Author Topic: Upscale bar in Houston... (Read 5769 times)

HudsonHawk · « **on:** May 16, 2013, 02:21:52 pm »

Is there one left...anywhere? I don't want a sports bar, I don't want a DJ, I don't want a "casual atmosphere", I don't want ferns, I don't want a TV, I don't want free shots, and I don't want strippers or hipsters or sandal-wearing dog lovers. Not that those things don't have their place, but it's not what I'm asking about. Is the regular old "bar" simply gone from this humongous city of ours?

BudGirl · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2013, 03:04:47 pm »

The last "bar" I went to was The Owl. I assume it is still there.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-owl-houston

NeilT · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2013, 03:12:27 pm »

Isn't Warren's a real bar?

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2013, 03:14:07 pm »

It's just down the street from me, and just opened, but D&T's Drive In is looking pretty good.

Ebby Calvin · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2013, 03:24:44 pm »

I've always liked Rudyard's, but I can't remember the TV/hipster presence. They may allow dogs, too.

Hans' Bier Haus near Kirby/Sunset is pretty cool, but I think it's beer-only. Bocce ball can be fun though. I think they have a TV.

Moon Tower is really laid back, with no TVs and an amazing beer selection. Probably some hipsters mixed in there, but the wild game burgers/hot dogs are hard to pass up. Beer only. Outside seating.

The McElroy's/Stag's Head/Davenport area near Greenbriar and Richmond can be fun, but plenty of TVs.

I don't know man, no TV/no hipsters pretty much disqualifies me from this discussion. If I was going anywhere this afternoon, I'd hit Hay Merchant or Moon Tower. But again, those pesky hipsters.

ETA: I just read the word 'upscale' in the post heading. Disregard everything I just listed.

Bench · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2013, 03:59:20 pm »

The bar at the Four Seasons (not Quattro).

The State Bar.

Absinthe

The bar at Benjy's (either one).

Zimm's.

NeilT · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2013, 04:24:25 pm »

Quote from: Bench on May 16, 2013, 03:59:20 pm

The bar at the Four Seasons (not Quattro).

The State Bar.

Absinthe

The bar at Benjy's (either one).

Zimm's.

The bar at the Grove is really nice.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2013, 04:59:59 pm »

Quote from: Ebby Calvin on May 16, 2013, 03:24:44 pm

ETA: I just read the word 'upscale' in the post heading. Disregard everything I just listed.

Yeah, I appreciate a dive as much as anyone. I was going to Rudz when you could squeeze 10 people in it. I was the first regular at Hans'. I love those places. But not what I'm looking for.

I'll check out some of the other recommendations.

Navin R Johnson · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:11:21 pm »

I haven't had a chance to go yet, but this newly opened spot sounds like it might fit the bill.

http://houston.eater.com/archives/2013/04/01/a-look-inside-captain-foxhearts-bad-news-bar-spirit-lodge-now-open-in-downtown.php

Limey · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:27:57 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 16, 2013, 02:21:52 pm

Is there one left...anywhere? I don't want a sports bar, I don't want a DJ, I don't want a "casual atmosphere", I don't want ferns, I don't want a TV, I don't want free shots, and I don't want strippers or hipsters or sandal-wearing dog lovers. Not that those things don't have their place, but it's not what I'm asking about. Is the regular old "bar" simply gone from this humongous city of ours?

Mugsy's on Richmond or The Cellar Bar.

hostros7 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:34:23 pm »

Quote from: Bench on May 16, 2013, 03:59:20 pm

The bar at the Four Seasons (not Quattro).

The State Bar.

Absinthe

The bar at Benjy's (either one).

Zimm's.

Bench's suggestions fit your description more than others mentioned here, imo. Most of those that come to mind are connected to a hotel/restaurant. I would also add the following:
- OKRA charity saloon
- V&A's bar (although it is in a restaurant)
- Anvil (if you go early, hipster elbowing otherwise)
- Poison girl (no tvs, but has pin ball machines/hipsters. Not upscale but not a dive either. One of the best bourbon selections around though to make up for it)
- Downing Street (I assume you know this spot given the cigar element)
- The black lab (not as much of a bar as the ambiance suggests in should be, but fits your other requirements)
- Heard Reserve 101 is good but haven't been
- The Remington (did your list of exclusionary elements include prostitutes? If so, please ignore this suggestion).

hostros7 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:35:48 pm »

Quote from: Limey on May 16, 2013, 05:27:57 pm

Mugsy's on Richmond or The Cellar Bar.

Muggsy's is a solid bar, but there are several TVs, a pretty casual atmosphere, and plenty of shots being passed around.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #12 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:38:07 pm »

Fuckin' hipsters. They're ruining my life. Ruining it I tells ya!!

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #13 on:** May 16, 2013, 05:40:06 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on May 16, 2013, 05:35:48 pm

Muggsy's is a solid bar, but there are several TVs, a pretty casual atmosphere, and plenty of shots being passed around.

In other words, exactly the opposite of what I'm seeking?

hostros7 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 16, 2013, 09:29:46 pm »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 16, 2013, 05:40:06 pm

In other words, exactly the opposite of what I'm seeking?

Yes, but, to his credit, it was more in line with what you are seeking when it was at its old location, which is now the Owl.

A couple of other spots have come to mind:
- Simone on Sunset. It's a neighborhood gem with a generally well-heeled crowd that specializes in wine but has a full bar and cocktail list.
- Boheme. Similar to Simone but in Montrose instead of West U. Located right next door to some of the gay bars in town (NTTAWWT) but is not one of them.

Both are enjoyable spots that fit what you described, but I would characterize them more as great ideas for after dinner with the wife or with another couple and less of a leather-covered lounge that smells of fine scotch and rich mahogany.

moriartp · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2013, 03:23:12 am »

The Houston Press rates Boheme's bathrooms among the best in the city for having sex. So they've got that going for them.

Limey · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2013, 07:20:02 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 16, 2013, 05:40:06 pm

In other words, exactly the opposite of what I'm seeking?

Also, in my defense, Mugsy's is only "trendy" on Friday and Saturday night. The rest of the time, it's a solid bar. It never used to have TVs*, but they added them for some reason. It's a lesser place for it, IMHO.

* They had one down the back end of the place, far away from the bar, and that was it.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #17 on:** May 17, 2013, 07:32:45 am »

Quote from: moriartp on May 17, 2013, 03:23:12 am

The Houston Press rates Boheme's bathrooms among the best in the city for having sex. So they've got that going for them.

This is for business related drinking purposes, so sex is out of the question. Unless they want to talk real money.

Limey · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:15:16 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 17, 2013, 07:32:45 am

This is for business related drinking purposes, so sex is out of the question. Unless they want to talk real money.

Sorrel (W. Alabama @ Kirby) is a fabulous restaurant, that also has a really cool bar. Music plays at a level more than comfortable for serious conversation (there are TVs, but they're unobtrusive). The food and drinks at this place are amazing (recently enjoyed a "whisky dinner" there - a 5-course meal, each course paired with a different whisky). Happy hour drinks* and small plates are awesome.

* They offer a summer shandy - which in Limeyland is refreshing drink consisting of a beer, diluted with Sprite. In Sorrel, they take a Shocktop wheat ale, and dilute it with vodka.

If Paul is tending bar, just drop mine or ~~Miss~~ Mrs Limey's name.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:38:13 am »

Quote from: hostros7 on May 16, 2013, 05:34:23 pm

- Heard Reserve 101 is good but haven't been

Reserve 101 is good. Bartenders are real whiskey geeks.

And I'd second OKRA. Great space, low hipster quotient, good array of drinks.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:39:40 am »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on May 17, 2013, 09:38:13 am

Reserve 101 is good. Bartenders are real whiskey geeks.

And I'd second OKRA. Great space, low hipster quotient, good array of drinks.

You realize, my good sir, that your presence automatically raises the hipster quotient?

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:40:38 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 17, 2013, 09:39:40 am

You realize, my good sir, that your presence automatically raises the hipster quotient?

/monocle pops out

Limey · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:41:11 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 17, 2013, 09:39:40 am

You realize, my good sir, that your presence automatically raises the hipster quotient?

Have you met GBB? He ain't got no hips.

HudsonHawk · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:45:22 am »

Quote from: Limey on May 17, 2013, 09:41:11 am

Have you met GBB? He ain't got no hips.

But he has a beard. And he wears skinny jeans. And really small sport coats. And he probably listens to hipster music. For all I know he drives a hybrid. He's probably a communist too.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2013, 10:17:29 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 17, 2013, 09:45:22 am

For all I know he drives a hybrid.

He ain't even got a garage. You can call home and ask his wife.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #25 on:** May 17, 2013, 11:36:50 am »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on May 17, 2013, 10:17:29 am

He ain't even got a garage. You can call home and ask his wife.

I didn't have a garage before it was cool.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #26 on:** May 17, 2013, 08:39:08 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on May 17, 2013, 10:17:29 am

He ain't even got a garage. You can call home and ask his wife.

Who needs a garage when you have a moat.

austro · « **Reply #27 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:02:07 pm »

Quote from: Sphinx Drummond on May 17, 2013, 08:39:08 pm

Who needs a garage when you have a moat.

Silly boy: it's not a moat, it's a Mini.

lc_db · « **Reply #28 on:** May 19, 2013, 08:28:48 am »

Quote from: GreatBagwellsBeard on May 16, 2013, 03:14:07 pm

It's just down the street from me, and just opened, but D&T's Drive In is looking pretty good.

While D&T's IS awesome... it's a refurbished ice house. Still... my new fav place.

For "upscale"... I like Hearsay and the bar in the ICON Hotel, both just off Market Square. Also... there is Downhouse in the Heights, however... the lead bartender there is now running D&T Drive In, so I can no longer promise proper cocktails

mrpink · « **Reply #29 on:** May 19, 2013, 01:23:13 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on May 17, 2013, 10:17:29 am

He ain't even got a garage. You can call home and ask his wife.

I see what you did there...

hostros7 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 20, 2013, 09:59:36 am »

Quote from: lc_db on May 19, 2013, 08:28:48 am

While D&T's IS awesome... it's a refurbished ice house. Still... my new fav place.

For "upscale"... I like Hearsay and the bar in the ICON Hotel, both just off Market Square. Also... there is Downhouse in the Heights, however... the lead bartender there is now running D&T Drive In, so I can no longer promise proper cocktails

I hit that up on Saturday and concur that it is a fine establishment with a wide offering of beers. Still had to make a pit stop at Alice's on my way home after.

Randy Watson · « **Reply #31 on:** May 22, 2013, 11:30:03 am »

Quote from: HudsonHawk on May 16, 2013, 02:21:52 pm

Is there one left...anywhere? I don't want a sports bar, I don't want a DJ, I don't want a "casual atmosphere", I don't want ferns, I don't want a TV, I don't want free shots, and I don't want strippers or hipsters or sandal-wearing dog lovers. Not that those things don't have their place, but it's not what I'm asking about. Is the regular old "bar" simply gone from this humongous city of ours?

State Bar downtown

La Carafe downtown

Char Bar downtown

The bar at the St. Regis near River Oaks

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #32 on:** May 22, 2013, 11:34:25 am »

Quote from: hostros7 on May 20, 2013, 09:59:36 am

I hit that up on Saturday and concur that it is a fine establishment with a wide offering of beers. Still had to make a pit stop at Alice's on my way home after.

You and LCDB need to holler next time you're in the neighborhood. I'll walk over.