State Bar & Lounge

Recommends

statebar

Joined 5 years ago

As to the 5/6/08 posting by alacrity40. The post from 5/6/08 was posted by a disgruntled employee (Jackie) from her mother's email address. Obviously, Jackie no longer works at the State Bar

Doesn't Recommend

bort84

Joined 5 years ago

Meh... You may enjoy it when it's not busy and as long as you don't order a glass of wine.... Have heard some good things about this bar... Unfortunately, my first visit there was at an event that was a little large for the staff on the schedule. I've worked in the restaurant industry for 4 years as a waitress while in college and only recently switched jobs. There was one bartender in particular who seemed quite inept and was very curt and snippy.

I was willing to forgive all of this because the atmosphere was good, and I realized that they were probably understaffed for the number of people there. I've worked under similar circumstances and it's not fun. What I could not forgive, however, was the rude treatment I received from manager and bartender alike when I ordered a glass of wine. After she put the remains of what was apparently a bottle that had turned in my glass, she dumped it out and filled it with contents from a fresh bottle. Okay, but next time if you're going to use the same glass, at least do it where I can't see it.

So she hands me the glass, and it's nowhere close to a "standard" pour (about 1/4 of the bottle). The amount poured was more like 1/8 of the bottle, priced for about 1/4 of the bottle. So I said, hey, this seems like a really small pour. The waitress said, no, this is our "standard" 4 oz pour. Well, in most places, a 5-6 oz pour is standard. 6oz pours make the bottle neatly contain 4 pours. So I said that.

The manager came up and said, no ma'am, this is a sommelier glass (very snooty) so it just looks like there's less wine in it to you. Yes, I said, I'm familiar with these "sommelier" glasses (snob) I've waitressed for 4 years and these are the same glasses I've always used. Had I served this amount of wine to my customers, however, I would have been fired. (This went on for a bit.)

So, long story short, I just bought the bottle and firmly told them how I felt, and I plan to write a letter. After a $20 markup, there's no excuse to charge those prices. Also, for a manager to be that rude is INEXCUSABLE!

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alacrity40

Joined 6 years ago

Was great but not so much anymore. 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. The final straw, on my last visit I ordered a vodka tonic, Andrew served me a gin tonic. I told him it was gin and he tasted my drink, gave it back and told me it was vodka! I'll actually miss Jackie and Elyse but I'm not going back until there is a change in management.

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lamorena

Joined 9 years ago

The Best Bar Ever. I was planning a surprise party for my friend and found this place on the internet and when I called to get some information they were so nice and very accomodating. We went to visit that Saturday and they were even nicer in person! I decided this was definately the place...they let me bring in a DJ and gave me the choice of bringing in food or having them cater. The party was absolutey wonderful, Rainy (G.M.) is so sweet...I just can't say enough about her and Jackie (bartender) makes the best martinis ever. Not to mention Paul, the hot guy that checks ID at the door!!! You will love this bar I promise!!!!!!

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ukcolin

Joined 7 years ago

Trendy good looking great patio good bar staff not crowded. Love this place, the out side patio overlooks downtown street, inside old wood classic furnishings great looking bar and friendly staff. A few trendy customers but strangly never seems to be really crowded. The walk up one flight of stairs seems to scare everyone away. The bar is above Sambucca accessed through a door on the side of the building. I'm too old to be trendy but downtown one of my favourite haunts.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

The ghosts of Houston's old movers and shakers may be one floor down, but the scene has moved up.. The Scene
This downtown installation is one of a few establishments that have been brought to life along with the reincarnation of its host, the Rice Lofts. One floor up from the original location of the Old Capitol Club, bastion of Houston's movers and shakers from the late 1950s to the 1970s, its leather furniture and long, U-shaped bar seem to strive for the same atmosphere.

The Draw
You can count on good drinks from the bar and enjoyable chatter among friends and co-workers during the week. On weekends, though, count on elbow-to-elbow trendoids trying to see and be seen. On a nice night, enjoy the patio. If you get the munchies, the kitchen can serve up a variety of dishes. Favorites include shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, antipasto and buffalo wings. The Southwestern eggrolls, Greek salad and sandwiches are popular also. Lighter fare includes spinach and artichoke dip, taquitos and nachos.

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somjai

Joined 7 years ago

great romantic bar, after work drinks, and view. Premium bar! The dark wood structure and style is gorgeous. A great place for evening drinks or a romantic view of downtown on their patio. Excellent choices of martinis, the pink diamond is my favorite. During Happy Hour you can enjoy great appetizers such as the freshly made salsa and chips or the southwest egg rolls. Be sure to tip well!