This was a one of a kind experience. I made a reservation for one along with a group of six other ladies for the Arc Room. This was a tasting room in between Clarkwood and Casa Kenji. They told a story of the history of Italy through drinks. The presentation was and the bartenders were warm and funny. I will come back for a date night. More people need to experience this!! read more

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$200 to Get Cancelled On: A Masterclass in Hospitality We had reservations for the 6:00 p.m. cocktail tasting in the Arc Room and were required to pre-pay $200--because nothing says "relaxing evening" like a firm financial commitment. Naturally, if we hadn't shown, we would have been charged in full. However, when we arrived right on time, we were informed the event had been canceled. Apparently, a text was sent. Equally apparently, none of us received it--nor did at least three other couples standing there having the exact same delightful surprise. The double standard was...impressive. The hostess was apologetic but clearly overwhelmed and not exactly presentation-ready (stained shirt, visibly frazzled), which didn't inspire much confidence that this was an isolated hiccup. The proposed solution was to seat us in the bar--with the added charm of a strict "out by 8:00" timeline. A bold recovery strategy for canceling a prepaid experience at the last minute. We ordered the Clarkwood gin and tonic and a lychee martini--both recommended--along with a charcuterie board. Neither drink made it to the finish line. The martini leaned aggressively sweet, and the gin and tonic featured fruit-infused ice that sounded creative but tasted...confused. It also arrived in a shade of neon blue that felt less "craft cocktail" and more "science experiment." The charcuterie board was, somehow, the standout disappointment. The almonds were oily, the meat had those telltale dried edges of something that's been sitting out too long, and the accompaniments included what appeared to be Wheat Thins and plain animal crackers. It was an unexpectedly nostalgic trip to a child's snack drawer--just not one anyone asked for. Overall, this might pass as a novelty stop for a 21 run looking for something flashy, but between canceling prepaid reservations, questionable communication, and execution that missed the mark at every turn, it's difficult to find a compelling reason to return. read more

Clarkwood - "Crackers" that accompanied our charcuterie - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Clarkwood has a nice intimate atmosphere and would work for a casual girls night or date night, but I'd only recommend going on a weekday. The drinks are actually really good, but overpriced and the space is so small that it gets crowded quickly with little seating. The parking situation is also rough since there's basically none available. Uber or Lyft there instead. The road it's on is pretty tight. The staff came across pretty standoffish as well and didn't really check on or help guests unless you went up to them first. Overall, it's a decent spot for the vibe, but the experience didn't fully live up to the hype for me. read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Nice spot... we got charged extra for large ice cube in a $30 glass of Blantons ... enough said ... one and done !

We had a fantastic time at Clarkwood on a Saturday night. Parking is street only, it can get very crowded and hard to find any parking. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing with a great mix of music and conversation, but it was tiny bit loud. It was really hard to hold a conversation with ppl next to you at times but overall it was fine . All the servers were very attentive regarding the service. They kept making sure our drinks were good without being intrusive. They do offer a little bit of food but this place is more perfect for cocktails. We'll definitely be back soon. read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Visited Clarkwood and was immediately impressed by the stunning decor. It was definitely an upscale lounge. The drinks were well crafted, and the atmosphere felt lively yet sophisticated. It can get pretty crowded, though, and there isn't much accommodation once tables are reserved or unavailable, so I'd recommend planning ahead. Overall, still a beautiful spot for a night out and worth a visit! read more

Clarkwood - Crisp green apple martini, clarified pumpkin spice martini, old fashion - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Clarkwood is always a great experience. Went in for the Yellow Rose IPA for $7 and ended up getting a free Mini Matcha Martini shot for posting and tagging on Instagram. The shots are normally $10 and I did sub the Vodka for Tequila and it was delicious. The venue is beautiful and very chill, and the staff is very attentive! read more

Clarkwood has become a go-to spot for my friends and I when we're planning a GNO. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Just be aware that late at night they usually have a DJ playing music and it gets loud to have a conversation. Regardless, the place has great vibes and even better cocktails. They have a wide variety of margaritas and martinis. My two favorite drinks are the lychee martini and espresso martini. The menu also introduces some seasonal drinks making each visit different every time. I can't recommend this place enough! read more

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Moody atmosphere, dim inside and music is loud when it's after 10 pm. Outside little bar area is the best- there is a bar in there and it usually isn't crowded like the main bar. It has a Mediterranean feel to it with the carved into white wall seating. Now my secret bar area is out :( charcuterie was ok, nothing special read more

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We heard about Clarkwood from a friend and it is absolutely a hidden gem in Houston. While the drinks and cheeseboard shined, the best part about Clarkwood was the ambiance. The bar has a moody yet trendy ambiance that can be hard to find in Houston. We have gone her many times and it remains one of my favorite bars of all time. Note- We went during happy hour (excellent deals during happy hour) and were able to get seats but other reviewers mention that it gets very busy later in the night. read more

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Perfect place for a classy night out or a drink after a date night! Been here twice and I'll be back again, definitely recommend. Drinks have a lovely presentation all picturesque. Intimate and small space, can get crowded but standing by the bar isn't a long wait for a seat. Restroom line can take time. Attentive serve even when busy! read more

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Okay...so I think I may have fallen in love with Clarkwood's espresso martinis. I've been on the hunt for my favorite espresso martini in Houston, and while surprisingly, my favorite so far was at Postino's, but man. Clarkwood really does know what they're doing with these espresso martinis! I loved the added touch of the burnt marshmallow on mine, and the coffee seemed pretty good quality too. The second time I visited I also enjoyed their spicy watermelon margarita. Also amazing. It tasted a little bit like a spicy jolly rancher? SO good! They also let us know that if we posted and tagged them on our instagram, that we could receive a free round of shots. So, of course, me and my two friends posted to get some shots too. We were able to try the Mexican candy shot, the raspberry lemon drop shot, and the mini matcha martini shot. Honestly all were really good, but my favorite in order were the 1) raspberry lemon drop shot, 2) Mexican candy shot, then 3) the matcha martini shot. The matcha martini was good but as it's creamier, I think having it as an actual martini than a shot is more appropriate. Still, it's a great way to try a new drink and just sip on it rather than taking it as a shot. Also - the venue is so elegant and charming and such a cute spot for a date night. The music was a littleeee loud for me considering it's such a small space, but that's okay. Either way, I loved Clarkwood and will be coming back again :) read more

i would give 0 stars if i could. i was a paying customer (great cocktails) and they wouldn't give free water. i cant believe this isn't illegal. nonetheless, i am never coming back. shame on you. i am never recommending this place to anyone, ever. read more

Nut allergies are clearly marked on their charcuterie boards. Parking is basically on the street, metered from 7AM-6PM. Time to Drinks: 6 Minutes Clarkwood is definitely a trendy, intimate, upper class spot in the intersection of Montrose and the Heights. Parking is difficult, even on a weekday night when it was not that busy. Service is decently attentive, even with self-seating. Waitresses kept a good eye out for when we needed a drink refill or new order. I got their espresso martini and a Victoria Mexican Lager. The beers on tap are extremely basic light beers that would normally be half the price at another venue (1.5/5). The espresso martini was quite sweet, with the marshmallow being an interesting touch but definitely not the best I've had in Houston (3.5/5). It was too sweet (maybe some influence of the marshmallow?) and the espresso notes were light and not roasty at all. It was not mentioned that gratuity was automatically included. I was delighted to see the options for only a 7% tip and maxed out my tip without realizing 20% gratuity was already added on. My mistake for doing bad math, but I seriously missed if this was mentioned anywhere. My friend mentioned his negroni was also too sweet. Our third liked his Mai Tai, so maybe try that. Also, no tap water? At a bar? We specifically asked, since the water that shows up at the table is something like $7 per person. Ridiculous. Overall, I'd say it's overpriced and a nice date spot if you've got the wallet to spend for it. Likely won't be coming back. Edit to respond to the business: A curated, high end experience should provide the expected quality (of which, the drinks are not) and set expectations (which Clarkwood does not make clear, as the intention is not to highlight poor math skills but instead that there is no clear indication of forced gratuity). That's my intended review. read more

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Came here for a date night, and this bar lived up to my expectations. There was music playing, and the lights were dim which really set the mood. The waiters were super nice, and gave great advice on which drinks to order. I will say that this cocktail bar is definitely on the expensive side. But how they craft the drinks make up for the price. Parking kind of sucks in the area, but they do have valet right around the corner. read more

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Clarkwood is a cool, upscale, cocktail bar with an intimate vibe. There's limited parking on the street or you can do complimentary valet. Some of the street parking is free and some is metered. Do not park in the lot across the street because they do tow. Reservations are recommended but both times that I've visited, I was able to get a seat without a reservation. On the first visit, we sat at the bar. We got there right after they opened, so it wasn't too busy, but when we left a few hours later, it definitely picked up. Bartenders Oscar and Alex took care of us. They were super nice and made great suggestions. I started with a Cucumber Melon G+T. It had a fancy presentation and I wasn't prepared lol. The drink was cucumber forward and very refreshing. The bottle of Indian Tree tonic reminded me of the bars in London. For my second drink, I I ordered The Spicy Verde and requested that it be made with 50% spice level. The drink was good, but the spice was still a bit much for me. It is also a cucumber forward drink. The cucumber flavor was very prominent, but I would have enjoyed it more had it not had any spice. My friend had a Mezcal Rita and enjoyed her cocktail. On the second visit, we stopped in after having dinner near by. There weren't any open tables, however the staff let us sit at one of the reserved tables as the patrons hadn't arrived. They informed us that we would have to get up if the party showed. I think we were there for at least an hour, but fortunately we didn't have to give up our table. Our server was nice, but it took awhile to get water. They gave us the option of tap or bottled water. I ordered the Lychee French 75. It was good, but a tad sweet. The drink was very pretty and I enjoyed the Lychee garnish. The one downside is the single restroom, however don't let that deter you from visiting. The fancy craft cocktails are worth the inconvenience. read more

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This place is a hidden gem that can be better. Its really small inside with a patio outdoor. The happy hour menu is still a little overpriced considering Houston has several happy hour spots. The drinks are okay - on the sweeter side. They don't have food (cheese board). I don't have plans to return anytime soon. read more

Clarkwood is a favorite of mine. It has a nice and classy ambience. It's always dimly lit and it's nicely decorated on the inside. It definitely has an upscale aesthetic and feel. The service is also really good. I feel like the bartenders are always very friendly, hospitable, and help to give you a great experience every time you go. Last time I went we got the Mexican candy shots and they were really good. I definitely recommend this place if you wanna go to a nice cocktail bar while in Houston. read more

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The signature cocktail menu is large. However all the drinks we ordered were just ok. Was able to sample 3 drinks and came away thinking they were not that great on taste. They looked awesome and had some nice presentation, however I was not very moved by the taste. We sat at the bar and the service was fine. Parking can be an issue. Food selection is small and not very appealing for the price. So we did not order any snacks. So make sure you dont show up hungry. This is the type of place to come to be trendy and take nice photos. I think there are many better spots in Houston from a taste or a value perspective. I could not recommend or return. read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Delicious drinks and charcuterie board. Good happy hour deals. Fun to sit and have a girls night or a date, pretty bar! Solid overall read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I'd say maybe a 3.5-4. I think it's definitely worth a visit at least once, but would I need to return in the future? Probably not In terms of drinks, my friends and I tried the punch bowl as well as the raspberry lemon drop, vegas bomb, and mango mezcalrita house shots. The presentation of the punch bowl definitely wowed us. The house shots were also overall very tasty. The raspberry lemon drop went down the smoothest, and the mezcalrita had a nice smoky aftertaste. The presentation of the shots were very aesthetically pleasing as well. For the vegas bomb, we had asked to swap out the whiskey for vodka, but when we took the shots, we realized it was in fact still a whiskey based shot, which wouldn't have been bad except we had been upcharged for vodka on our receipt. Ultimately we didn't think it was worth it to dispute but maybe a warning to check your receipts. Additionally just a psa that there is a fee for credit card transactions as well as auto gratuity applied to the checks. We had arrived between 8-8:30pm on a Saturday, so it wasn't super crowded and we were able to be seated as a walk-in, but things definitely picked up later in the night maybe after 9:30. When we arrived the valet booth hadn't been set up yet so we parked in Stages garage, which was free! read more

I've visited Clarkwood before and had a wonderful experience. The drinks are exceptional, and it was a place I had recommended to others. This weekend, I returned with fellow MBA classmates and was unexpectedly stopped at the door and asked whether we had a reservation or were on the guest list--a requirement that was not in place during my previous visit. We respected the boundary and began to leave. However, we later discovered that several of our classmates were seated inside without a reservation. The only difference was that they were dressed more formally, as they had come directly from our gala, while we had changed into business casual attire. I approached the bouncer to clarify the misunderstanding, and he admitted that the reason we were denied entry was because one of my classmates was wearing a sleeveless top and had a visible tattoo. While I appreciate his candor in that moment, it would have been far more respectful had he been transparent from the beginning. Unfortunately, the inconsistency, lack of honesty, and discriminatory treatment we experienced speak volumes about the establishment's values. read more

Beautiful space and beautiful drinks. For $16.00 the cocktails are on the pricier side and considering my marg came with a giant ball of ice and two large cuts of fruit, I am not sure if it was worth it. Service somehow felt slow and fast. No one came to check on us and had to flag down a waitress to order and when the cocktails came, they were briskly placed in front of us. I would come during happy hour but there are better cocktail places in Houston. read more

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I've been to Clarkwood twice and thoroughly enjoyed their cocktails each time-- they pack a punch and are delicious with a fair price of $10 during happy hour! Parking is curbside and seating is scant, as this place gets very packed. Otherwise, good service if you're actually able to be seated. Ambiance is classy but lit! Dress well here. read more

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We have been here a handful of times over the past couple of years. Service varies based on time of day and how crowded the bar is at the time. On our most recent visit we popped by after dinner around 9:30. The gentleman working the door noted that generally they won't let men in wearing a t-shirt (it was plain white) after 9pm but graciously let it slide this time. There was a table of 4 getting up from a center table so we were able to snag that for around an hour until their next reservation arrived. Drink of choice was the espresso martini which everyone loved. The G&T also has a lovely presentation. Even when it's not completely full this bar is pretty loud, but the people watching is always a 10/10. read more

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We went out for a girls' night here at Clarkwood. This place is known for its espresso martinis, and it did not disappoint--definitely the best I've had. The vibe was dark, cozy, and classy, with everyone dressed to impress. The open seating gets very crowded on Saturday nights. Some tables are reserved, but you can use them until the RSVP party arrives. It was a bit too loud for intimate dates, and the only food options are a charcuterie board and a s'mores board. read more

Clarkwood - Espresso Martini - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This cocktail bar has delicious drinks, and the moody atmosphere makes the overall experience even better. All the drinks I've tried from here have been balanced and good. There hasn't been anything I haven't liked. If you like espresso martinis, I'd highly recommend trying the one here! It does get crowded later in the evening on Friday and Saturday, but there is first-come, first-serve table seating and bar seating. read more

Clarkwood - Espresso martini - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

We went on a Friday fairly early, around 6:30 pm. It was very busy so definitely get there when it opens if you want a comfortable seat. We were lucky and a table next to us left so we were able to hop in. This is a great people watching spot and the drinks are made swiftly. The rave was about the Espresso Martini and I was told they make one of the best, but unfortunately me and my taste buds don't agree. We've been chasing down Espresso Martini since 2018 and have had quite a few to know when was is exceptional and qualified to be named one of the "best in town," I would tame down that moniker for sure. This one was pretty, loved the marshmallow, but the balance was off. I typically like a booze/coffee forward Espresso vs a more sweet one and this one was just tart with no sweetness outside of the marshmallow, and that's only if you bit into it. I'd definitely go back though and try something else. The people watching and the friendliness sold the show. read more

Clarkwood - Espresso Martini - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Kevin is amazing we love him!!! Best drinks ever, wonderful hospitality, and the most kind bartender I've ever met. My phone was dead and he helped me charge it, he made a killer martini, and talked to us for a while. I love this guy and we will be coming back. read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Nice ambience in the early evening. Nice glass of wine. Not being able to order a glass of tap water and forced to spend ~$5 for a bougie bottle of water is stupid. read more

Enjoyed the vibes here, very intimate setting with beautiful drinks. Parking is limited but we were walking from another bar in the area. Limited spacing inside, we sat by the bar surrounded by candles, made me feel like I'm in a bath and body works with fancy cocktails. Young crowd and I very much enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. The service was great, chatted a bit with the bartenders and it seemed a bit of an overkill to have like 6-8 people working around the bar. There wasn't many people in on a late Saturday afternoon, we got there right before the evening crowd. The drinks were crafted well, very creative and although a bit pricey, the cozy feel/beautifully mood lighting, makes it an ideal place for a date night after dinner or a relaxed gathering with a small group of friends. Would recommend! read more

Clarkwood - CLARKWOOD GIN & TONIC - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Stopped by Clarkwood on a rainy Friday night around 10pm with a few friends. We parked in the garage around the corner and walked up. They do have somewhat of a strict dress code which I appreciate so keep that in mind. We didn't have reservations so we stood at the bar and waited for a table to open up. As we waited, we got a few cocktails, and I specifically ordered the apple cinnamon spice gin and tonic. At first it was a bit too tonic-y but I added some simple syrup and that made it so much better. Maybe 20 mins into us being there, my friend went to the doorman/security who told us a table by the door was opening up. The girls cleaned it up quickly and we sat and ordered another round of drinks. There was a reservation sign on the table but I honestly didn't notice it till maybe 10 mins later, the manager came over and told us we'd have to get up as the party who reserved that table were there. We were taken aback by the request, not because another party reserved it, but because of how he said it and also why they would sit us down if they knew the other guests were about to be there. It left a bitter taste in my mouth and I was ready to go. Also, they include an automatic 20% to your tab but will hand you the machine to pay with the tip page as the landing page. Other places will verbally tell you gratuity is already included but they don't. That's so tacky and deceitful to me. Idk about this place. Maybe I'll try it out one more time. read more

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Cocktails and unique drinks to try!! Cool vibes good place I tried and would go back with girlfriends or date night. Very intimate and a lovely low lite read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

I've been here twice. The first time was okay (enough for me to want to go back) but the second time was extremely disappointing. The waitresses are very rude. I asked for a glass of wine (my friend's drink arrived before mine because she couldn't find the bottle. As someone who waited 20 minutes I feel as if we should've been informed the bottle wasn't available instead of making us wait around. Because I could have just ordered another drink) When I asked her why she didn't just tell me because there were other options she got extremely offended and was rude. The bar is cute; but I can't get over the lack of attentiveness in the waitresses especially at that price point. read more

I've been meaning to try this place but every time I come it's packed. Came in on a Thursday afternoon and was surprised to find several empty tables. My friends and I all ordered different cocktails and all tried each others. Everything was amazing! My favorites were the spicy watermelon margarita and the ginger lime gin & tonic. They were not only good but also so aesthetically pleasing. I love a cute cocktail . Service was great. The girls in charge of table service were super attentive and friendly and also offered great suggestions. The guy at the bar Jeremiah was super friendly and attentive as well and made the best cosmopolitan ever! I will be back! read more

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My first impression was that they must really like candles! There are candles on the sidewalk, candles on all the tables, around the bar, behind the bar, by the bathrooms. Those candles also double as a heat source because they really set the thermostat low which is refreshing at first given the solid 100+ degree weather we've had but after about 5 minutes, it really gets to be too much. Seriously though, I guess if given the choice, I'd rather it'd be too cold but next time I will perhaps wear a sleeved shirt. This is a pretty small bar or as a real estate agent might say, it's "an intimate setting" and they specialize in craft cocktails using real fruits and herbs and whatnot. So given the intimate setting and the craft cocktails, drinks are on the pricier side and are about $16 each. That's par for craft drinks, but if you're just a single liquor drink type of person, you'll still pay that premium so be forewarned. If I recall, beer is $9 as well so again, they are trying to create a certain environment and it's not a neighborhood bar. The crowd also had a "Young River Oaks" kind of vibe to it too. As far as drinks went, they seemed to be a hit with our group. The Espresso Martinis were a favorite. I'm not sure what shot I had, but it had a watermelon and pineapple and it was pretty good. read more

Clarkwood - More candles than a vampire movie - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place has been on my list, and I have been looking for a friend to go with! We had a perfect opportunity to go this past Saturday. We wanted to pop in, just before the evening crowd began to start their night of debauchery. And we got there JUST IN TIME to enjoy. As it started out empty, but filled up shortly after. We did not have a resy, but I see the website recommends it. We sat at the bar. Parking- no lot. They had complementary parking at the time we arrived in the afternoon. But I found street parking across the street from the valet stand. The valet guy was nice and helpful, too. My friend parked a little up the street with a meter, but she only had to pay for less than 30 minutes, then it was free. Service - This is fancy cocktail bar with good vibes. Along with cute servers and bartenders. There is bar seating, tables, and high tops. It's pretty tiny inside, with no outdoor seating. But this may be a good idea to add. Both our bartenders, Alex and Oscar, were great and just interactive enough with us. They gave great descriptions of each drink. Drinks- Our first bartender was Oscar. He was fantastic. I ordered the Mezcal Rita after encouragement from him. It was very cute, and good. But my second drink was my fav! The Spicy Verde with Alex. It was described as a more concentrated moijto, and they were right. Perfect tart, sweet, spice combo. Well-balanced cocktail. My friend had the cucumber melon G +T and she enjoyed it. She also got the Spicy Verde as her second drink. She requested 50% spice level, but she thought it was Spicy even with that. We left as the crowd picked up. Overall, it was great. Cannot wait to return! read more

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Arrived towards the tail end of happy hour. While I appreciate the ability to choose a table, it took an exceptionally long time to get the server's attention. Fast forward and the cocktails we ordered weren't anything to celebrate. don't anticipate visiting again anytime soon. read more

We came here on a Monday for a birthday party. Even though the website said there was a dress code, I don't think they enforce it on the slower nights since I saw people in Astros jerseys at the bar who came in post-game. The ambiance here is straight out of an Anne Rice novel with the amount of candles in the place so I can see this as a nice place to take a date. The clientele that night were indeed mostly young couples. The drink menu features craft cocktails. I had a spicy watermelon margarita. It didn't seem spicy until I bit into what I thought was a jalapeno at the end. Turned out it was a serrano that sent my taste buds into shock, heh. I switched to a paloma rosa afterwards. The rosewater actually dominated when I was expecting the sharpness of the grapefruit. I think I prefer the classic paloma instead. Our bartender, Monica, is very nice and was attentive to our whims. I don't understand the parking situation since the lots across the street are not for the bar. It was a slow enough night where finding street parking was easy but I wonder how people park when it's busy. read more

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GORGEOUS cocktails! Came during a Saturday night and the place was packed neck to neck. It was hard to get around since the place was rather small. However, I loved the atmosphere and the cocktails were some of the prettiest I've ever seen. Everything tasted so fresh and refreshing. They can be pricy though going for least $16 a glass. The crowd was well dressed and polite, everybody just chilling and enjoying each other's company. Would totally come back with a group of girlfriends. read more

Clarkwood - Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas