bottle elsewhere. Wide variety of bottles and price ranges. read more

Came here after a Rockets game for a drink and it was very fancy (and dark) inside. Service was great, the bartender checked up on us a lot. There was a drink menu that had plenty of whiskey options. What was a bit weird was that there were two girls walking around inside selling homemade cupcakes and tamales. I get that it's the holidays and tamales are it right now but do we trust food like this? Idk. The espresso martini was strong and smooth. Could've been a tad more creamy. The restrooms were very clean. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been coming to Reserve 101 for years, and it's one of those spots that's always held a soft spot in my heart. I still miss the old bar setup before the renovations, it had a grittier, lived-in charm that made it feel like a real Houston staple. That said, the new design is sleek, stylish, and feels more elevated while still holding onto the soul of what made Reserve special. Whether I'm here with friends for a casual night out or just stopping in solo, the vibe is consistently relaxed and welcoming. I've even been lucky enough to attend one of their free tastings -- definitely a fun perk that shows they're serious about their spirits. Service has consistently been on point. The bartenders really know their craft and seem genuinely excited to help you find something you'll enjoy. It's the kind of place that works for both serious whiskey lovers and anyone just looking for a solid cocktail in the heart of downtown. I especially appreciate their customer-first attitude. If a drink doesn't quite hit the mark flavor-wise, they're more than willing to adjust or remake it to get it right. Definitely a go-to in the rotation. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The place looks like a dive on the outside, but the inside is minimalist with all focus on the incredible booze collection. The cocktails are unparalleled and creative. The service is efficient and unobtrusive. It's a must on the Houston bar scene. read more

Reserve 101 - The famous Clarified New York Sour. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The drinks here are so tasty! I got the Moonlit Wings: Teeling Irish Whiskey, St Germain, Sage, Rose Verjus, strong but full of flavors. My husband had Wailing Gaelic: Slane Irish Whiskey, Pear, Ginger, Honey, Citrus and Old Fashioned, both are great. Great place to hangout after concerts at the Toyota Center to wait out the traffic. read more

Reserve 101 - Moonlight Wing - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Reserve 101 is a beautiful place to start (or end ) date night. The atmosphere is cool and trendy. The bartenders are amazing and gave great recommendations. Service was fantastic and quick despite how busy they were. Our drinks were phenomenal and we will be back soon! read more

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Prior to going to a basketball game at the Toyota Center I stopped by here to take advantage of the Happy Hour specials. There was only 1.5 bartender working, so it took a little while to order a drink, but when I did receive it, it was bold and clearly full of alcohol, which I appreciate. Surprisingly, considering the size of the place, there weren't much seating available, but lots of grungy decor that made me feel like I was in a bar on Knockturn Alley ;) IYKYK. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I was in a Houston for a work conference and ended up walking by Reserve 101. Don't let darkness from within fool you for this is one of the best whiskey bars I've ever been to -- not just in Houston, but anywhere. The selection is amazing, with hundreds of bottles from around the world, including rare and hard-to-find labels you won't see anywhere else. I got my favorite - Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Islay Single Malt Scotch and it did not disappoint. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore whiskey, there's something here for everyone. Bartender Marc is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what he does. He mad great recommendations for my flight and even shared a bit of whiskey history along the way. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a date night, catching up with friends, or just sipping solo at the bar. If you're in Houston and enjoy whiskey, Reserve 101 is an absolute must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back for my next conference. read more

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Great whiskey bar with great prices. I stumbled on this bar while in Houston, and the ambience immediately hits you with a lively atmosphere. The cocktail options are plenty, and there are multiple choices for different tastes. The prices are great at around $12-14 per drink. The bartenders are attentive throughout the night. Would definitely come back another time. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Texas Cocktail Week! Had a good time here, it's a beautiful dimly lit bar with lots of bar seating. It was super busy when I went, but I had a great time. I got the Badita, which has an initial smokey taste that fades into sweet & fruit. This was definitely one of my favorite drinks that I've tried during cocktail week so far! I will say the music is a bit too loud, which is why I'd give this place a 4/5. I could barely hear my friend talking to me & they were right next to me. I'll definitely be returning in the future! read more

Reserve 101 - Batida - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a very nice bar right across the street from House of Blues. It's spacious, well decorated and the staff is friendly. The drinks are excellent, you don't feel like you're just getting watered down drinks. Would definitely visit again. I do wish they served food, it would be a great addition, even if it were just lite bites. read more

After seeing and reading so much about this Whiskey Bar I knew I needed to go. Went to R101 on a Sunday. We were welcomed as soon as we walked inside. Husband and I decided to sit at a booth against the window. We were immediately greeted by Marc, whom is a great bartender and made us feel at home. Marc opened the menu and told us about $6.00 barrel pick Sunday, which is an ounce of bourbon/whiskey of the R101 barrel pick vs the regular price. So YES to barrel pick $6.00 Sunday!! The atmosphere here is great. The people are so welcoming and patient. I had 3 different 1 ounce pours and husband had 3 different 1 ounce pours from me. And we shared a Mango Tango which is a rye based drink created by Marc. We started our selection on the left side which is lower proof and ended with some heat by Garrison Brothers... Shock and Awe!! The bourbon was enjoyable, the staff @R101 was delightful and the Mango Tango was the perfect combination to ease the heat of the Awe & Shock. I highly recommend R101 and plan to return. Thanks Marc for welcoming husband & me into a "Cheers" atmosphere of R101. read more

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Reserve 101 has easily become one of my favorite downtown bars. They have completely renovated the inside. The wall has been removed and the space is completely open. The decor feels more upscale, however the bar is still the same chill place it has always been. I have visited a number of times over the past couple of months and I have received exceptional service every time. All of the bartenders that I have met (Izzy, Josh, Fowler, Alan, and Mark) have all been so nice and helpful! As I mentioned in my previous review, Josh's knowledge of whiskey is impressive. My friend had a question about a specific whiskey and he dropped some knowledge on us. He even gave my friend a couple of whiskey samples. On a more recent visit, Alan made an off menu drink called the Pendennis Club. I've never heard of this drink, but it was so good, that I returned a week later to order it again. If you don't see a drink on the menu that you want to try, just tell the bartenders what you like and they'll create something for you. Those are the best kind of bartenders! The menu is updated seasonally, however there are some drinks that stay on the menu. Some of my current faves are the Okami Hana and the Freezer Gimlet. I've also had the French Finish and El Diablo (I subbed the tequila with vodka). I have enjoyed every drink that I've ordered. Not only are they delicious, they are presented beautifully. Anytime I am downtown, there's a good chance that I'll be stopping in for a drink at Reserve. read more

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My wife and I purchased tickets for our daughters to go see Simone Biles at the Toyota Center. While they were there we roamed around downtown Houston looking for a grown up vibe. We happened upon Reserve 101. Upon entry we were taken by the ambiance of this establishment. The bar is very breathing taking , especially if whisky is your thing. There is comfortable seating at tables and the bar. We sat at the bar and were promptly greeted by enthusiastic mixologists who worked as a team! We had two Woodford Old Fashioneds. The drinks were impeccable and on time. They staff was very attentive to providing water , conversation, and refilling drinks. I will definitely be back ! read more

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It was my first time visiting. The reviews are solid. My Yelp friend I was with visits this place pretty regularly when she is in the area, so we went together. Service was great. Our first bartender, Mark (sp) walked over to us after we sat down. He told us we could order with him and could stay seated instead of having to get up and order directly at the bar and then return to our seats. Then we got a new bartender, Allan. He gave great service. He even offered to create something for me off-menu, which I always appreciate. The bar seating was completely full. So we sat at the seats lining the walls surrounding the bar. It's gotta an industrial edgy vibe. Music was thumping. Looks like slate metallic walls. One of the walls is lined with alcohol bottles on display with mood lighting. Drink - first I ordered the French Finish, which was solid. Next, Allan ordered me the Pendennis. Interesting name? It was refreshing. I understand why people enjoy this place! read more

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Andrew and Liam, sweet! Liam, was vey hospitable and was willing to make the experience awesome. Then Andrew, Andrew brought the full experience. He made sure I was service and the drinks he made were GREAT! read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

A group of colleagues and I visited Reserve 101 after our company holiday party as we had heard good reviews and had a large amount of whiskey lovers in the group. Upon entry, I noticed the upscale ambiance with a good amount of people present (but not overcrowded). I liked the whiskey display behind the bar and that the bar tenders were quick to check in on what we wanted. I wasn't sure what I wanted so I asked the bartender to surprise me with her favorite. She asked a few questions about my preferences and then made a drink that was FANTASTIC. While there, I also tried the espresso martini which I also enjoyed. The bar has a nice aesthetic, the staff is quick to help and very friendly and the drinks are delicious - definitely worth a visit! read more

Very cool whiskey bar in downtown Houston. We stopped here for one drink & sat at the bar. Their holiday bar looked interesting so we got an old fashioned, clarified old fashioned (that comes out clear after going through a milk wash) and their spiked hot chocolate. I don't usually go for the hot chocolate drinks but I tried some from my nephew and was MIND blown. It was so rich & creamy & buttery from the graham crackers. One of the best spiked hot chocolates I have ever had. Great quality drinks, great service, great ambiance! Will definitely be back here! read more

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Dee & Sara were awesome!! Great atmosphere before a concert at AT&T.. great selection & friendly staff

It's still our go-to destination after seeing a show across the street. This time around, I got the Mango Tango. Their drinks are always interesting so just know that it's not a basic mango purée kind of situation! read more

Reserve 101 - R101 clarified sour and Late Bloomer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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We really enjoyed the ambience of this bar. I'm not sure why it was so empty! Drinks were solid and came out quickly. read more

Reserve 101 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great atmosphere with an amazing selection of whiskeys and other spirits. Bartender (forgot to ask name) was excellent. read more

Reserve 101 - Compass Box Orchard House Scotch Whiskey - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Small bar, but plenty hard liquor selections. I had the clarified sour from the menu, a bourbon drink that tastes like cheesecake! Not sweet, just perfect. Thanks for the drink tip, Justin T! ...and thanks to Vik P for buying ;) Bartender was very friendly and shared detailed info about the drinks and how they are made and taste. I will have to revisit in the future. Quiet and cozy. read more

Reserve 101 - Reserve 101 clarified sour. Man, this is good! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Bartender Alan introduced me to the new drink menu with A lovely rendition of the wailing gaelic, followed by a lively rendition of the call of culain. Ambiance is Calming, music was a great vibe of jazz, southern rock, and blues read more

The staff and ownership here are absolutely incredible. Their cocktail program is something you should not sleep on. Super friendly and wonderful humans. Their garnish game is also impressive. I love that they provide cocktails on tap as well as the fact that they carry one of my favorite whisky's, Sir Davis Whisky. Every time I'm back in Houston this will be a go to. read more

And my 300th Yelp review goes to...Reserve 101! My good friend Tiffany and I had a girl's night out, which was fitting after unsettling news I got that morning that had me in a somber mood. She had invited me to the black badge Yelp event at Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center, then we went to catch the NBA finals (Celtics vs Mavs) at Tom's Bar (Go Boston!), then introduced me to this fine establishment across the street. I loved the ambiance of this cocktail bar. It's so swanky with the new renovations. I like the incorporation of stone and art deco. The restrooms are gender neutral and had lovely smelling Aesop brand soap. I love gin cocktails, so my first drink was the Okami Hana which has Roku gin, fermented blueberry, citrus and egg white. I also love egg white in my drinks and will occasionally order an amaretto sour with egg white. I enjoyed this drink because the berry flavor was so good, and the egg white added some creaminess. Bartender Josh was particularly helpful and knowledgeable when I had questions about the whiskey. I was inquiring if they had Blanton's and what he thought about it since someone recently told me about collecting the 8 bottles for the horse collection which spells out the name. Josh said he preferred either the Old Forester 1910 or Elijah Craig. He let me sample both along with Jack Daniel's, which I've had as part of the Four Horsemen shot. I told Josh that the Elijah Craig tasted sweeter like vanilla and had a coconut aftertaste, which was correct because the aroma has notes of vanilla bean and sweet fruit. He told me that whiskey tends to have tropical notes, which is why he let me try the Jack Daniel's on its own because it tastes like banana. I'm not a fan of banana, but I did like the Elijah Craig small batch. The Old Forester 1910 was lightly sweet and spicy. I ordered the whiskey smash for my second drink which had Four Roses Bourbon, lemon and mint cause I asked for something like a whiskey sour. It was delicious. All of the cocktails are presented beautifully which is fitting to the setting. I would definitely come back here for cocktails and whiskey. I still want to try Blanton's, but maybe I'll end up trying it at another bar sooner. read more

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Great, wonderful, expansive selection of bourbons! After a day watching nfl across the street, we made our visit at Reserve 101. Clean and nice staff. I had a glass of wine and my partner had an old fashioned. There is a small patio with a few tables made from barrels. We will be back, I hope not sporadically! read more

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Been to house of blues so many times of the years and have never managed to walk in here. Until... today. Oh man. I've been missing out for so long. This is literally a 10 out of 10 on ATMOSPHERE alone. The vibes in here are just dripping out the doors! so sick. read more

Reserve 101 - Old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

The drinks here are sooooo good! The bartenders are a bit mysterious so sometimes it feels like it's taking forever for them to acknowledge you at the bar but I think they are just trying to not mess up the craft cocktails. I wish they had some sort of food but you can bring food in if I remember correctly. Awesome romantic vibe read more

Had my first whiskey sour and it was phenomenal. The ambiance is nice but dark and difficult to read the small menu writing. The drinks all look good read more

Reserve 101 - Whiskey sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

The most complete whiskey collection in Texas, and maybe even in the US, is at Reserve 101. If you're a whiskey lover this is the place for you. Amazing selection, great hospitality and incredible cocktails. Whoever put this place together, good job. Highly recommended! read more

Great time great experience. My wife corresponded with one of the owners Sean. He was very responsive and accommodating for my birthday gathering. Bar staff super friendly very attentive. Ambiance very chill and laid back vibes will definitely go back when in town. Wonderful experience when your downtown stop by check them out. read more

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First time back in about 8 years, and the bar got a face-lift! I think it was a great move as the old space was nice, it definitely gave "drinking with grandpa" vibes. The atmosphere is more welcoming to younger crowds but has some refinement. I had two really great drinks (Clarified NY Sour and Okami Hana); service was pretty slow with the first, but the staff was incredibly nice. Prices are in line for Houston. Huge whiskey selection, so it's a must for any lover. read more

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Ambiance: I went here with family on a week night. This is in the heart of downtown so expect down town parking, side streets. Service: there was two bartenders and we had a good night. Food: no food but we just had high ball japanese whiskey. This place is a vibe. read more