Their drink menu is incredibly creative, with unique cocktails that are both well-balanced and…read morebeautifully presented. You can really tell the bartenders know what they're doing. The food was just as impressive - fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully put together, with plenty of options to pair with drinks. The outdoor patio is a huge plus, especially when the weather is nice, and adds to the overall experience. Overall, Wooster's Garden strikes a great balance between a laid-back vibe and high-quality food and drinks. Definitely a spot I'd recommend and look forward to visiting again!

As one of the most popular places in Midtown over the past decade plus, Wooster's Garden came to an…read moreend earlier this month after ownership (#1) decided that it was time to go. Considering the recent shutter of other places (#2) within the hospitality umbrella, it's not too big of a surprise that Wooster's would also be in the crosshairs. The space was always a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seating, which combined with its dedicated parking lot made this an easy drinking outlet for all kinds of occasions. The intimate indoor space was lovely and well ventilated, and it felt like there wasn't ever a moment where the bar wasn't slammed. The outdoor space was much of the same, with lots of tables and chairs, and even the trendy swing chairs facing the city. The only thing that was a little bit of a liability were those open flame heaters; it would only take on person to accidentally walk into one or trip onto it. For libations, the drinks were well priced, well made, and always potent. I appreciated the aesthetics, as well as the bartenders who made them. The only part that wasn't exciting was the limited food menu, which did its part as munchies for the drink heavy crowd, but was mediocre otherwise. The space is already undergoing the new facelift of a separate concept, one of which I hope will do the area justice, just as much as Wooster's did. ____________ (#1) The Kirby Group. (#2) R.I.P. Verde Garden: https://www.yelp.com/biz/verde-garden-houston-2

I've wanted to check this place out for a while so I was so excited to stop by! Speakeasies always…read morehave the best, most creative drinks. We went to the upstairs area which was dimly lit and played 80s/90s hip hop. We tried few drinks. Lion's mane tail, brown butter washed whisky, mushroom (which I found so unique). It was quite strong and was nice to switch up from the usual old fashions we try. Second drink was sharp turn. It was super fresh and crisp. Clear as water but I definitely felt it. Service was really good here too. I like that the bartenders all create their signature seasonal drinks so they genuinely are so well versed when describing the drink menu.

Refuge is such a high quality bar. You can tell that they put immense care into the quality of…read moretheir drinks and service. I ordered 2 mocktails and my husband ordered two drinks. I thought that the catch 22 ( mocktail) would be too sweet or vinegar forward but it was tangy and light. My husband actually said he liked my mocktail more than he liked his cocktail which was good but a bit sweeter than he likes. The second mocktail I ordered was off the menu. I asked for something tropical and not too sweet. It was pretty good but not as complex as the catch 22. My husband liked the jaded merchant better than the dew drop. He also was sipping far too much of my mocktail which speaks volumes about how good it was. Love the moody vibes, drinks, and service. I've only visited three times but should make it one of the places we come to more often.

This was my first time trying this spot and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. Definitely a…read morecalm spot for some drinks and convos. The bartenders were all so welcoming. Loved that there was indoor and outdoor seating. And on top of that they had a really cool Photo Booth which itself gives this bar a 11/10. Definitely recommend

The drinks are average priced for Houston but the quality is fantastic and vibe is clean-dive. I've…read morecome in before to wait out traffic after a show or concert but this time, they had a Heated Rivalry stream going with themed drinks so obviously we had to stay for a bit. Our drinks came out quickly and we had our pick of seats at 10 pm. I got the Hollander Juice and it was very refreshing.

I had a wonderful experience at Sante! Kevin, the General Manager, was incredibly kind, welcoming,…read moreand attentive from the moment we arrived. He went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of and that everything was perfect throughout our visit. Exceptional customer service like his truly makes a difference and is one of the reasons I'll be coming back. Thank you, Kevin, for making our experience so enjoyable! We will be back! Xx, Melissa (same name as your grandmother)

I actually loved this place when I first visited. The oud aroma was amazing, the atmosphere felt…read moresophisticated, and the crowd had great energy. Unfortunately, that seems to have changed over time. Lately, the vibe feels completely different. The environment has become uncomfortable, with some guests appearing more focused on attracting attention ( I guess they're trying to find a client) than simply enjoying the venue. There have also been incidents of intoxicated patrons being rude, pushing through people at the bar, and creating unnecessary tension with other women who were simply there to enjoy their evening. It's disappointing because this place used to feel elegant and welcoming. I genuinely hope management takes notice and works to restore the classy atmosphere that made it special in the first place.

Went to the Speakeasy Burlesque show Friday night and had a blast. This is a very small and…read moreintimate venue area which made the show an even better show as the ladies were able to interact a bit with the audience. Loved the New Orleans speakeasy vibes of the place. The ladies were beautiful and funny will definitely be coming back as they did inform us there are different ladies each night.

I enjoy the poetry on Wednesdays and the taco truck has great tacos shall I dare say one of the…read morebest in the city. The ambiance is real sexy for a date night and the Burlesque show is a cool vibe on Fridays and drink specials everyday. Bartender was really cool and crafted me a drink on the spot.

Okay! What a cute bar inside of a quaint hotel tucked a few blocks off Westheimer. I arrived just…read moreas it was turning dusk to dark and the bar had such a cozy "sit and stay a while" vibe. It was decently packed with every other table full. The cocktail list was polished and I loved both drinks I tried! We did order the bourbon sausages and for $16, feel like these really missed the mark as a bar snack. Overall I'd highly recommend for a small group of 2-4 catch up. A great alternative to a bustling restaurant. The servers were so kind and I could not get over the beautiful bar!! Street parking was easy as well.

PSA I am trying to play around with my reviewing and write based off on the vibe I received from…read morethis cute, little corner of HTX. Let me know what ya think! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello, fellow seekers of flavorful places! What a most quaint and charming establishment. I felt wholly transported across the sea into the English countryside itself. I greatly anticipate passing the night here, if only to discover how utterly darling the bedchambers may be. Truly, this is the utmost perfect outing for one wishing to feel like a lady of the 1700s: adorned in fine dress, exchanging delightful gossip amongst companions over high tea. One comes, above all, for the atmosphere and the splendidly crafted cocktails. We sampled but little from the kitchen, though we did partake of the sausages. I confess to a small disappointment, as the promised fig proved rather shy in flavor, truly such a pity, for I had selected the dish expressly to accompany my fig and rye drink. All considered, the service was exceptional. Our waiter appeared with impeccable timing (both attentive without intrusion and ensured our drinks arrived with admirable haste). Kindred spirits, Bella

If going twice in two nights when visiting from L.A. isn't a testament to a great bar, I don't know…read morewhat is. I ate at Norigami Tuesday night and it was great as were the cocktails served up at the nextdoor bar called Hidden Bar. On Tuesday, I tried the Thai Chili Ginger Margarita ($13) and it was great, complete with a hunk of candied ginger which I "gingerly" consumed throughout my drink experience...see what I did there? Next, I had the Three Dots and a Daiquiri ($13) with Rum, Lime, Velvet Falernum, All Spice and Pineapple and it was very similar to one of my favorite tiki drinks, the Three Dots and a Dash, complete with 3 luxardo cherries. To finish, I had the absolutely incredible Golden Laurel ($16) with Gin, Italicus Bergamot, House Greek Botanical Bitters and Sea Salt. It is equally beautiful served with a clear bay leaf and delicious. Last night, I was guided by the friendly bartender to try the Et Tu Banana" ($15) with Banana Bourbon, Spiced Pear, Creme de Banane, Campari and Citric Acid. I was a little worried about the cocktail being overly banana-y but it wasn't at all. It was a fantastic drink. For my last call, he recommended the Left Hand ($13) with Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth and Chocolate Bitters. Again, fantastic. Both nights, the bartenders and drinks were fantastic. Ambiance is nice with moody lighting. They even have a bidet toilet seat in the bathroom! Hidden Bar is a "hidden" gem, for sure. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Super cute speakeasy hidden inside a sushi restaurant. We went on a weekday evening and had no…read moretrouble getting a table. I ordered the Side to the Sun Rises (gin, yuzu, mint, cucumber) which was light, refreshing, and well balanced. I would recommend it if you enjoy gin-based cocktails with a slightly fruity flavor. My friends really enjoyed their drinks as well. They have all day happy hour on Sundays/Mondays. We did not get a chance to try the food, but the menu looked great. Overall, a fun spot with great vibes and definitely worth checking out!

Parking is a pain...and it doesn't get much better. There is a pricey valet lot, or you are at the…read moremercy of street parking or walking. The ambiance is chill, but dead. I went on a Saturday night for a friend's birthday, and it was nearly empty. We were given the impression there is a dress code when the venue was picked about a month ago, but they took that page off their site two weeks later. In fact, the who site looks different. We can only assume ownership changed, because it seems like they are trying to be a business casual sports lounge now. The drink I ordered is listed as a virgin drink, so I asked the bartender to add either vodka or gin. It wasn't bad, but the prices make it not worth it.

Mr. Nice is a great intimate cocktail bar. I love the atmosphere with the dim lighting and upscale…read morecosmopolitan vibe. Since it is a smaller space, seating can be limited, but I visited on a weeknight, and was able to get a couch right away even with it being fairly busy. The service is great. It was quick to get a drink and everyone working was friendly and attentive, checking up on us. The espresso martini was wonderful - and I'm pretty picky about those. They had a DJ that kept the energy going! They have a valet parking lot and some street parking available (though hard to find).