Where is the Best Conversation Bar in Houston, Texas?
The drinks are overpriced, when the bartender told me $31 and some change for a shot and two drinks, my response was immediately, “I DON’T wanna leave it open…” when I handed him my card. We finished our drinks and moved to the dance floor where many people who appeared underage or very young (similar to the crowd at Bond) were grinding on eachother. Of course, the dance floor was somewhat crowded because of the line for the bathroom that strung all the way out to the middle of the floor (just 2 stalls in the womens room). Needless to say, this venue was small. And, even though it’s “smoke free” except for the patio, the patio just off of the front door (that sits with all doors open all the time) extends no more than 4 feet out from the venue walls, so even the million people out there smoking aren’t separated enough from those inside to make a difference. Also, this place smelled like curry. I gave it 3 stars because the doorman was cute and polite and the location is great f
I’ve been going to State Bar fairly regularly since I came to town about a year ago. It’s a nice place and I have enjoyed bringing friends and co-workers there for happy hour. I’ve gotten to know the employees and they are great. Bartender Jackie is very nice, she’s attentive and makes good drinks. Waitress Elyse is accommodating and good for an intelligent conversation. Former General Manager Raynee was great as well, friendly and helpful but not overbearing and the place ran smoothly. Recently Raynee left and assistant manager Andrew became GM. Since then things have gone down hill. On one visit I saw, not once but three times, Andrew behind the bar taking a shot of something, I think he thought no one could see. Another time I saw Jackie refuse to serve a young lady that appeared to me could have been under age. Andrew served her. I’ve mentioned a couple of times that they should change the music selection, Andrew agreed but, they are still playing the same tired mix. T
We love this place. Great food – try the curries on Wednesday evenings, a choice from 7 curries and a pint for $16.Every week night finds some special, Steak, Burger, Curry, Meatballs, Fish & Chips, and all top notch food.The beers’s a tiny bit pricey – although you can always drink “lite” beer for next to nothing. Loads of choice, real British Ale and a British Boozer atmosphere to match.The star of the show is George, the surfer barman, if you’re lucky enough to get in while he’s working, he’s incredibly knowledgeable about what’s going on in Houston and elsewhere, and will always point you inthe right direction about what’s on the menu, and more importantly, what’s off the menu – there’s always loads of stuff not listed.Just try it.Pros + Great Food, great beer, and the surfer barman – fantasticCons – A tiny bit pricey but hey, it’s worth it.
hidden away…marfreless is a legendary wateringhole. enter through the unmarked ‘service door’, but watch that step down…it will surely catch you again on the way out after a few of the strong drinks they serve up. now i’m not going to say too much about the upstairs, aka ‘makeout’, lounge. except to say i think that the (mostly) attractive young female hostesses enjoy stepping in on their customers whilest in the throngs (or thongs) of passion. having said that, this bar is mostly for couples. if a woman in the know agrees to go there after another bar or club, well, anyway. at one time it had (does it still?) the reputation as a place where marrieds secretly align with other marrieds. the service is very good. the drinks are on the pricey side but the overall experience – and strength of the concoction offered – warrant the expense. i’ve never seen it very ‘crowded’. the patrons tend to be 30-ish and up. it’s also a pretty good place to step in alone for a late nigh
