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

I watched a piano performance here in this listening lounge setup…read more This upstairs room is low lit, comfortable, and accented by crystal chandeliers. The furniture has been selected and arranged very painstakingly. There were some nice attention to details I really appreciated. I don't think there was a single bad seat in the room. The bar itself isn't very large, but it's comfortable and served as a great listening room for the evening. Everyone enjoyed their delicious cocktails. Service was very slow as there was only one bartender most of the time, and the poor guy was trying his best to make drinks and deliver hot food out. Finally some staff showed up to help him. I sampled a few of my friend's fries, and they had an awesome flavor but could have used more crispness. Not really my crowd or scene, but it's worth a look if you happen to be in the area.

This place has everything. Upscale get away one stop shop.. eating.. music.. cigar.. arts.. wine…read moreand amazing people.

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.

Bar Buena was a surprise find after we participated in a cooking class at Sur La Table across the…read morestreet. After the byob cooking experience, we figured "why not!?" So we walked on over to this little speakeasy and were immediately greeted by the bouncer. On a Thursday night, it was quite crowded, but were able to find the last remaining seats at the bar. We were seated at the left end of the bar, which was nice because we had our own little "nook" away from the rest of the bar. Adjacent to us was the server station - the one server tending to the tables, Marilyn, frequently came by and we immediately befriended her. She gave us excellent recommendations and provided her opinion on several drinks. Robin was the bartender who took care of us throughout the night. She was super friendly from the moment we sat down and gave us stellar recommendations on food and drinks. She was happy to tweak a couple of their seasonal drinks to our liking, and even offered to mix other drinks that weren't on the menu. Fantastic service from Robin throughout the night. I started out with Tommy's Margarita - this was just their take on a classic margarita, nothing super special. I then ordered the Oaxacan Old Fashioned - think of an old fashioned made with tequila and mezcal in lieu of bourbon. I was a bit cautious about this one since I am not a fan of mezcal, however the smoky flavor was not very apparent in this one, which was a huge plus! I also got the Ardilla - very unique drink made with mexican corn whiskey, cocoa nibs, sherry, and a milk punch. I award this drink for most unique I've had in a while, definitely give it a try if you're up for something new. To finish, I had the Cariña - their take on an espresso martini made with reposado tequila. I really liked this espresso martini - it was a great way to finish out the night and I left feeling inspired to make my espresso martinis at home using tequila now! With the little room we had left in our stomachs, we tried the Pato Tinga Memela, which was duck leg (no bone) with beans and onions and cilantro atop a memela. I haven't had memela specifically per se, but consider me a fan. It is basically a mini "cake" of masa that is pan fried to a slight crispiness. An Oaxacan speciality, where else can I find these in Houston!? We also tried the Guacamole y Tostadas. The guacamole was unique in the sense that it was Oaxacan style, so contains pepitas, pickled onions, and queso fresco. The tostadas were super crispy and reminded me of how they serve guacamole in Mexico (rather than with chips/totopos). Fun fact is that this bar is owned by Goode Company. Next door to this is Goode Co. Cantina, so it's nice that they created an adjoining restaurant + speakeasy concept within the same strip. At one point in our visit, Levi Goode was standing next to us. We didn't know until after he left and Marilyn informed us, that that was THE man. Just doing a casual check-in of his bar. We really had a good experience at Bar Buena and look forward to returning. The food menu has quite a few offerings I wanted to try had I not come from a cooking class. We were also told that the seasonal drink menu was set to change shortly after our visit, so I look forward to trying these drinks!

Bar Buena is brand new and already bustling! We stopped by right after 5:00 and were greeted right…read moreaway by the bartender. We did hang out in their standing room area for a little bit but were able to order drinks and snag a table pretty quickly. When I tell you this is the friendliest service I've ever had at a bar or restaurant, I mean it! All different members of the staff were checking in with us to make sure we were having a good time and enjoying everything. We tried out three of their drinks: enamorada, uno amargo, and their classic frozen mezcal margarita. I say this as someone who is stupid about cocktails, but I think if you're a fan of old fashioneds you'll be a fan of the uno amargo - it'll put some hair on your chest! I loved the frothiness that the egg white brings to the enamorada but I think the frozen margarita was our winner. Imagine your favorite frozen marg but better - the mezcal brings an earthier flavor to a cocktail that us Texans all know and love. Finally for food we had the pato tinga memela, gulf crab tostadas, and carnitas flautas. I genuinely loved them all so much, every protein was so juicy bursting with flavor, which makes sense considering everything is made to order. If I had to pick a favorite I would struggle (I'm not kidding, it was all that good), but I think the crab tostadas won us over with their freshness. We had such a great first visit to bar buena and I can see this quickly becoming a cozy date or after dinner drink spot!

We had a 2:30 reservation, showed up at 3:30, and they were completely chill about it. Great first…read moreimpression. Free parking lot right next to the building -- convenient and appreciated. Party of 8 was seated right away with no hassle. We ordered a mimosa tower for $50, which came out to about 2 mimosas per person, and hookah for $20. Since we came during happy hour there were also shot and drink specials, so the timing worked out perfectly. The DJ was genuinely interactive the whole time -- kept our energy up to the point where we ended up inviting more friends out to join us mid-visit. That's the mark of a good time. Now the food -- almost an afterthought with how much fun we were having, but it delivered. I got the Five Central breakfast, which is a mountain of food. Easily 4 eggs, plus all the fixings. My friend ordered the lobster and grits and it was so good I immediately had order envy. That's my order next time, no debate. The bathrooms were clean and the mirror lighting is genuinely great for photos if that matters to you. My meal came to $21 before tax, very reasonable especially during happy hour. Just note that gratuity of about 18% is added automatically for parties over 6. No surprises if you know going in. Will absolutely be back.

stopped into Five Central with high expectations the kind you get when a place looks like it has a…read morestory to tell. The space is visually striking, layered, and honestly just a cool place to sit, soak it in, and be part of the scene. It feels like something Anthony Bourdain would've paused to appreciate that raw, curated vibe that promises more than just a meal. We ordered a spread: chicken wraps, fried chicken, a couple of Ketel One drinks, and finished things off with red velvet cake and bread pudding. On paper, it reads like a lineup that should hit. In reality, it landed somewhere in the middle. Nothing was bad but nothing really sang either. The fried chicken had the right idea but didn't quite deliver that crave-worthy punch. The wraps were fine, the desserts decent, and the drinks did their job. It all felt... acceptable. Like the kitchen understood the assignment but didn't fully commit to it. What stood out most was the contrast the menu is ambitious, the atmosphere pulls you in, but the food doesn't quite translate that same energy to the plate. It's the kind of place you want to love more than you actually do. That said, it's still a solid spot to check out, especially for the vibe and the experience. Just don't walk in expecting fireworks think more along the lines of a slow burn. Overall, I'd call it a decent restaurant that leans more on its aesthetic than its execution.

Melrose is seriously such a vibe! Their food and drinks are very good. The only gripe I have is…read morethat the outfits the waitresses have to wear by no means fit the vibe of the place. How can you have plants/botanicals, earthy tones, and chill music while having a wait staff that is forced to dress like a Las Vegas cocktail waitress? It made me feel icky, and I felt bad for them. Let them wear flowy linen to match the vibe! They are women, not objects.

Melrose has been on my list for awhile now and I finally got the chance to go for drinks later in…read morethe evening during the week. To start, the ambiance is gorgeous. It's modern, spacious, and feels really luxe with earthy tones and interesting design elements. With this in mind, I definitely recommend dressing up. The cocktails that we tried were all well balanced and beautifully presented in delicate glassware and thoughtful garnishes. These are all $17 but the bartender mentioned that they also do a happy hour until 6:30 during which cocktails are $10. I will definitely come back for this another day. We also got the Carajillo shots, a cocktail that we normally enjoy, and while they came in cute little long steamed shot glasses, and were tasty, the strength of the shot was honestly just like a tiny portion of the regular cocktail. I would skip this next time and just get a full size version. Gratuity (20%) is added to all tabs in addition to a credit card processing fee (3%). Parking in Montrose is always a challenge so I would definitely recommend taking an Uber or Lyft. Overall, a solid spot for drinks!

This place is awesome. Small but cool, they've got a Godzilla pinball machine and the First Rodeo…read moreis a delicious cocktail. Need I say more?

Super friendly bartender! Fair prices and delicious drinks. They make a great meal! Music is not…read moretoo loud either.

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.

Whether you want a chill brunch or a hip, energetic evening, 93' Til offers both. With a casual…read moreneighborhood vibe that extends from the afternoon until the evening, the cocktails, coffee, and drinks are all equally great. Their chicken sandwich is a must try and has gotten well deserved accolades. Perfectly breaded, toasted bun, and very juicy. We paired it with the churro French toast, an almost cloyingly sweet (but perfectly cooked) dish that definitely needed a savory balance. Their bacon is delicious, super thick with a slightly herby flavor. The evening hours can get loud between the crowds and the DJ, but the vibe is still really cool and chill. Definitely one of the more unique, fun spots of the Montrose/Upper Kirby area.

Super vibey spot with house music on the speakers, friendly staff, and tons of seating for dining…read moreon their delicious food or doing work. 93' Til has been on my bucket list for so long and I'm so glad I finally got to visit! The only unfortunate part of my experience was that the two of us at my table got the same dish - biscuits and gravy. The biscuit was dense but softened under the rich and savory gravy, and I got my eggs over easy to get the yolk mixed in. I also added some of their house-made habanero curry hot sauce, which is absolutely delicious. I'll definitely have to try a few other dishes next time! Their coffees are also great, with unique flavors for their lattes like spiced guava and molasses. Both of these were super tasty, hot and iced! Ultimately 93' Til is staying on my brunch list as a top tier choice, I can't wait to come back!

Behind Closed Doors is a cool downtown "speakeasy" experience. Each room has its own vibe and…read moremusic, which makes it feel like you're discovering something new as you move around. The drinks were solid, and the overall atmosphere was definitely a vibe. We went on a Saturday evening, so it was pretty crowded, but once we found our spot in the Gold Room, we stayed there most of the night. Great music, great energy, and a unique concept. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something different for a night out. Not sure how it took me this long to stumble in here. Parking is what it is downtown so, there's that.

A multifaceted venue that is reminiscent of a club, lounge, and a speakeasy in one spot, Behind…read moreClosed Doors brings a kind of vibe that keeps the downtown Houston nightlife scene relevant. The lighting is dark, intimate, and behind every level and door, there is something else going on. There is an element of discovery in every corner and a new adventure on every floor. Ever watch the movie Tron? There are some areas of BCD that feel incredibly futuristic with neon-lit interiors and a legitimate sci-fi feel in some areas. The areas are ass follows: The main bar with a DJ and a spacious dance floor, the red room with a visualizer setup of big bass and pulsating lights, the gold room with a speakeasy feel and a curated cocktail menu, with the secret room that is a unique space behind a certain set of doors. Most of the music on the main bar is good, the DJs are energetic, and the bartenders are efficient while professional. It's not the easiest place to photograph anything, but the different (hidden) spaces make it a worthy destination for discovery. The one area that I don't love is that they rock automatic gratuity. I do love how diverse the crowd is on the weekends, which is a testament to the city. Drinks are solid, but the speakeasy drinks are the ones that stand out the most. The latter definitely comes at a price, but beware that some drinks may have all the presence but not enough of the substance. __________ My photos: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/behind-closed-doors-houston?userid=ysCBsXWPB-LAiewVS3jZfQ