Catbirds is the kind of bar where nearly anyone can feel at home, yet somehow it's not dowdy or divey. Fill a table with any mix of your friends and co-workers, or pull up a barstool and join the trivia fanatics. Drinks are pretty cheap, and there's a full schedule of their happy hour specials (and bartenders) on their website. Catbirds is a comfortable, low-key drinking establishment. They claim to be a jazz lounge, but I don't remember much jazz music, (but I was usually here with classmates and we were a loud group, so maybe that's my fault). read more

I like Katie F's comment, "I'm all about alternative, but the people there just seemed to be weird rather than indie." I like weird. I very probably AM weird. So... I don't really think that her comment is spot-on. The crowd is mostly inked-up and in their 20's and 30's. I like that there are some older folks in there. It's also a neighborhood bar. Montrose is a neighborhood... and we are definitely a little "weird." There's a reason we cringe at the thought of living in suburbia. Catbirds plays some nice old Jazz and even some 1950's music. They rarely play hard-core Jazz. I mean, you'll hear some Bebop (a little)... and maybe a Coltrane tune once in a good while... but otherwise it's just really popular vocal Jazz (a la Frank Sinatra, Ella, Billie, etc). You are very unlikely to hear Pharoh Sanders or McCoy Tyner or Thelonius Monk. It ain't that kinda Jazz, man... It's a dive bar. I love it. If you like The Royal Oak (next door), you probably won't like Catbirds. Oh, yeah -- very limited draft beer selection... but good prices on cans & bottles. They don't make fancy cocktails. They have free popcorn. And Jagermeister (free with a credit card or cash). Try their signature drink: Bourbon & Coke. read more

Without walking in, you can tell its a dive bar but I enjoy it nonetheless. It's a homely bar where you can walk in alone, in your flip flops and book and enjoy a beer. You can also walk in on a Friday night, all glitzed up and enjoy a cocktail. The bloody marys are awesome, the drinks are reasonably priced and its definitely my favorite watering hole in Houston. read more

Its a dive bar. As such, Catbirds has not paid particular attention to their interior decor or the paint in their wall. But thats fine. The drinks are strong and affordable. The music is not irritating and overly loud. There is interesting people watching to be done if you are so inclined and the bartenders are quite attentive. I like Catbirds. Yes, some of its patrons might have tattoos. They might seem unbathed and may not have seen a barber's razor for a while. Big deal. Its not a place to see and be seen. The only thing I dont like about Catbirds is that it can be a bitch to find parking most of the time. read more

Hmm, I'm not sure exactly how to describe the crowd the last time I went to Catbird's. It was a weird mix of old men and people I would describe as not my crowd (nice, but slightly creepy). Granted, it was during the late afternoon, so I'm sure later on in the evening the mix of people changes. I'm all about alternative, but the people there just seemed to be weird rather than indie. I do give them props for their large selection of board games. We had a rousing Scrabble tournament for about an hour. It's also probably a lot better since the smoking ban went into effect. It was insanely smoky and hard to breathe last time I visited. read more

Catbirds is very charming and it's own element. The music is always fantastic and the service from the staff is great. Well all except for this one hairy mongoloid that likes to pick on guests. Haven't seen him a while so they might have fired his ass. The patio is a bit small but still nice. Not too hard to find and great for small groups. read more

This place feels like home. Divey, mellow, friendly people, funny bartenders and the cheapest booze in this area. It reminds me of cheers sometimes. Lots of tattoos and beards without being pretentious. read more

Catbirds - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I came here after a loud band at Continental Club with my pals. If I could sum up a review of this place in one word, it'd be "meh". -Hole in the wall-ish, hard to find, sparse parking (drive down the block...forget trying to park in front). -Cool music and kitch decor. -Small-ish space for Houston with a strangle little oblong outdoor patio with the occasional tamale seller. -Very decent beer and spirits collection. Some guy I didn't know mocked me for texting at the bar and I gave him the bird (complete with fabulous cocktail ring) and he laughed. Later on, I overheard patrons talking about how many fights break out here (?)...not sure about that, but it seemed to be a pretty chill place. If I had a choice, I wouldn't go here as part of my top places to hit. It's not a bad option, but there's much better to be had in the immediate area. read more

My first time to stop at Catbirds was the other night after a drunken romp through Houston. By the time we made it there I was ready to be loud and crude. Luckily I got away with it just fine here. The bartenders took a little bit to warm up to our group, but after a couple shots and beers we meshed right into the Catbirds croud. Fresh popcorn and a random mix of people. I wouldn't make this my first or last stop of a night, but it's definately a good spot. read more

Catbirds - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

While bar shopping, I found this bar had everything I was looking for: 1) A casual atmosphere 2) The first few nights they were playing music from the 30s and 40s and it was soooo soothing 3) I got strong drinks 4) There is a guy outside at a grill that will sell you food on the patio 5) There is a bar machine so I can get my game on if I go alone 6) If I am with one or two other people, we get into the trivia games Only cons I can say are that the bartenders are never warm and fuzzy and a few times a couple of customers ticked me off. But otherwise, I love the place and it always has what I'm looking for! read more

I've been on a tear of bad reviews lately -- but this place won't get one of them. I love the laid-back atmosphere and the popcorn. They usually give you a pretty good pour, too. I don't know if they do it any more, but they used to let this guy cook burgers on Sundays and Mondays (maybe some other days, too). It was nothing fancy, just bun, meat, and cheese if you wanted it... but hot damn those were some great burgers! Slap a little mayo on there for a great, simple bar treat. The staff is quite friendly -- there's a review a bit further down that says that this place is not friendly to "outsiders." I can honestly say I've never experienced that at Catbirds. At Lola's and Rudyard's, maybe... but not here. Maybe I just go at the right times. Well done Catbird's. Keep up the good work. read more

Best bar. When ever I want a drink, This is where I end up most the time. So laid back and comforable. Cheap drinks and great jazz. read more

Good for small groups of 3-5 people. This bar plays a lots of nice jazz music new and old. The bartenders have always been really nice and everyone I've ever met at this bar have been very laid back and friendly. It is a bit small, and can get noisy on the weekend, but compared to other Montrose-area bars it is quite calm. There is smoking on the back-patio and front-patio area as well, and sometimes some good cheap grilling is going on in the front. Downside: Last time I went the bathroom was a bit gross and the prices can be a bit expensive. read more

This is one of my favorite places to come when I am in the area. Everyone is really friendly and it's got a nice vibe that feels close even when they're are a ton of people. The bartenders are fun and friendly as well. Last night I stopped by and they even have a "paper pumpkin carving contest" lol. We sat at the bar with out whiskeys and cut out silly pumpkins from construction paper. Usually I like to come here after I hit up 713 for a new tattoo (I know I know!! Don't drink before / after you ink, but it's what I do) They have great drink concoctions as well as the usual choices too. This place is super fun and hip and if you're looking for a place with a really chill vibe with cool people I absolutely recommend giving it a shot and stopping by. read more

This is a place you go for the locals and the bar staff. No one likes the music and the popcorn is always burnt. But it's catbirds... You gotta love it. read more

Wowzers! Restaurant is next to adult novelty shop that I seeked out to buy garments for an "online friend" (best denim clothings inside the loop). I needed a beers to pre-decide. CatBirds sounds like a great child's show, so I walked here. Good neon signs out front make me feel like Vegas Vacations. There was a vomit smell when I went in because some patrons had vomited, but that is okay and forgivable. Bought my now "go-to" Lone Star Texas beer for good prices. Would recommend to my friend group. read more

Another bar with Strongbow?! I love this city! I went to Catbirds on Friday night to grab a beer before dinner with a friend. I had been here before, but many years ago and I couldn't really remember much about Catbirds other than the fact that it was pretty small. On my visit Friday I was reminded of just how small. It was a cute little dive though and was filled a few with Montrose locals. I didn't really fit in with the crowd there since my hair was a natural color (well you know, someone naturally has my color) and I had no visible tattoos or piercings but I felt perfectly comfortable nonetheless. Our bartender, one of two, was pretty cool and had a sweet reddish beard. I have a thing for beardy guys so I made sure to tip him extra. They didn't have a huge beer selection but what they had was good stuff (did I mention the Strongbow part). My only major complaint was that parking was annoying since there basically wasn't any. We walked by this weird bum on our way into the bar and noticed he was standing in the exact same position and still staring into the window of the sex shop next door... so maybe watch out for strange bums when you leave. read more

Bahaha. My favorite bartender from that Onioney-Creekey place on the Whitest of the Oaks started working here, so I decided to stop by. Man, this place is a DIVE. But lets be honest, its one of the best dives if you like wierdos and the types of people that hipsters were modeled after. First came cool people at catbirds, then came hipsters at the Garden which is Avant. They play jazz because the owner makes them. They have pub trivia that no one ever plays. They have a regular who will creep you out. The bartenders are friendly if you aren't a jerk. I love this place. Oh and Pi Pizza Truck is here in Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Pi is the shizzle. Big tip: If you are going to stop here, make sure you are ready to talk to some . . . interesting individuals. They WILL talk. read more

I've been in and out of this bar for years. It is always a good place to hang out with friends and drink some cheap booze. This place isn't going to make fancy drinks, they serve a lot of shots and beers, but they do have a full bar with nightly specials. They even throw burgers on the grill on some nights! If you want a place that isn't ridiculously overpriced or trendy, check it out. read more

Montrose is the kind of neighborhood where people watching is a sport, and this place will not disappoint. I have lived two blocks from this legendary dive bar for over 6 years, and it is one of my favorites...mostly because I can stumble home (just kidding!) Wednesday is a good night to go during the week! Good specials on Lone Star! This bar is also one of the few places in the city that serves Barenjager (one of my favorite sipping drinks). It can get pretty packed on the weekends. On some nights, they have a grill going with good treats! They also have trivia, which all of us barflies know is always a good time! The bartenders are very attentive and mostly helpful. Montrose bars sometimes get a bad rap for service, but not this watering hole! They have a small patio in the front and on the side for you smokers! Parking can be tricky, but there is plenty of street parking. read more

Whole in the wall! My friends were kind of skeptical about coming in here last night, but I was like "heresy, whole in the wall...lets go! I'll buy the round" uhh- I'm glad I didn't have to! It was kind of hard to get their attention in there to just get three drinks, we walked around a bit and it wasn't our crowd... It was completely different we ended up walking back to our car and just driving to good ol' Boheme. (: read more

Laid back place with a puppy friendly patio. Good drinks and friendly bartenders!!!! It's a great place to sit back and people watch!

I have been going to catbirds for years. If you want a laid back atmosphere in which you can actually hold a conversation, strong drinks and an eclectic group of people, then catbirds is your place. If you are looking to pick up chicks, are closed minded or need nice "decor", then go somewhere else. Simple! :) read more

This is the real Montrose, alive and breathing in full color. But some might think it a bit too colorful. I love the weird and wonderful. read more

LOCAL Nice Jazzy semi-quiet bar...

I wish we could pick half stars, because I'd actually give Catbirds 3.5 rather than 3 stars. I've been coming to Catbirds on and off for about 3.5 years. The first few times I visited, I absolutely hated the place. Not for the reasons some people list (such as being ignored by the bartender), but because of several cons that still exist and impact my rating: - Uncomfortable seating (I'm fat and keep gaining weight while getting older, the chair I sit in matters a lot to me nowadays, especially when drinking for a night out) - Inability to select any music as it's all pre-selected - Lack of food some nights other than popcorn (there are food trucks outside some nights, but not others) - Expensive drinks compared to most other bars I visit (until I found a good deal on a drink I'll mention below). For example, a hand made margarita here costs substantially more than I pay at McElroys - Far from my apartment (I live near Richmond and S Shepherd and have no car, so this place isn't close by any means being only a few blocks from Montrose on Westheimer) Now, while I mention these cons, I kept coming back, so there has to be a reason for it. What brought me back to a place where I wasn't comfortable sitting and wasn't cheap? The people The people here aren't a clique. There's a slew of different personalities, different groups and so on that visit here. I have never experienced what a prior reviewer mentioned about feeling unwelcome by the people themselves. By repeated visits here, I've met quite a few friends who likewise come back here and mainly only drink here. I've tried and tried to get them to go elsewhere, but Catbirds is like some type of addiction that won't let go once you've started going there enough. As for drinks, one of the major reasons I became willing to come more often is that I found out I can get a pineapple and vodka (well vodka) for $4-4.50 most times in a pint glass. It isn't a double no, but it's a good drink for a reasonable price. I usually stay for hours and I don't want to waste my entire paycheck on high-priced drinks. As for the bartenders, some nights I wait awhile to get served, but they have a lot of patrons on Fridays and Saturdays with only 1-2 bartenders available. I am a semi-regular and I wait, so I don't really think those bemoaning "only the regulars get waited on" know what they are saying. Heck, I used to be a full regular and this has always been the case. It's because some other patrons are more aggressive than me in getting the bartender's attention. Next, the bartenders currently here are nice and don't appear to hate their life from what I've seen. One has summer allergies that some nights might impact her, but she was always friendly to me and everyone else there. A long time ago, I was asked about making a review and this is my attempt to finally do it. I do apologize if it might not end up being the review that people hoped to see, but it's an honest review and, heck, I keep coming back here for a reason. At Catbirds, you'll find real people who actually have lived in Montrose for years and can talk on topics beyond the latest reality tv shows if you give the place a chance (the other day I had a long conversation with a few patrons that ranged from the Vikings to Alexander the Great to discussions on various linguistic language families, hard to find that type of broad range of knowledge elsewhere among multiple bar goers). As a final note, I do encourage the owners to finally buy some decently comfortable seats, though, because really it's ridiculous how hard it is to sit in some of the seats. It seems like a small investment for a large benefit for the customers. read more

I loitered at Catbirds on Christmas Day, of course the place was dead because who goes to a bar on Christmas Day? I do! We were greeted by a jolly fellow who was very confident that he could concoct a chocolate martini. I was sadly disappointed when he handed me a watered down and cloudy 'chocolate martini'. I asked for more Baily's Cream to try to thicken up the watery cloudy looking concoction he made. There were chocolate chips at the very bottom, but they did not make the chocolate martini. The drink tasted like watery vodka. Mr. Bartender at Catbirds for your information, you do not know how to make a chocolate martini! The other thing I didn't like is that the best vodka they had was Grey Goose, they didn't have Belvedere. I do give Catbirds 3 stars because the bartender at least tried to make a chocolate martini. read more

Catbirds is my favorite local bar... even though I live a block behind Rudyards. Catbirds has great music, an eclectic crowd, and is NOT a big pick-up bar. Its a great place to have a strong drink and hang out with friends or make new ones, especially on weekdays. If you are looking for a midtown type bar with new furniture and snazzy deco, then this is not the bar for you. It is true Montrose, not douche-tastic. read more

Catbirds is a pretty chill spot. It's right next to my hair salon so I end up here on occasion if my stylist is running behind. The bartenders are extremely friendly and kind. I'm not sure if and when there is a crowd here because every time I've been here it's pretty empty but I'm cool with that. Not to mention I enjoy sitting on the sidewalk patio and people watching while enjoying a rather inexpensive beer. read more

I really don't know how I feel about this place. The service here is, well, indifferent. The bartender working that night barely acknowledged us. It was impossible to get her attention. Like the other reviews say, it was apparent that the girl hated her job and customers in general. The trivia here is enjoyable though. You get a remote and answer questions that are projected onto the TVs. The game system is networked so you are competing both within the bar and beyond. It seems like that the regulars here seem to l have the "oh i hate my life i want to die" attitudes. Unlike Lola's and Rudz where everyone from all walks of life is welcome and mingles together (which sort of reflects what the Trose is all about), people who don't fit their criteria, whatever they may be, are not welcome here. I'm not one of those MBA / O&G bros who have kinda started taking taking over the good old Trose. FYI, I rolled through with four other people: Indian girl, Indian guy, white guy, and black guy. read more

Another place that I go for alcohol.... Hehe... I like the atmosphere because its really laid-back. The bartender and patrons are very friendly. Oh yea, you get free popcorn here... A cool place to hang out before you hit another bar. read more

I used to come to this place fairly often , until one night where I made me and my friends first stop of a friender bender , well apparently their establishment was not appreciative of my sleeveless shirt , it was summer, it was too hot for sleeves . Mind you this place isn't ritzy or in any way a classy establishment . I ordered a round at the bar , the bartender wasn't phased , he started completing the order until he was summoned by the owner . So let me stop there , the bartender didn't see a problem , meaning there really isn't an enforced dress code , he wasn't new because he's served me before . Alright let's continue , he summoned by the owner she informs him I am unwelcome and must leave immediately , I ask if I can pay for the shots and beers that were already in front of me , but that was not even possible . So we took our business else where and haven't returned since . read more

Very cute bar with a nice patio. The location is one of the best parts, and it's not pretentious. Jus a good place to hang out with friends and have a few drinks. read more

Service was extremely slow for a dead crowd! Bartender made eye contact with me within 5 minutes of sitting at he bar and didn't get service until 25 minutes being here. This is the first time I have ever came here and I will not come back! read more

I used to really hate Catbirds, and I think it was because of the nausea-inducing light blue interior. But the past few times I've gone I've come to appreciate it for what it is, a great place to hang out with friends and not have to worry about being harassed by deadbeats looking to hook up with people. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and as per their "theme," jazz music plays at a comfortable level inside. That's a welcome relief from some other places where the music is played abusively loud and you have to shout to talk to the person next to you. Perhaps a step above a dive bar, most people come dressed comfortably, but there is definitely a slight hipster/rockabilly/rocker flavor to some (but by no means all) of the clientele. It's not over the top, though (a la Boondocks), and no one is trying to impress anyone--it's just their style. Everyone is welcome, which is nice. It's best to come in a group, though--it's not the kind of place where you can expect to meet new people. Drinks are good and prices are reasonable. Most of the bartenders are really nice and personable, too. The only downside is the relative lack of parking, which includes suicide spots that back directly out into the Montrose curve, or on streets in the adjacent neighborhood which is poorly lit and prone to vehicle break-ins. read more

This is a strange place, kind of quiet and divey and a good place to get away from the outside crowd. Mostly it seems like a haunt for artists or people who have association with or that are in bands. The patio is a nice place to be if your looking to hold some serious conversations and drink yourself into a quiet place. Parking is impossible and risky, but worth it. Come with friends or come to drink, not a good idea to people watch in here because most of the patrons either know you or they don't. Not necessary to dress up either which is a major plus. read more

Old school cool. No flat screens here or buxom breasted bar maids. No high prices either and the service is always exceedingly friendly and usually quite prompt. Mostly 40's and 50's Jazz playing (sorry hipsters no Electronica) and a mix of mostly 20 somethings cranking beers and cocktails and I have yet to see a fight (I've even seen an occasional homeless person politely asked to leave). I go for the the NTN trivia which depending on what night you are there will provide you with some good competition. One night when I was playing the owner bought everyone playing trivia a drink when we finished in the top 5 in the country (for our trivia session). read more

Came here yesterday for a few shots and I probably shouldn't have. We walked in and the place looked very sketchy. There a very small crowd. After waiting 5 minutes for the bartender to even acknowledge I was there I ordered my shots. She ID'd me and then proceeded to tell me that my id was not mine?! In confusion I left... I have NEVER ran into this problem before and I am well over the age of 21. I think the bartenders here need to be more educated on identifying valid ids and placebos before turning down service (it looks like the place needs all the service it can get). I will NOT be returning to this bar or will I recommend anyone coming here; not even because of the id situation but I felt like I was going to be robbed there from the time I walked in. read more

Love everything Catbirds is doing for Houston especially their recent calendar for the Houston Area Women's Center! It's super awesome! So proud of the owner for turning this place around. Also they have the sweetest bartenders ever!!! read more

I did not have a good first time experience here. It did not begin well nor did it end well. Three things: first I was not greeted, all the heavy set woman with the nose ring said to me and my friend was, "can I see your ID's?". Second Both of the bartenders attitudes were not in the right place. I understand that not everybody is going to try and give their customers a good experience all the time but even when I tried to start a conversation with them they were still very off put. So I decided to let it go and try to salvage the rest of my drink and my night by putting on some music from the jukebox and this brings me to the third and final issue. As soon as the song started they got quiet, the bartender turned the music down then proceeded to turn the devise in which I paid my money into for that song off, turned it back on and played something else. So I left. After I calmed down I decided to call and let them know that I understand not all music is liked, I wouldn't have minded if they asked me not to play anything like that again or play something that was more to their liking and all the woman said was (and in a very sarcastic and snarky way) "Oh, well thank you so much for your input..." I am very offended because I did not come at these people in any negative way yet I was treated with such unprofessionalism. I will be getting in contact with the manager as soon as possible or even the person who owns this bar because this was a very shady situation. These people need to be replaced with people who actually enjoy serving their customers. I WILL not be returning. And it seems I am not the only person to be ostracized by the bartenders. You guys need to fix this, I would not have minded being a regular, I wanted to keen coming back to spend my money, now? Hell no. read more