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    Koya

    3.3 (187 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndLounges, Seafood, Cocktail Bars
    Closed Closed

    Koya Photos

    Business Info

    KOYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Koya

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    Reviews With Photos

    Judy O.

    This was our first time visiting Koya, and we initially decided to go because DJ Obi was scheduled to perform. The flier advertised his set from 8 PM to 2 AM, so we made reservations to enjoy dinner before the music. Going in, we had read reviews about slow service and long wait times, but our experience with service was actually good. Our waiter was attentive, and our food came out quickly. However, the menu was very limited and overpriced. One major issue was the lack of transparency--there was an automatic 20% gratuity that wasn't mentioned, and several items were more expensive on the bill than on the menu. For example, fries were listed as $12 but were charged at $15. Additionally, the wings were incredibly small for the price. The biggest disappointment was the DJ situation. We arrived at 8:15 PM and stayed until midnight, but DJ Obi had still not started his set. We kept asking staff when he would be on, but we got different answers each time. It felt disorganized and misleading. Overall, while the service was better than expected, the high prices, incorrect charges, and lack of communication about the DJ left us disappointed. If you're going just for the food, be prepared to spend more than you might expect. If you're going for the music, don't rely too much on advertised set times.

    New menu February 2025
    Joyti K.

    Food was good but overpriced Ambiance was nice w scantly dresses single women everywhere The entertainment was nice with a beautiful belly dancer doing fire tricks too. Service was okay, our waitress was sweet and obviously serving too many tables Disappointing part of our evening with a party of 5 .. when the bill came, the tablet shows the itemized items but no final total .. and then a tip option of 7% 10% ... So unless you add 2:2 together you don't see the final amount included a 20% tip, with the additional tip Waitress stated the 20% went towards the house, and only the additional tip goes to her.

    Myron K.

    Short Version:Excellent service and drinks, but the food is lackluster and overpriced. Come for drinks, not for food. Longer Version: I regret having to write this review, but I aim to be fair. To begin with the positives, the atmosphere is delightful! The establishment boasts beautiful decor and engaging entertainment. The cocktails were fantastic, especially "The Don Margarita," which was exceptional, though the name is a bit misleading due to having to pay an $8 upcharge if you want Don Julio on top of the already $18 drink. Still, it was delicious. My espresso martini was surprisingly good, and even the mocktails were enjoyable! Now, let's discuss the food. Unfortunately, this is where things take a turn for the worse. Everything I tried was disappointing. The menu seemed a bit pricey at first, but I'm willing to pay for a good meal when it's justified. - Chicken Wings: How do you mess up chicken wings? They looked appealing, but they were overcooked and tasted like wood. - Oysters Rockefeller: These were merely okay--dry and messy due to the adductor muscle not being sliced during the shucking process. A few were even fishy, though thankfully, no one got sick. - Lamb Chops: ordered them medium to medium-rare, but they came out well-done. They replaced them, but they were still overcooked, although slightly better. It's frustrating when my homemade lamb chops are better. - Lobster Pasta: This dish was just a mountain of salt--inedible! I rarely send food back, but I insisted my friend do so. To add to the evening's chaos, we witnessed a fire dancer drop her lit torch on a girl at a table, causing them to leave. A faucet at the bar malfunctioned, spraying nearby tables and making us think the sprinklers had gone off. While these incidents may not be typical, they were just the final touches to an already frustrating experience. On a positive note, the service was outstanding. The staff did their best to address the issues, and the bar manager (Atari, I believe) was particularly commendable. The speakeasy vibe was enjoyable, and bartender Shanice was fantastic. My recommendation would be to pivot this establishment into a lounge that focuses on small dishes they can execute well, rather than positioning it as a full-fledged restaurant. The cocktails, vibe, and ambiance are excellent, but the food simply doesn't live up to expectations and certainly isn't worth the price. Side note: the food was so lackluster I forgot to take pictures . I would give this place 3 stars just for the vibe and drinks, but being that this is marketed as a RESTAURANT.... They get 2. The food was REALLY bad.

    Expresso Martini was tasty
    Debra P.

    This is a neat place but we were a little disappointed. The reason we were going is because their TikTok page shows that they had dance performances but when we got there, they said they no longer have the dancers, yet their page still says they have entertainment. They do not have valet parking so you have to pay to park across the street or in the street. The hostess was very friendly and made us feel welcome. They have great drinks to choose from. The dinner menu is limited, but the steak we had was delicious. I did not like that they brought out our steak but the broccolini didn't come out till later and we were almost done with our steak. Our server was very nice and friendly. Ambiance is very cozy. The Butter cake was ok, but kind of plain to me. They have a professional photographer that will take pictures for you. They will print them and put in frames, then sell for $20 each. We bought 2 because they were nice pics. The speakeasy lounge seemed pretty cool. It was a fun evening. Worth checking out!

    Ashley O.

    This place has definitely come a long way and I must say I enjoy it and its current state. They provide a great vibe and experience. I am a big Afrobeat music lover and they do play a lot of Afrobeats and I really appreciate and enjoy that a lot. It's also a very classy, grown, and sexy crowd. The venue itself is gorgeous. It's so nicely decorated and the dancers they have are very entertaining and just add to the experience. The service has always been good in my opinion. I usually encounter nice people that are working there. I have eaten here before and I will say the food was just OK so that's why I wouldn't give this place five stars but if you're just coming for some drinks and to hear music, especially Afrobeats, I would definitely suggest it here.

    Keke F.

    Koya was beautiful inside and a nice vibe. But something in the management and kitchen has to change asap if they want to stay in business. We were told the kitchen was backed up to 2 hours I was like excuse me what???? This is the reason I have no pictures cause the food took well over an hour and I wanted to cry! Drinks were coming out we couldn't even enjoy it because we were starving. The menu was limited and they were out of the lamb chops which I wanted to try. I got the wings and the tacos and they were just okay. I wouldn't go back here in the restaurant setting for sure. I was very disappointed in the service.

    Atmosphere
    Symone M.

    The ambiance and aesthetic were definitely on point, but at what cost? We had 7:30 reservations and, despite a bit of a wait to get checked in, we were seated about 15 minutes later. My partner specifically requested a table, but we were seated in the cocktail area instead. The menu was interesting--plenty of cocktail options (about 20), but the food selection was limited. I was hesitant to order food because, in my experience, spots like this tend to focus more on the vibe than the meal itself--and unfortunately, that was the case here. We started with the chicken wings, which were underwhelming. I wouldn't recommend them. My partner ordered the 16oz ribeye, and I had the lamb chops with fries and collard greens on the side. Sadly, the food didn't justify the high price tag--basic dishes with nothing special to offer and no renowned chef behind them. What was even more frustrating was the hidden charges. An MB tax for mixed beverages added $14 on top of a $23 drink--ridiculous. Then there was an entertainment fee, even though there weren't any performers at the time. When I asked about it, the server said it covered the DJ as well. It's disappointing to see a Black-owned establishment, with a predominantly Black clientele, serve such subpar food while charging excessive fees. I genuinely wanted to support this business, but it felt like they were taking advantage of the very community that supports them. The vibe was great, but unfortunately, that's not enough for me to return.

    Skewers
    Marissa G.

    The vibes are great very fun place for a birthday or girls night. The food was good other than the entrées, my friend got the lamb chops and they did not have much flavor at all. However, the appetizers and salad were really good. The servers were very informative. I liked that the music was not too loud and still enjoyable. Koya was a good time.

    Zanarah K.

    Parking is valet only for $20 or you can find street parking This vibe is amazing, it feels like Vegas Miami vibes all in one. They have water service, their food menu is not huge but I did enjoy the roast beef. I loved the show which starts at 8:30 on Saturday. Unfortunately there is only a 2 hour table limit our waitress was super strict about that. So when we finally paid exactly 2 hours after she picked out to go bag of food and escorted us to the bar. When other tables who were there before us were still seated watching the show. The show and speak easy were super fun, I would recommend a good girls night or date night. For the price and service it wasn't worth it all that. Dress code is strict! Drinks is good for me.

    Chi A.

    I've been to Koya several times but never dined in for reasons that I feel are obvious. I enjoy the speakeasy but I've heard many people complain about the price of the drinks. I've never paid for a drink there so I honestly couldn't tell you how much it cost. However, I can echo that the menu items are overly priced as we walked over to the restaurant side one time because I wanted fries and they were $25. Like, let's be for real here. I immediately told him I wasn't paying that and I'd take regular fries and even that was $9 or $10. It's absolute highway robbery but they know how to get folks, especially tourists. They also used to be strict with the dress code and who they let in to the speakeasy but it seems that's gone out the window now.

    Sarah O.

    The resturant was beyonddd beautiful! We came on a Sunday thinking there would be live music and dancing sadly there was not on this day. When we came there was only one other group seated. Everything we tried to order they were sold out and that was about 9-10 things. They had a large event the night before is what we were told. My opinion is biased because after the first 3 things I asked for this was the only thing they had that I didn't mind. It wasn't amazing octopus it was just good. Everyone was pretty annoyed but I do think on a better day we would have had an amazing experience.

    Pulpus
    Taylor H.

    Food was good, but the whole experience may have been slightly overrated. I had the pulpus, grilled octopus and it was quite tasty. The oysters had a little ocean flavor like they could've been cleaned more and I didn't care for the sauce they provided. I'm sure some might love it though. It was too sweet for me. The restaurant is very cool vibe wise. They have dancers that come out and perform and a speakeasy in the back. It's definitely fine dining though, I'm still not sure how my bill got so high. Our waiter was very on top of things, but that's also because you have a 2 hour time window.

    Decor
    Ayesha W.

    Love, love,love the decor in the restaurant! My review is for the main dining room. There is live entertainment on the weekends and a DJ. The service could have been better as our waitress forgot items we asked for several times. The food items I ordered were just ok. I ordered the Hummus 7/10 Chicken strips 8/10 Wagyu burger 6/10 Lavender vanilla Drop 5/10 I didn't care for the vanilla vodka. I will be back to check out the speakeasy

    I was getting my Angela Davis on

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    2 years ago

    Chella was the best. Would highly recommend her! She made our first experience a great experience. Thank you so much.

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    2 years ago

    Ambience 10 out of 10. food and drinks 4.5 out of 10 . Service was really just ok. The "owner" seemed very dismissive. I won't be back

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    2 years ago

    Absolutely lovely experience. It is costly but The food and drinks were delicious. The service was great.

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Koya H.

    Koya H.

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    3 years ago

    Service was horrible. They had us wait over an hour for our table. Worst part, there was no apology given by management.

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    3 years ago

    The service is awful, food trash and hospitality zero. Go spend your money somewhere else.

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    3 years ago

    Horrible service yesterday on 12/15. My friend found hair in her food. Must do better.

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    3 years ago

    Amazing ambiance, Great atmosphere. The Food was amazing and the entertainment was out this world, Makes me feel like i am out the country.

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    2 years ago

    the place has a really good atmosphere the bartender Anie was nice and very pleasant to talk to she made some good drinks

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    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - Koya

    How much is the food and drinks?

    Drinks vary. One drink I ordered was $16. Food prices is like going to a steakhouse. I had the lobster ravioli. That was $49, and we enjoyed it.

    View All 2 Questions

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    Lost & Found - Shrimp, Mac & Cheese and green beans

    Lost & Found

    3.8(1.1k reviews)
    0.6 miFourth Ward, Midtown, Montrose
    $$

    Lost & Found never disappoints, but this visit stood out because of the incredible service we…read morereceived. Khalil made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down and kept checking in to make sure everything was perfect. He had a great attitude, gave solid recommendations, and made the whole experience feel personal instead of rushed. The food was on point, the vibe was exactly what we were looking for, and the customer service was top-tier. Huge shoutout to Khalil for making our night one to remember. We'll definitely be back!

    "Not All Who Wander Are Lost"...And what I found was some great food! Atmosphere is casual, service…read moreis friendly, the vibe is definitely Viking (and from what I have heard, it's really popping during brunch!). We came on. Friday after work during happy hour and the prices could not be beat, especially with their lobster bites (was sitting at about $30, and we got them half off!) Drinks were fantastic! I selected the "Golden Cadillac" that comes with a miniature bottle of Grand Marnier inside of it. Very good. My company decided on an array of appetizers for his "main course", while I went with their Fried Salmon (served with Mac and cheese, and collard greens). Omg! So tasty! The pepper was prevalent throughout, but it did not over power the flavor! I make collard greens at home (and learned from one of the best), and even I found theirs to be pretty good! My company selected fried ribs, along with the lobster bites, and crawfish queso dip, and their wings! I tasted what he got, and we both agreed that the wings were "off the chart" delicious with a beautiful straight off the grill smoky flavor! So good that he got another order to go! Lol. What made our experience there amazing was our server Ray (Rajean = think "the 90's TV Show "Living Single"..."smooches"!)...she was the best!! From her hello, to walking us through the menu (as first-timers), her recommendations, her energy, her smile, and her being very relatable. Loved her! My only gripe was the bathrooms, the ladies room needed attention (and could use a spruce all around). It doesn't help that it is a bit small, but yeah, they need to focus some efforts on ensuring it's upkeep. As for seating and parking, there is a bar area and limited seating toward the front of the restaurant, but it does extend to back of the house with additional seating. There is also patio seating as well. Because this place seems popular, it is best to reserve ahead to ensure your seating. Parking is very limited! They do however, offer valet (but at $20+). There is off-street parking, but be careful since this is a residential area and nothing is secure. All in all, I really had a great time and left with my belly full! Definitely worth checking out! What was lost is now found! Enjoy!

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    Lost & Found - Bar seating

    Bar seating

    Lost & Found - Jerk Lamb Chops

    Jerk Lamb Chops

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    The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge

    The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge

    3.8(153 reviews)
    0.6 miMidtown, Fourth Ward
    $$

    I was pulled into the second part of Alley Kat by a The Breakfast Club employee by the name of…read more Jamel while looking for the entrance to Alley Kat and didn't even realize Alley Kat had a second bar attached. The vibe and aesthetic matched our energy for the day, so we decided to stay and I'm so glad we did. Our server, CICIIIIIII, did her thing on the cocktails. My friend and I ordered the Butterfly Pea French 75's, which were everything and more. My wife went with the Strawberry Tequila Lemon Drop, and it was just as amazing. These drinks alone are enough to bring me back. The music selection fit the atmosphere perfectly, and I loved the decor especially the Monsteras propagating in the window. I also noticed the DJ booth, and judging by the playlist, I can only imagine the DJ sets are a whole vibe. On top of all that, this is a Black-owned restaurant, and I had the pleasure of fist bumping the owner, which made the experience feel even more special. If you're looking for a chill vibe, get here early. You'll feel like you own the place. I'm literally writing this review while still sitting here and trust me, I'll definitely be back. Add on: We ordered a drink specifically from CiCi. She made us a Dusse Blood Orange side car, and this may be my new go to drink I fear. RUN DON'T WALK!!!! Ask for CICI, Tell her Tish sent you.

    Let's clear a few things up because the previous review from 'Tim' feels less like a customer…read moreexperience and more like someone trying very hard to be offended. First, her name is **KeeWee**. That is the correct spelling. And if you have spent any real time at The Alley Kat, you know exactly who she is. KeeWee runs that place with professionalism, personality, and the kind of presence that keeps the room moving. She knows the regulars, she keeps things organized when the place is packed, and she does it with confidence. That is called leadership, not "rudeness." Also, real men do not spend their time criticizing a woman's wig in an online review. That alone tells me everything I need to know about the credibility of that post. If that is the best complaint you have, it sounds like the night went pretty well. Now let's talk about the actual experience. The drinks are excellent, the food is consistently good, and yes, the place stays busy. That is usually what happens when people enjoy being somewhere. The bartenders work hard, the atmosphere is lively, and the staff actually knows their customers. Shannon and the rest of the team are always welcoming. The Alley Kat reopening after COVID was a big deal for a lot of us. Places like this are part of the community. For many of us, it has become our version of **Cheers**. People know your name, you run into friends, and you leave in a better mood than when you walked in. So to the person who wrote that review, take the fake account and keep it moving. The rest of us will be right where we always are, enjoying good drinks, good food, and good company. If you know, you know. And we are glad The Alley Kat is back. It's a far different space than it was during my first review 9 years ago and a key element of that IS KEEWEE. This is a WELL established account that has left many reviews over the years and MY REVIEW carries actual weight.

    Photos
    The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge
    The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge
    The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge - Butterfly Pea French 75 Brought to us by Cici

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    93' Til - Tator Tots

    93' Til

    4.4(277 reviews)
    1.6 miMontrose
    $$

    The vibes here are sooo immaculate! Vinyl records on deck, never thought Houston would have this!…read moreThe last time I saw this concept was in a little hipster joint called Brillobox in Pittsburgh, PA in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Their chicken sandwich is moist and flavorful, top five in my book, made headlines in the newspaper, salute. The staff is so engaging and tip top service, everyone from the bartenders to the servers. I try to make it out every Thursday for the dj nights. Thank you for a wonderful time always.

    Service was solid and Kevin was an excellent waiter who took great care of us. Music choice put on…read morethe patio was questionable but otherwise nothing wrong with ambiance. Regarding the food, the Frisée Salad was pretty good, well dressed and flavorful. The chicken sandwich was okay. The batter was crispy and flaky but it had no flavor. What made it a lot better was the coleslaw that brought a great deal of tang and moisture. The steak was not quite for me. It came on a bed of sauce that was flavorful with fresh veggies but it did not go well with the steak. Perhaps chicken would've suited better. The steak itself was dry and quite chewy. For dessert we had the carrot cake tres leches which was decent. The carrot cake flavor was there but the moisture from the cake was not fully spread in the cake. Overall nothing here was bad but with the plethora of restaurants in the Houston area I can't justify recommending or returning.

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    93' Til - Inside

    Inside

    93' Til - Amazing grilled cucumbers...who knew??

    Amazing grilled cucumbers...who knew??

    93' Til - Inside

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    Inside

    Koya - lounges - Updated September 2026

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