What a delightful little find! I'm not exactly a drinker these days, but atmosphere-wise this place has it in *spades*. Granted, I'm a relative Houston newbie, and I never saw it in its previous incarnation (and judging from the older Yelp reviews, it was quite the joint), but Leon's still seems like the kind of place where you could while away a pleasant afternoon reading a book and enjoying some wine. (That said, I agree with Farrah A. that the jukebox is a loss and should make a triumphant return.) I decided to go because I'd heard their Wednesday Steak Night was excellent, and indeed it was: $17 for a nicely sized New York strip steak, along with a yummy salad and an apple empanada with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Outside they have a front patio that's deceptively large, until you notice that it runs up the side of the building as well. Again, a great place to hang out and chill, and Leon's is *much* less "sceney" than just about any other place I've seen in Midtown. It actually seems more like a classic British pub than anything else ... except they serve food and mojitos (though I did not try the latter). read more

Came here on a Friday night, cool bar right across the street from Mongoose vs. Cobra. This is an old, narrow bar with a very chill vibe. There is a small seating area inside and a patio area out front. Nice if you want to get away from the loud, obnoxious Gaslamp-Dogwood-Shot bar scene on Friday and Saturday nights in midtown. They have a decent list of cocktails and bottles of wine. Not the longest list in the world, but good enough. The bottle I chose was a $30 bottle of Pinot Grigio, again good enough for 1 am on my chill night. The bartenders were friendly and talkative. I struck up a conversation with one of them around 2:15 well after the bar was closed and appreciated the hospitality...most places run you out the door as the clock strikes 2! Keep in mind- Hidden gem- you can drive right by Dive bar- old and "rustic" Patio- wooden platform with some chairs outdoors Not everyone's cup of tea- good for a chill type of night read more

See all

One of my favorite bars to visit. Their prices have gone up a bit since I first started coming but they haven't lost all of their charm. This is still the oldest true bar in Houston, that started out a bar and has only been a bar. Changed ownership last year but back open again. This is a good place to make a new friend. read more

Cozy, great when there's live music! If you can take an Uber to avoid the parking. Love this bar!

I used to LOVE Leon's. The drinks, the bar, the lighting, the music. But the last two times I've gone, the bartenders have been so rude, lazy, and unhelpful that I'm never going back. Last weekend some friends of mine came from Austin, and I brought them to Leon's. First the waitress couldn't get us drink menus for some reason, then the bartenders just kept making drinks from her table orders, ignoring the bar. After waiting literally 15 minutes to get a bartender's attention, one finally walked head-down toward us and then helped the people that had JUST walked into the bar. My friends from Austin, who are themselves bar tenders and waiters, got pissed, informed the bartender that we had been waiting too long, and the girl looked at him meanly and just said "well what the hell you want then?" in a really snotty way. we walked out. The time before that, a Hummer limo full of already drunk 50 year olds got so much attention, it took me 30 minutes just to cash out--we wanted more drinks but it was clear that we, the locals who had been there for an hour, were no longer important. It's a shame. This place reminds me of New Orleans in atmosphere, but the service just isn't up to Midtown/Montrose standards. If I wanted a bartender to ignore me, even when the place isn't busy, I'd go to Washington St. read more

Love this place. Older more upscale crowd- definitely not loud college kids here. The interior is very eclectic and unique...halfway feels like you are inside an old Victorian home. Drinks are fabulous- best Pimm's Cup I've ever had! read more

Leon's is located conveniently across the street from Mongoose vs. Cobra, where I am most of the time. After hearing lots and lots of nice things about their Bell Pepper cocktail, I couldn't resist. I love bell peppers. I have been known to eat them like apples. But I digress- It was sweet. Oddly sweet. Sweet in a way that you expected it to have some kick at the back end to let you know the pepper was even there at all. I kept expecting it to do things that it didn't. For the price ($7.50, before tip. Always tip your bartenders. Don't be that guy.), and the hype, it was a disappointment. Leon's is not somewhere I'm against going to, but it's not my number one pick of a place to go. It's one of those places where if you have a great time, you have a great time. If you don't, then you just don't go again. Figure it out for yourself though. Redeeming qualities? The building itself is cute. They have a porch area that, while small, is enough. The bouncer the night I went was a total babe, and they give you an inch thick bell pepper slice to chomp on as you stare in sadness at your alcohol while sneaking sideways glances at Thor, the door god. read more

Where do I begin? I have always wondered about this dive bar, but I finally went on Saturday, all i can say is thank god I had male protection. The bartenders were weird! I was on a "date" of sorts and me & my date are on the patio, then the bartenders just come over and sit with us and start talking about ramdom chit and one of them is flirting with my date it seemed. He and I were the only ones in there, except for the guy who lives above the bar and he was drunk and the bartender was yelling at him to get up to his room, just weirdness. They did however have a pretty cool piano room, too bad there was no piano player, i tried, but I cant play a note. This could be a really cool dive bar, but i dont know, it was kinda creepy, and i've been to dive bars on the lower height & ashbury, this place was just a big NOT. Drinks were weak, in my opinion, but i think my date was almost drunk by the time we left, some people are light weights =) read more

Leon's Lounge, is a fun little dive bar, with very nice bartenders. I come to Leon's Lounge at least once every two weeks.Johhny's chocolate martini is the best. read more

The bar manager is rude and disinterested. He got very defensive with me when I mentioned that he was no where to be found with an empty bar - his response "I'm the only one here and I have work to do in the back." Ummm, isn't that what you do BEFORE you open your bar? And how is it my problem that it's just him? Call me crazy, but in a bar atmosphere isn't the bartender / bar manager supposed to act like he wants your business? Service is a HUGE part of keeping your bar afloat with happy patrons, and this bar was empty and unfriendly - sinking ship. Won't support this establishment in the future. read more

Bartender never acknowledged us. Thought way too highly of himself. Will never go back. Used to really like this place. read more

My friends and I decided to visit Leon's for the first time for our Friday outing last week. I would have to agree that the bartenders are excellent and definitely give you your money's worth when pouring a drink...well more than your money's worth considering drinks were pretty cheap. We talked outside with the doorman who apparently worked at Ringling Brothers for awhile. There was a strange mix in terms of crowd which was definitely a plus. Everyone was friendly and about midnight the place really came to life with everyone coming through the doors at about that time, making the place really rowdy. All in all, I was told it was a good call (it was my turn to pick a bar) and my friends and I vowed to return. We'd be back this week if it weren't for Ike! read more

I came here on St. Patrick's day this year and it was a nice surprise. Being St Patty's day and all, the douche bags were out in full force. There were too many bars charging ridiculous cover/drink prices and I was sooo over it. But not this place! Leon's kept it classy with $3 guinness and other tasty beverages all night long. The atmosphere was super chill and the crowd was non-douchey. Both the inside and outside seating were perfect for a relaxing night with good conversation. I can't wait to back and try it again! It will easily be one of my favorites very soon. read more

This place is the business!! We went here for my girls bday on a Wednesday and bought two drinks and got tickets for food. We were like oh ok. Went to get our free plate outside (corn, a potato, andouille sausage a real piece and boiled shrimp!!!) What??!! Then we got another ticket everytime we bought a drink way a minute... this place is so awesome and then the drinks were strong too.. Love it!! Will be back!! Oh yea the music...banging!!!! read more

Leon's Lounge - The damage after the fact... believe me it was good. - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great drinks that are worth every penny. The best Pims Cup I've had in Houston. All the bartenders are really nice and helpful. Their empanadas are delicious. I believe them when they say they're handmade because they take forever to come out, but I don't mind. It's a small and cozy atmosphere, which I really enjoy. Even the patrons seem to be a nice crowd and I always end up in a conversation with someone new. It's a great place to spend a night with a small group of friends. read more

This place has a great atmosphere, friendly bartenders and delicious cocktails. The prices are very reasonable. High points: Unique, made from scratch cocktails Cozy, lots of candles at night, French brasserie feel Try the whiskey smash or gin, cucumber and basil Rickey! read more

This bar is super cute & chill vibes. The bartender (Kolby) was attentive to our drinks and made them just right!!

What a quirky little place. It's SO classy (as long as you stay INSIDE!). When we went the bathrooms were broken and the back patio was closed because of a busted sewage pipe...I was sad but it didn't deter me. I love the velvet wingback chairs, the adorned throw pillows, the BEAUTIFUL chandeliers, the dark wood and the stained glass windows. The bar tenders are hilarious. I told him they were rated highly on Yelp and he just said "I'm not rated highly on anything and I've never heard of that before." WHAT!? Well, we'll make sure he knows who we are soon enough :) They have an awesome deal where you can go in from 2-5 pm with your own vinyl records and they will play them for you. Everything about this place is cozy and cute. I can't wait to take some of my girlfriends here. I love this bar. Do not get it wrong. Go here....but you need to know about this next part just for the sake of it. Now....let's get back to the issue you were all wondering about. Why did I say that it's classy as long as you stay inside? When we were there, we were outside in their cute little bench and table area, just hanging out. Then this guy comes up and tries to open to door inbetween the bar. Apparently it's an apartment above the bar. He's yelling upstairs through the open window with a Russian accent "I have left my keys, let me in!" So a woman comes down and opens the door. She is clearly wasted. She sits on the bench with us and starts talking to us about how he lost her keys to her brand new car and she's pissed, etc, etc. In the middle of this a homeless man walks up to me and is trying to sell me these origami roses and insects he makes (which were actually beautiful). The crazy woman turns around and is like "Ain't no body want those so why don't you just move on?!" ok ok ok I could go on. My point. I don't mind the occasional homeless man. I can handle that. What I CAN'T handle is a woman who lives up stairs which means she is probably ALWAYS out there doing that to people. No thanks! read more

It's been at least a month since I first went to Leon's Lounge, and it was so great that I'm still thinking about it! Great laid back atmosphere, delicious drinks, and a hidden secret of AMAZING empanadas! They were a nice surprise late night snack that I will go back for over and over again. read more

This place is swank...It's like a step back in time with a nice French Boehme theme...The bartender Megan was very friendly...I asked for her recommendation for a cocktail and she convinced me to get the green on red....It was a fresh martini citrus drink with basil and red bell pepper....Very tasty and the perfect night cap... read more

Drinks here from Justin are sexy, delicious and definitely worth the visit. Ambiance is awesome. Great place to enjoy drinks with friends in Midtown. read more

Leon's Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Perfect place for a drink. I loved the adult atmosphere. The drinks are well made. Bartender is very attentive. Making this my place to show out of town guest. read more

Cool little spot. Like the two turntables (didn't see a microphone) where you can play your own vinyls from home - or sample the house collection. Good service/personalities. Also, Little Joe Washington seems to be a regular here... read more

Leon's Lounge - Play your vinyl LP's here! - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Very cool bar that is laid back and chill. Excellent drinks and the bartenders help you decide what you're really feeling for a drink that night vs the "just pick from the menu" approach. The mojitos have a splash of pineapple juice and they're divine. Quiet enough to enjoy the conversation of good friends yet not so quiet that it's awkward. The DJ spins vinyl too...how cool is that?! Lots of little side rooms with comfy couches and chairs that you and your friends can take over if you get there early enough (by 9pm or so). Will DEFINITELY be back! read more

I am always hesitant to go near Midtown, but will always go there to go to this bar. The drinks are delicious, and the bartenders are awesome. I went here on a Saturday night, and it was not very packed. We all sat in the back room with the lounging chairs. And apparently you can bring a record in and they will play it. Atmosphere is great, drinks and bartenders are too. read more

One of my favorite little spots - with my favorite Hendrick's Gin... and sometimes, those Pomegranate Rita's Always lovely ladies behind the bar Great atmosphere, love the little alley on the side, (when the weather isn't too sweltering) just an all around cozy vibe. The homemade empanadas are awesome! Be patient and courteous because the ladies actually make these to order; all good things come to those who wait.... read more

Great little hole in the wall. The decor inside is very old parlor or mans lounge. Dark woods and velvet. I went here with a friend for happy hour during the week. They have very unique mix drinks that are worth trying. read more

Place is cool. Bar tenders are Great !! I've come a bunch for the great atmosphere. Unfortunately every time I'm here there is some garbage band playing garbage covers. On top of a terrible cover charge for said terrible bands. Leon's is a great spot if there is not bands. Who would think this is a great idea to have a band every night? Must be first time owner. Drop the bands. read more

I had a horrible experience here. The staff is extremely unprofessional and caters more towards their regulars than they do to new patrons. You're better off going to the bar across the street. read more

I really like this bar, I have gone a number of times and have always had great service and great drinks. I usually go after work and end up spending most of the evening there. The place is great for hanging out with a small group of friends. All the bartenders I have interacted with have been very nice and more than willing to spend some time talking drinks with me, which I appreciate. I would and have recommend this place to pretty much everyone. read more

We loved it. They don't see be food so Andrew told us to grab some food from the Vietnamese shop on the corner and bring it back. We literally ate our food and ordered cocktails! Did I mention standard double pours???? I had the whiskey sour and my hubby had the mule. Fantastic and strong! Andrew makes killer drinks! Awesome and we will be back. read more

Leon's Lounge - Mike and whiskey sour and Vietnamese sandwiches from corner shop. - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Are you tired of the lackluster bars and drinks at bars downtown and midtown? Leon's offers refreshing and different specialty cocktails. Excellent mojitos and cucumber basil ricky. The atmosphere is great, feels like you are the godfather sitting on leather couches and wingback chairs. Becoming my new favorite spot for drinks read more

Steaks goin up, on a Wednesday Got my wife, and its her birfday. (made up these lyrics all by myself) So anywho, my wifes birthday fell on a Wednesday night which is a little bit of a lame day to have a birthday but one way to make the night exciting is finding a great steak night. So we decided to go with Leon's Lounge because it seemed a bit more birthdayee than a sports bar or traditional bar scene. Which was a great call because all though its a bar, this is a bar with a great deal of class. The bar decor takes on a 50's speakeasy type feel. They have a great classic cocktail menu and you must try the Green on Red Cocktail. Made with Red Bell Peppers, this drink has a spicy and tangy taste and must I say it is mighty strong. This is a great after work with your buddies type place or a great place to get some great drinks without the huge crowd or........ a great place for Wednesday night steak night!!! Ok straight up this is the best steak night in Houston. Leon's Lounge steak night has the best value in town, $17 for a 16 oz ribeye or NY strip, w/ raspberry vinaigrette, roasted fingerling potatoes, and corn. This steak is one the best I have ever had. Ever. I have been to many steak houses and restaurants with phenomenal steaks but also charge you phenomenal prices. One of the best steaks I have ever had was on a Carnival Cruise and that damn steak nearly melted in my mouth. This steak rivals that steak and again its only $17. I got the ribeye and this thing was like butta. This steak had they perfect amount of meat but each piece had just a bit of fat that literally melted the meat in your mouth on each bite. It was perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked. This is an amazing steak. Your're not going to find another steak like this for $17. Nowhere. On top of this amazing steak, the sides are equally as good. The salad was great and the fingerling potatoes were served with a chimichurri sauce that makes the potatoes that much better. Now I have not been to every steak night in Houston but I feel like I have been taken to the mountain top of steaks nights already. I can't imagine steak nights getting any better in Houston. read more

Awesome place, love the juke box, love the bartender, love the ambience, and love the non-yuppy feel to the place. It is the oldest bar in Houston. read more

This bar is VERY different from all of the bars in the area. The service is fair and the drinks are enjoyable. The inside of the bar is dark but to be fair it really does compliment the vibe which is very subtle and chill. Leon's has a really cozy patio directly facing out towards the city; the inside has many different seating options available (couches, chairs, bar seats, tables, etc) so whether you show up with a big group or just yourself, you will have somewhere to settle comfortably! This place is very different than your typical Midtown bars and for that reason it is a diamond in the rough. read more

What can you say about Leon's that hasn't already been said? Like its bosom buddy, La Carafe, it's refreshingly yuppie-and-aged-frat-boy-free. The happy hour prices are great, especially for Midtown. The bartenders are reliably friendly and provide great service. There are tons of little areas to hunker down in for the evening; cozy spots abound, especially good for date nights! The location always makes you feel like it's your own, personal treasure, tucked away from the rest of the world yet right in the middle of the city. Leon's quite simply rocks. read more

This place is awesome! I didn't even know Leon's existed but now that I do I will definitely be returning. I came for some drinks and good conversation and that's exactly what I got. The bartender even let my friend play some records that he brought with him. The place is very comfortable and laid back. It definitely has it's on personality. The drinks were amazing! I had the cucumber basil drink and I think I fell in love with it. The waitress was really nice and kept checking in on us to make sure we were good. I can't wait for the weather to get better. This will definitely be a new spot for me. read more

Perfect place for happy hour, try the Cucumber Gin Ricky and their empanadas. They have a bunch of little nooks to sit inside and two different seating areas outside. read more

Leon's Lounge. A surprisingly wild & crazy little bar. Who knew this seemingly forgotten dive bar was the place to start the weekend? I'd have to guesstimate about 100 or more of Houston's wildest hipsters knew it last Friday night. My only other experience at Leon's was on a recent Sunday night when the place was basically empty. That "Seedy CD Sunday" night, the bartender indulged us by playing a silly CD I had in the car. This past Friday, Leon's had a live DJ spinning old Country Western tunes. The main, narrow bar area was tightly packed with all sorts of folks, including leather vest-wearing, newbie bikers. My friends and I scored the more spacious pool table room and played there for most of the evening. Even the dark, cigar-bar-looking lounge in the back with the baby grand piano was teeming with people. The bathrooms were tiny. Barely room to reach around for toilet paper. But that's OK - there wasn't any! If you like your bars loud and crowded and your drinks cheap and tasty, you're going to like Leon's. A tip for those who plan to stay until last call, consider leaving a bit early to beat the rush of everyone closing out their tabs at once. read more

After reading the reviews about this place, I went to check it out because I wanted to make it a stop on my upcoming Pedal Party. I went on a Saturday evening and there was only one other group in the bar, and no one in the lounge. I ordered the 3 for $6.00 empanadas to taste and split with my BFF. After being told there was a $10 minimum on debit cards, I ordered two shots...which were fairly pricey. While eating and drinking, I noticed that there was a double up charge on my ticket. When I questioned the bartender about it, she brushed it off and said that there is an up charge for shots.....REALLY? Why didn't she tell us before we ordered the shot then? After not being satisfied with the answer, we tried to get the attention of the guy who looked like he was in charge. My friend asked him if he was the manager, and he rudely said no and walked away. Clearly the dude was someone of importance because he was on the register, advising the waitstaff and cleaning around the bar. I KNOW when I am not welcome, and it was obvious that I was not welcome here...oh well. I'll be sure to pass this info to the Pedal Party people as well so they can inform future patrons when planning what stops to make. read more