I came here with a friend on a Tuesday afternoon for their happy hour because I wanted to try their 5$ Sangria (the happy hour special changes day to day). I really enjoyed the drink; it was a fairly large glass and was the right balance between sweet and bitter. We also ordered the Margherita flatbread pizza, and it was not amazing. Don't get me wrong, it was a decent enough pizza, but I didn't find it to be noteworthy. So if you're hungry, try a different place or maybe order a different flatbread. The reason I give this place 4 stars is for their tasty Sangria and their atmosphere! I really, really love the decoration and feel of the establishment. My friend and I sat outside, and it was a really nice, calm, and beautiful view. The walls are covered in a bit of ivy, and the front patio is a semi-long walkway with seats and table on either side. Simone on Sunset is also located in a somewhat secluded and quiet neighborhood, which adds to the intimacy, but does make it difficult to find parking. (I ended up parking in a neighborhood a couple of streets away). Overall, I really enjoyed my time here and will be coming back again. read more

I've had this place bookmarked for the longest and finally got a chance to go check it out! It is hidden in between businesses and can be hard to see at a first glance. Tucked away behind some plants, the place was quaint and unique. Little front area with outdoor seating gets pretty full on a nice day. Once you enter, it's dark and ambiance is romantic - and who would've guessed how spacious it is on the inside?! There's a private room in the back for larger parties and tables near the bar area. It definitely looked bigger inside than it does from the outside. Still not huge but it wasn't super crowded and you're able to find a table pretty easily. Probably due to the 4 parking spots outside and no street parking along this road - but go a block over and you can park just fine for a nice stroll through the neighborhood. The service was ok. We got our menu and order placed fairly quickly, however the server didn't check on us as frequently as we would like to place more drink orders. At one point she forgot she had run our cards and didn't bring them back until we asked. Oh well.. Simple mistake. The food was ok. I think they overcharged for the small cheese plate. The cheese wasn't special - just some plain cubes of maybe Swiss and another cheese you can get fairly cheaply at the grocery store. It also came with some cheap salami, a small bundle of grapes, maybe 4 crostini that were a little burnt, and some mustard. Wasn't impressed at all. The hummus tasted alright but the pita looked like it was cut and tossed on there.. Again maybe plain grocery store pita that needed some toasting. And the veggies.. Eww. The carrots were old and weren't crispy. I touched it and knew it wasn't fresh so I didn't even try to eat them. The margherita pizza is small 11" and was like $14-15. Not worth it for what it was. You can get a brick oven pizza that is larger for that price. It had chunks of mozzarella on it but that's about it. Nothing special about the crust or toppings. Seemed like store bought frozen pizza crust. The drinks were also just ok.. My Moscow mule lacked the kick of the ginger beer and it felt like it was a little too sweet - honey? Didn't taste any vodka in it but it did come in a fairly large copper glass. My friend said her gin was pretty stiff but the basil was overpowering. Overall, I probably won't come back. Though the atmosphere was cute and quiet - I wish the drinks/food was better. Onto the next one on the list! read more

See all

The pictures and TikTok videos definitely oversell this place. To start, the scene is not what it appears to be on social media. Call me shallow, but it's what sold us in the first place. We reserved a table and when we arrived, we were sat in a typically "closed" party area that had bare walls, and basic high top tables with chairs that you would typically find at a hole in the wall pool hall, and we were set away from the main part of the restaurant. Eventually I went and found a server in the main area and asked why we were placed in a very cold secluded area. The response was that those tables had reservations. I explained that I also had reservations so I was unclear as to why we were set in such an area that almost appeared as if it was still in the "construction and decoration phase" away from everyone. After I was told "this table is reserved for the managers friends" and I made a "ahhh I see" face, it was then that what appeared to be the "host" approached us (she was very friendly) and moved us to that very same table. The service might be the worst part of it, as my friends and I waited for everything. Waters left empty until we could finally get someone's attention. Wine orders took a while with our previous drinks were left empty. The food was mediocre at best, and I did offer opinions when asked by the server. At the end of our meal when it was time to pay is when we saw the server the most. However we had multiple items of food unfinished that we wanted to take home, and after signing our receipts and finally asking another employee, did we finally receive one box. I tried it, and can honestly say I won't be back unless some changes are made. read more

Cute spot but don't waste your money.... service is slow and the food is below mediocre . Shouldn't take over 30 minutes for a glass of wine. Servers need some serious training. read more

That $20 bottle of wine special during happy hour is key. Simone on Sunset is the perfect place to hang with friends after work and relax over glasses of wine. The patio area is very cute as is the indoor area. I have gone here a few times with coworkers as a pretty reliable place to have fun and enjoy drinks and food. I think the food is pretty good, but overall a little overpriced. The artichoke dip was pretty tasty. We went on a burger night and that was also pretty good as well. I think to get to 5 stars, it would help for a price adjustment, easier parking, and maybe a little bit better location (in my humble opinion). Looking forward to more outings at Simone on Sunset. read more

Saw two roaches. One outside. Came inside and one in the bathroom. The wine was good. Service solid. But two roaches is two too many for me. Probably won't return only because of this. Loved everything else. read more

Cute place, but the service was extremely slow even on an evening when the bar and restaurant were not crowded. It took two and a half hours to be served two glasses of wine and an appetizer. read more

Great wine selection, and the bartenders give extremely generous pours. Also, I was on a blind date and I arrived early. The bartender established a safe word with me in case I felt uncomfortable, which I really appreciated. The atmosphere is very quaint/has a patio situation too. read more

Simone is a tiny almost hidden bar close to Rice Village. It can be described as intimate or just plain small on the inside. There is also a patio outside which allows for more seating. A bit over priced, but I see what Simone on Sunset was aiming for. The bar can def use more bartenders, and the one that was there provided okay service. Park on one of the side streets close by and walk back over to Simone on Sunset. Odds are you will not find a spot right in front of the actual establishment. The hummus and popcorn is a welcome change to traditional bar food. Both were good. read more

Simone on Sunset - popcorn with truffle oil - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Okay, this place has serious potential. It is a cute place to have a glass of wine and chill, staff is friendly and attentive BUT I have to say that the music playlist is going to keep me from coming back. Is this a club?! Can we have some chill jazz or French cafe music as BACKGROUND music at a low volume?? This place lends itself more to that type of ambience. I'd love to hear the conversation I'm trying to have without crappy pop music blaring in my ear. read more

This the cutest bar. Super great customer service. Private room for large parties. Very very nice and hidden. read more

See all

Great outdoor and indoor space. Fur babies are allowed. Our server was sweet, but lacked attention to detail. We ordered a white and she placed the bottle unopened on the table and walked away. I also had to ask for an ice bucket. They have gluten free options. Parking is not difficult to find on weekdays. read more

Excellent outdoor patio seating at Simone's Bistro this Sat afternoon. Great happy hour specials, an ok bottle of Blackridge Vineyards Pinot Noir $15. Been here several times a night, good atmosphere for a neighborhood wine bar! I'll be back :) read more

Simone on Sunset - Great Sat afternoon patio spot - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Place i've been meaning to try. My GF and I stopped by here after work for Happy hour. Menu was ok. Ambiance was nice except for the food. We ordered Samosa, Waygu meatballs and calamari. Samosa was good. Calamari was too salty and the meatballs were burnt. Mentioned to waitress and she said they can't do anything about it once the food is out. We asked for a manager and it took her a bit to come over. We paid our check and was about to leave and manager came over. She was really nice and apologetic and adjusted our bill. read more

The aesthetic is great. Very cozy and low key. Drink menu is also okay but as for the food..let just go back to how the place has a nice aesthetic. read more

Steady decline. I keep giving this place a chance at redemption but the quality of bartenders beyond the one female bartender (who happens to be terrific) the others barely speak English, are lazy and have had my last two visits horrible. Cancel time. Bacco is better. Way better. read more

Hidden gem!! I'm so happy I found this place. The atmosphere is a great balance of upscale but casual, the food is so good, and the drinks are impressive! We tried the Pizza bianca based off of one of the employee's recommendations, was a bit apprehensive since I'm not a blue cheese person in the slightest but it surprisingly ended up being a new favorite of mine. overall great place :-) read more

The ambiance and vibe is amazing like the drinks however the food is nothing to write home about. I'd come again because I can get the vibe and tasty libations until 2am just for a nightcap. read more

[Was Called A NIGGER] If I could give negative stars trust me I would. I've been in Houston a little over two years, my girlfriend a little less. On date night we enjoy trying new places and Simone on Sunset was second on our list yesterday (8/10/2019). To make a long story short, before I could even get to the doors of the establishment I hear a white woman at the patio area say "We got a NIGGER at our bar". I grabbed my girlfriend and left. When the Manager asked if everything was ok and why I'm leaving so quickly I immediately told him that I was called a NIGGER in his establishment why a white woman. I will never step foot in this establishment again, nor will any of my friends, family members, clients, or work colleagues step foot in this establishment. I warn people of color to avoid this place. It seems as though we aren't welcomed here. read more

Just wish the patio was larger and it was as quiet. it was tooooooo quiet in all honesty and the music wasn't too great.

Pathetic ... we made a reservation for Easter brunch . They seated us at a tiny coffee table and uncomfortable patio chairs . It was not a dining table. When we asked for a table the lady was rude and did not offer to give us one of the empty tables . We left and had Easter brunch elsewhere. we will never go back to this place . One of the worst in houston. Don't go ! read more

Absolutely a gem of a bar in the rice Univ. Area. My buddy took me there and I'm visiting from Calofnria. I loved the vibe and the owner is amazing wot his guests! Amazing chicken lollipop. Pizza and drinks!! This place get my endorsement read more

Smooth nights, strong drinks, and a vibe only those familiar with chill. Congratulations on finding it. Live music on Thursday Nights. Succulent steak night on Thursday nights. Come one, come all. This is a lounge and a cool spot for a first date or a second, and so on and so on. Valet parking, so there's no excuse to not come and have a drink or two. Open 7 days a week with a great kitchen serving entrees and tapas. Live life chill. Welcome to Simone on Sunset. read more

We went here last Thursday night for their steak night. It was delicious. Everyone is super nice and a good bit of tables, but right now everyone wants to be outside so you may wish to get there a bit early. Also had some live music which was a nice surprise added bonus. Not much parking, but you can park on the street or they have valet if you are so inclined. read more

I love the outdoor ambience of this restaurant. If your looking for a restaurant for a first date; definitely give them a try. They have week night special; give their flat bread a try. read more

This is a very romantic spot located in Rice village. I love the atmosphere and its cute and quaint entrance! If you do visit here it's more romantic and cozy outside. I love the wine selection as well. I came here with my sister a few months back and ordered a prosecco. I looked over the drink selection and although I didn't try it did look amazing! Staff is super friendly and sweet. I recommend this place for a smooth date night or a girls night out. read more

Hidden bar in West U, Houston. Love this bar that's tucked away and hidden. Great atmosphere. Great martinis and why I go. Pizza was pretty good. Great service. Almost don't want to review because I don't want people knowing about It. read more

Simone on Sunset - Pizza - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

So disappointed in current Simone. I used to love this place. Steak night was a favorite bc the food was delicious and the pricing was excellent. They increased the price 10 dollars, to $22, and the filet portions are tiny. Same with the pizza, price has nearly doubled. HH beer is $5.00 5:30-7. Then beer is crazy expensive. There are some wines in the menu marked up over 4 times retail price. The wait staff was confused and we had to go inside to order. So sad. This was a great place and good price points. read more

Not a big fan of all the cigarette smoking on the patio and unfortunately you can't escape it inside because it migrates to the inside. Service at the bar was a bit unorthodox. Not much communication in that I wasn't greeted with the normal question, How can I help you or what would you like. Eventually I was able to solicit some help and when I asked for an Aperol spritz the response I received was we don't have that. Oh reeeaallly! You mean that bottle behind you that reads A-P-E-R-O-L, you don't have. Anyway, outside the cute curb appeal of the place, all the other intangibles just aren't clicking for me here. read more

I really love this place. I've been here several times and I've always enjoyed myself. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the staff is very friendly. The cocktails are great! Valet parking is a current service and should remain a service! Without it you'd have to find parking along the street. Overall- my favorite little wine bar to fall into. read more

What a cute little hidden gem. They had everything so beautifully lit up for winter time. There are several places to sit for privacy and for groups. There is outside seating in the front little courtyard and a private room with couches and dining tables. It looks like they took a house and created an eclectic vintage lounge. My hubby and I tried el Diablo and whiskey smash. They were beautifully put together and pretty good. I just like that this place is out of the public eye. Parking out front is limited (four spaces) but they have a valet on Saturday and are working on expanding to a daily valet. There is also street parking. You may find it hard to find it at first because it is surrounded by other businesses that look like old homes. Overall an awesome find. read more

Really liked this cute neighborhood bar. The meat and cheese platter was tasty, although a bit smaller. I'd definitely recommend getting the large instead of the small for two of you. The place is quaint with a nice outdoor area. Parking could be a slight hassle, but you'll find a spot, and I believe they do have a valet. Overall, a cute spot to kick off a date night in the area, or a great place to hang with some friends over some wine. Can't wait to go back :). read more

Absolutely love the Monday burgers!!! They make them amazing. The wine list is awesome and I love the ambiance of this place. The cracked glass door rocks. Ok - the burger is something I can't describe. Awesome isn't adequate. The bun is a sweet sourdough and makes it amazing!! Thursday steak night is great too!! read more

Simone on Sunset - Awesome burger Monday - made to order - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Simone on Sunset is a unique and tiny spot ideal for meeting with 1 or 2 friends for a glass of wine and snack. I met with a friend around 6 p.m. on a weekday and was easily able to find a spot to sit, the service was also very quick. As other reviews mention, parking is either nonexistent or complicated, which the business itself can't do much about. I recommend taking an Uber or taxi. I tried the house Cabernet and the truffle popcorn. Both were good and not too pricey. read more

Simone on Sunset - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

If Anvil Bar and the Tasting Room had a baby, it would be Simone on Sunset (but less busy). They feature great cocktails, decent food selection, and a wine list. Simone is hidden from the usual rift raft that you'll find on Washington. It is located in a quaint neighborhood in Rice Village. Anvil is for yuppies, Grand Prize is hipsters and Simone is for the slightly more mature crowd (mid 30s). Don't come here expecting to get "effed up" or "wild". Conclusion: As long as this place doesn't become super packed, it will continue to be the perfect place to have great conversation. Think they have nightly specials (buger nights, tacos, happy hours, etc.). Never had their pizza, but it looks amazing. See below for supplemental info: - Price: Above average (cocktails are about the same prices you'll see at Anvil) - Atmosphere: 4/5 stars (decor is simple and charming) - Service: 4/5. (has a 'local'/personable feel. Kind of reminds me of Community Bar) Big turnoffs: - Last time I went, they were a bit understaffed. Traaaash... - Wine list is lacking in selection. Traaaash... read more

Tucked away on the outskirts of Rice Village on Sunset, it's a very modest bar. You might just drive past it if you're not playing attention. There is a decent size patio that located in the front of the bar (with tables and chairs). It is shaded by some tall trees and a tall fence. Walk past the front and open the door and you'll notice to your right a modern Jukebox (fancy pants). To the left there are tables, a long bench and chairs. Walk a bit further and to your right is the bar area. It décor is very rustic as dark leather couches, brown granite counters on the tables, different tones of brown, with accents of flowers, candles and light placed in different spots. Not a bad spot to take a date on. The serve specialty drinks hand crafted right before your eyes (The pours are heavy Oh YEAH!). It's always interesting to watch the bartends mix these types of drinks. I've never dated a bartender but, I'd imagine her mixing drinks and.......... (I'll let you fill this in). There is a pretty long list of beers which always a good plus in my book (both draft and bottles). I tried the pizza and remember one pizza is good for two people. I had the Napa Pizza which had artichoke hearts, spinach, feta and paprika. It was really tasty but, I wasn't able to finish even with the help of my company (aptly named "the wall"). I also got the cheese plate. There were these large sized capers the size of a grape! Delicious, huge, salty and sour are words that could describe these capers. Oh yes, the cheese was good too. The service was fast and friendly. They do have different specials for everyday of the week (food and drinks). So if you want a place to discuss if "all fruits should be eaten firm and not soft" or other topics, check this place out. read more

Well dayum. What a cute little spot. We stopped in here for a glass of wine last time I was in town. A glass of wine for me, anyway. A beer for my mom. And a cozy table outside by the honeysuckle, blooming in the spring, breezes blowing, music playing and a hoppin' scene outside. We saw dates, friends, business deals and other happy hour stayed late groups. It's a little tricky to find - since it's in a neighborhood. But once you do, you'll be impressed with the dark sexy interior, fantastic decor, good service, sassy cocktails, friendly bartenders and reasonably priced beverages. Sadly, we'd already eaten or else we would have taken advantage of steak night. Check their specials before you go -- and scoop up some of that truffle popcorn just in case. read more

4.25 stars. Steps to Having a Good Time at Simone: 1. Go to two art shows beforehand and drink for free. 2. Continue your wine buzz at numerous bars throughout the Rice Village. 3. Rent out the private room at Simone and order a bunch of wine and food. 4. Meet a bunch of Lebanese people partaking in the same. 5. Repeat. It's rather fortunate I no longer live in Houston because there is approximately a zero percent chance that I wouldn't end up making stupid decisions that stem from drinking multiple bottles of wine at Simone. While this is certainly more of a laid back venue and not especially tolerant of drunks, a couple of my friends thankfully seem to have somewhat of a free pass on that. This is where I engage in the wine version of blackout drinking and end up closing down a lesbian bar where two people are copulating on the pool table and then waking up the next morning in a nearby townhouse with the remainder of half-eaten Venezuelan arepas by my side. You don't need to be that person and I don't suggest that you become that person. Just be the person at Simone that loves their wine, nibbles on good food, and soaks in an underrated scene. You will have a good time. read more

Hands down my favorite bar in Houston thus far!! Let me do this one as a list --Happy Hour until 8PM even on Saturdays. Wow. --The happy hour menu has $15 bottles of wine --Large, outdoor wooden patio deck that is shaded with umbrellas, trees and best of all honeysuckle all along the fence which gives an amazing fragrance --The interior has dark wood, exposed drop light bulbs and turquoise touches on the paint. Insanely gorgeous. --They make truffle oil popcorn. Yum. --Cocktail list is awesome and includes classics like French 77 --Very casual, laid back atmosphere but people do tend to lounge and get work done (Rice University is in the area) so be aware that it may get crowded --The owner is drop dead gorgeous --Beware of parking because the city of Houston does tow. Carefully watch the signs for this. --You are going to really like this place read more

I think this place is pretty darn adorable and it's one of my favorites in the Rice Village area. Which is significant because I don't care much for most alcohol peddling establishments in the Village. Simone is a little reminisce of Boheme, but injected with a tad more sophisticated and is more limited in space. It's not very clearly marked, but look for an arch of vines and smattering of tiny lights and be mindful where you park. The patio area is quite charming, but tends to fill up quickly during the nicer evenings. There inside offers some random seating coves and more secluded room - probably pretty perfect for date night, I'm just saying! There's two unisex restrooms that are nicely maintained and yes, that sort of thing matters to me because I'm a civilized lady, okay? I would say the crowd mainly comprises of late twenties and up, which I certainly appreciate. There's certainly a more "intimate" type of feel, although we couldn't help but laugh about the 90's rock/alternative music blaring the last time we visited - probably just trying to appeal to Simone's demographics. There's a fair amount of fancy pants specialty cocktails and nicer imported wines and the mixologist/bartenders have yet to offend me with terribly service or poorly concocted drinks. There's also a limited menu of pizzas and appetizers that I've yet to sample myself. I believe there is a Happy Hour, but when it's not Happy Hour - the drinks aren't exactly "bargain." I mean but really, I'm totally down to shell over a few more dollars per drinks to insulate myself from the rowdy Baker Street scene a few blocks over. I am fond of the cozy, nearly sedated mood of Simone on Sunset and if you're an old fart like me, seeking a couple of well-crafted beverages in relative peace, perhaps you should check out the place. read more