Music and atmosphere wise I would give this place a 4. I love the themed nights and the light up dance floor, a/c could use some tweaking-even if you aren't dancing it's still a little stuffy in there (although back near the women's restroom there is a vent that blows out Beyoncé style wind in your hair air, so if you don't mind hanging out behind the bar and away from the music and dance floor to cool off it is doable, would just be nice to have that option throughout the whole place), the playlists could use some variety as well but it's not a deal breaker. What the deal breaker for me, and what is causing the star rating to be a 2 and not a 4 like I mentioned above, is the bartenders. I have come here many times and have dealt with a variety of bartenders and I would say 90% of them have TERRIBLE attitudes to anyone and everyone ALL. THE. TIME. Now may I add I do also work in the same industry as they do, have for about 4 years, and so I know how to respectfully treat and speak to a fellow tender, but I do also expect that respect in return which is almost never the case here. I have witnessed them give attitudes to various patrons as well while I have been waiting for my opportunity to order. I have had one gentleman (with blondish hair) cuss at me before, I've had eyes rolled at me by female bartenders, and just a general attitude from most of them almost every time I have been in here. I get that some nights are just not your night but it seems like every night is not their night! My recommendation to the manager of this place would be to consider your staff. It has the potential to be awesome, really awesome, and I've seen large crowds and there's clearly some great reviews here from other guests, but I feel like the experience should be 100% all the way around - ESPECIALLY people's (almost) only interaction with your employees! Good prices and pretty good drinks - nothing too out of the ordinary that you couldn't get at any other bar but unfortunately the combination of those and the atmosphere may just not be enough to keep me coming back much longer if the employees can't learn customer service skills. That's a shame too. read more

Music was good, smoky from machines, 2 dance floors, upper one was sticky, no cover charge, some limited fenced in parking.

There's a dude in a tight gold body suit and long black wig. This place gets four stars because of that guy. This is a great spot for people watching and dancing. The bartenders are cool. Parking is kind of a pain. Lots of fun people here. read more

Saturday night is where its at! 80's dance night and it might be the best scene for this Houston has ever seen! Parking can be a huge issue after 10pm. Be warned! read more

Went in here last night after a company Xmas party based on a co-workers recommendation. Place was dead at 11:30 when we left, maybe 20 people in the place, only a few dancing. It's pretty bare bones , maybe trying for some type of industrial look, but it comes off just kind of dumpy... read more

The music here was good and it is pretty spacious. The bartenders are pretty much on their feet and gets drinks out fairly fast. The only complaint I have about this place is that it is super hot, it feels like they didn't have the AC on or something. I was sweating like crazy even when I wasn't dancing. Hopefully this review will get out and Barbarella would do something about it. Overall, this dance club is cool but I'd rather hit up other places first. read more

Had my birthday party join me on a Saturday for an 80s dance party. The drinks are cheap and good. People are super friendly and it's just an all around good place to let go and have some fun. Best part is the music. Not your typical 80s top 40. As an 80's music snob made me a happy birthday girl. Plus a little shout out from the DJ topped my night. Will be back on Fridays for some more modern sounds that you can't get with our crappy radio stations. Follow them on Facebook. read more

I used to love this place, new management and the new staff has been rude, and extremely nasty and made a nice night a horrible girl night. I used to recomend coming here, but no longer a place to have a nice night to dance all the stress away.. they added more stress instead of being fun night out with friend. Bouncer treated us like street trash instead of paying customers. Fuck this place read more

The place was nice ... But the bartender girl was a total bitch... Will never order from her again ... Please get a nicer and polite bartender.. read more

I have never experienced such poor customer service in my life. I understand being busy but when things are tough, how you respond to customers says a lot. I didn't expect fast service but when I couldn't find my wallet and asked a bartender if one had been turned in, his response was to look around to show how busy he was and inform me that no one gave a sh*t about my wallet because they were so busy. read more

Barbarella is the ideal place for anyone who wants to have a great night out and has dancing on the top of their list; great music, great dance space and you never have to wait too long in line for a drink, staff is super attentive and the atmosphere always feels energetic and engaging. One of the best clubs Houston has to offer and their theme nights add an obscurity and originality that is hard to top. read more

Female bartender (who is apparently the manager) kicked my friend out with no explanation. This was our first bar of the night and nobody was remotely intoxicated enough to warrant this kind of treatment. Our group was nothing but courteous and patient with the poor service and even overlooked an overcharged bill. The only explanation our group can collectively come up with is that the bartender was threatened by either 1) lesbians 2) pretty blondes or 3) both. Trashy place with trashy staff. Music was good though? read more

I really don't understand the good reviews given to this place. Bathrooms are horrendous, the music sucked, drinks were terrible, they have a Gatorade cooler at the end of the bar with water ( and who knows what's inside.) The bar literally was crumbling into pieces. Avoid, avoid, avoid. read more

Finally went for our 1st Saturday night(80's) night.. Was not impressed. The place was freaking hot(I guess the AC was turned off) and took way to long to get a freaking drink at the bar. The music was Ok but it was like watching a You Tube 80's video mix without the mixing. Just playing videos with no rhythm or reason. How do you go from Janet Jackson to The Smiths and then back to Michael Jackson and then Duran Duran. Just not worth it... You would have a much better time @ Etro with no cover and the AC works and they actually doing mix the music and Videos. read more

I have been needing to update my review on this place because the owner actually contacted my fiancé and let him know that the bartender was fired for her actions and apologized. I read so many reviews about how great the place is and I probably would have something good to say if I ever had a great first experience. I don't mind sticking to Numbers on Classic Fridays for my 80s music. read more

We just attended their 2nd Kpop night (third Tuesday of every month, I think). This was my first time at this club, which is located across the street from Rich's, the first dance club I ever went to (when I was 18). Barbarella was pretty good. We were welcomed by friendly bouncers (no cover). The dance floor was spacious (2 levels). There were two bars (one huge, one tiny) on either side of the dance floor. The bartenders were fine; not friendly but not rude. We paid in cash because I'd read on previous posts that people had issues with the bartenders overcharging their cards. The drinks were weak, but whatever. We expected to hear a lot of Kpop since it was Kpop night and we weren't disappointed. The DJ played an array of current (BLACKPINK, EXID, Winner, etc.) and past (BIGBANG, SHINee, T-ARA, etc.) hits. The crowd was on the young side and very mixed. Most people on the dance floor were very familiar with the songs (lots of singing along) and choreography. I actually think the DJ was pretty unnecessary. The songs just played one after another, no mixing involved, and were accompanied by the music videos displaying on multiple screens. I had just come back from a trip to New Orleans, where the dance floor in their gay clubs are tiny. I was impressed with the overall layout of Barbarella. It's not too big, like Rich's, but not cramped either. There is an outdoor area for smoking and a small parking lot in front of the club (don't think there was a parking fee). I parked across the street and there were no issues. This part of town is a little warehouse-y, and there are a lot of homeless people wondering around, so some people might run into problems. All in all we had a good time. I'll be looking forward to attending 90s night in the future. read more

Not entirely sure how people "dance" to this music. However, it's a great spot to have some throwback tunes and watch the old videos. I think it actually may be a haunt for specific audiences...but not me. When they say 80s they mean it. It was cool for awhile but had to get out of there. read more

This place is not an actualy club its a pub/bar with a dance floor. So if you are looking for a bar with loud music you can try this place

Great place for dancing after hours (although sometimes they charge a small cover fee). Check out their music themes of 90s and 80s on the weekends. Drinks are nothing to write home about but its a great place to let loose on the dance floor. read more

I really enjoyed Barbarella's Grand Opening! They had a wide selection of drinks and a variety of rooms to suit whatever your needs may be - want to chill out with friends? Grab a bean bag. Want to shake your groove thang? Head over to the lighted dance floor (yeah, it's fancy). I'm not a huge 80s fan, but I've heard that they're going to have a good mix of themed nights of the week, so I'll certainly be back for those! All in all, a great club that's definitely worth checking out. read more

I love love this place!!! If you like to dance and not care here you go. I also love the bartender with the big hair!!! Cindy is great! Best bartender with a great attitude. Fast, very cool,and remembers what I'm drinking even if I change it 5 times! She fits in perfectly. Just their style. Also cool arcade games read more

Love this place. Great 90s night, great 80s night but wish, wish, wish they'd bring back grits & gravy night!

This place attracts the weirdest people. Makes me feel like Im in the Hunger Games. The bartenders give very bad customer service. Their drinks are not the best and very pricey for a place like this. It is not your money's worth. It gets way too crowded and the same songs are played all the time. Look elsewhere and avoid it at all times. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would! Me and some friend were excited to attend Emo night on July 3rd. We were having a blast until bartender "Donna" I believe that was her name refused to serve us and was very rude. My boyfriend bought a beer and he gave her cash and didn't tip her, she commented "OH NICE TIP" first of all he doesn't have to tip you if he chooses not too. Then he stood at the bar for 15 minutes waiting for her service she looked over at him and ignored him so he stood there again for another 15 minutes and she looked over and ignored him AGAIN! So I said "excuse me" trying to get her attention at this time she didn't have any customers AGAIN ignored. So I walked to the front of the bar where she was (as we were on the side) and asked her "Why won't you serve him" she said "NO and you are yelling at me". We didn't yell we were just trying to get her attention of course you have to be a little louder than usual because the music is so loud in there. I complained to the manager CINDY but it seemed like she didn't even want to listen to what I had to say, I tried to explain what happened and she kept cutting me off. Donna said we were too intoxicated and that's why she didn't want to serve us. My boyfriend was not "TOO DRUNK" ! He only had about 3 drinks. The managers way of fixing this issue was putting my 2 beers on her tab. FIRST AND LAST TIME I GO TO THIS DUMP. read more

My husband and I came here, it was our first club, on 80's night. It was a blast! Great atmosphere, great drinks, and the retro games were fun. We were extremely happy with this place and will definitely be returning. read more

The music and atmosphere is pretty impressive but that all just falls apart when you can't get a drink. Clearly the bar staff is not experienced it's like watching a bar in slow motion super crabby too. You think waiting 20 minutes you could get a smile or an apology. To bad they couldn't import the Austin attitude. Not a thank you or a smile from anyone working there. Not for me I will pay extra to sit in run down Numbers where drinks flow freely and are served with a "thank you" and free of attitude. read more

Went last night for the first time ever and I was actually pleasantly surprised. Not much into the club scene but went after some convincing from one of my friends. There was a little bit of a wait to get in but it was new year's eve so that was expected. Once inside we quickly got drinks and headed to the dance floor which was pretty good size. There is a side stage you can dance on and the floor even lights up! The playlist was nothing short of fantastic. A great mix from Madonna to Depeche Mode with some good EDM in between. Honestly I would've had the best time ever if it wasn't for losing/getting my phone stolen at the end of the night. My guess was that it must have fallen out while dancing at some point. Next time i'll just keep in in my clutch or better yet, I won't even bring it inside. I asked the bar if anybody had turned it in but walked away disappointed. Regardless of my bad luck I do plan on coming back. So if you're looking for a good place to dance and don't want to hear the tired top 40's/rap playlist, then I urge you to go check this place out. you shall not regret it. (Unless you lose your shit like I did) read more

I love the crowd and the vibe here. The only reason it doesn't get a 5 from me is because the bartenders are completely shitty. Otherwise 80's night is usually packed and is AMAZING. Crowd doesn't get going until closer to midnight. Age ranges from early 20's to 40's. Very diverse crowd. Come as you are. No pretentiousness here. Tiny ass parking lot. Get here early if you want a spot. I also love the fact they have free water at the ends of the bar for you to grab as you make your way back to the dance floor. Cheap beer. read more

I normally don't like to write reviews, but this time I need to do it, let me tell you that this place is awesome, I just love it, I have been there four times, still can't get enough of it, Houston needed a place like this. I took one star simply because music library is limited, I grew up in the 80's, and I know most of the songs from that decade. So if the dj or owner is reading my post I will suggest some songs that will be great dance floor fillers and fun to dance( I am just suggesting because still I haven't hear them yet). Here I go: Wang Chung: Everybody have fun tonight: Aha: Take on me; Bangles: Walk like an egiptian; Kim Carnes: Better davis eyes; The cure: love song; Magazine 60; don quichotte; Fun fun: Baila bolero & colour my love; Paula Abdul: straight up; Pet shop boys: It's a sin & Domino dancing; Fleetwood mac; Little lies; Regina: Baby love, Shana; I want you; Gloria Estefan:Conga; A flock of seagulls: I ran; Salt & pepa: push it; Missing persons: destination unknown; Jermaine stewart : we don't have to take our clothes off; Total coelo : I eat cannibals, David Bowie: Let's dance; Pebbles: girlfriend; Tony basil: Mickey; Katrina & the waves: walking on sunshine; Go go's: our lips are sealed & vacations; The flirts: danger; Alphaville: Big in japan; In deep: last night a dj saved my life; Information society: what's in your mind; Soul II soul: Back to life; The The: This is the day; Living in a box: Living in a box; Twisted sister: we're not gonna take it; Baltimora: tarzan boy; Camouflage: The great commandment; REM: The one I love; and the list goes on. read more

Fuck the See and Be Seen Crowd. I go here to drink to get down on the dance floor to shake off a hard week of work. Saturday is best. Low lights, good music and pretty girls. If you need more, you are just greedy. read more

Heck no! They snatched my drink in the end, I understand that there's a law that you can't have a drink before 2 but there's also a law that you're not technically supposed to be open after 2, and they were. I get that they want business and no trouble but they should do it with respect. They snatched my and my sisters drink out of our hand threw it away (we paid for it and had it full) and we asked if we can finish it really quick but this black guy with glasses squished my sisters hand until it hurt her and didn't let her respond threw it away. That shows no class. The fact that he had to hurt her physically made me what to puke. We tried specking with the manager but the bouncer kept saying he wasn't around, it's not right. I understand that the drink was supposed to be gone, but you should never lose disrespect. I will forever despise this place and not recommended it to everyone I know. I will also go speak with the manager tomorrow morning for physical abuse. Excuse my language but fuck them. read more

Having lived in Austin and being a huge fan of the Barbarella on Red River, I had high hopes for this place. I think the best way to describe it is "hit-or-miss." The drinks are super crappy (like worse than well drinks on 6th street crappy) but the music is good, and if you're feeling dance-y, then you will definitely get to do that here (if it's a "hit" type of night). There was a few months last year where I could be found here on a Saturday night, no question. My main bone to pick is with the rude people who work there. The bartenders for the most part all seem like they hate being there and are generally miserable about having to work behind a bar that lights up blue. And I get that it totally sucks to have to sit in a little box by the door and collect money from already-drunk people, but for those of us who do walk in sober, we notice when you're being snarky. Previous times I have come past whatever time it is when they start collecting a cover charge, I've paid this cover with my credit card, as they had a square cube card reader. Last weekend, I came in all excited to dance my ass off when my vibe was promptly decimated by the nasty snark of a girl sitting by the door collecting cover. I walk in holding my card. She rolls her eyes and tells me it's cash only. Fine, but that's annoying considering the last time I was here, I paid with a card. The guy standing next to her rolls his eyes and says "we only have that sometimes." Can someone tells me how that makes any sense at all? It's called "precedent" people, don't set it if you aren't going to uphold it. So whatever - she snarkily says there's an ATM. We get cash can come back and hand her the $20 bill and she's like, "Who is this for?" When I point to myself and my boyfriend, she promptly proceeds to mock us pointing while she takes our money. Seriously, whoever you are, doorgirl, you really suck at being "welcoming" perhaps you should consider a job where you don't actually have to interact with people. Long story short: Dear Barbs, please consider not hiring snarky, heinous people. They're wet blankets, nobody likes that, especially when your drinks are crap (we just won't want to spend our money here.) Please take a note from the Austin Barbs and actually be...oh I don't know...a cool place where cool people work/hang out? read more

This place is decent and you'll have a good time. The drinks are cheap, although you might have to wait a bit before getting served by the bartender...there weren't many working but loads of people trying to get drinks. I went on a Friday, which is supposed to be the night for "new" music. No clue what these people mean by new because they definitely played love fool by the cardigans, which i'm pretty sure i used to listen to when i was in the 4th grade on the way home from school on the bus. And they played "hot in herre" by nelly and that's definitely like 15 years old or something. Oh but when I ask for them to play morrissey, the DJ says "i'll play that on 80s night." And i'm like woah woah woah pretty sure most of morrissey's music is from the 90s on into the 00s. the smiths is 80s, sure, but morrissey solo? I just thought that comment was odd. OK so lastly I want to say that a lot of ugly people go here. Like a LOT. It is a uniquely ugly place, patron appearance-wise. But if that doesn't bother you, then it's an okay place. read more

Would not recommend this bar to anyone. There is a female bartender who is the absolute worst. My boyfriend and I waited behind a crowd of people to finally rest our elbows on the bar (Which is not a problem at all) if you're at a bar, and it's packed you're guaranteed a wait. once we got to the bar the female bartender started taking drink orders to her far left ( we were to her far right) that was not a problem at all. as we waited to see every person receive their drink to the left of us, she does not acknowledge my boyfriend and I and starts the ordering process to the far left (customers who have just appeared and were already on their way with their drinks) we waited about 20 minutes for this bartender to take our orders and it never happened. There was no reason for us to get her attention anymore... she made it very loud and clear that she was not going to serve us. Im not sure what her problem is, but this is not the first time she has ignored us or been blatantly rude. I really don't know what we could of done differently, but she is definitely not an asset to this bar, and is the reason i will not go back. read more