Absinthe Brasserie

09/14/09

Give it a wack.

by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

I went with a small group and it was outstanding. I read all the other reviews and ppl keep saying its too expensive. Look the fact of the matter is your paying for the enviorment and service you receive both in my opinion are outstanding. The staff was very friendly and the drinks....one word delicious. Not to mention the largest selection of absithe I've seen since my travels throughout Europe. I personally loved the place and I would without a doubt recommend it to others.

03/31/09

Only the Hipest of the Hip

by DowntownLana at Citysearch

I've been going to Absinthe for many years... sometimes by myself, sometimes with a huge group of people. It doesn't matter when you go, weekday or weeknight, the staff is friendly and energetic and they add to the stigma of the ambiance. The music is out of this world, sometimes you walk in and they are playing Michael Jackson's Thiller and other times they are playing something amazing that you've never heard before. Anyone that gives this place a bad reveiw was either 1. Rude and obnoxious to the staff or 2. Just too damn pretentious to enjoy a small lounge that could get a bit crowded and has to wait for a drink OMG. Just sit back, relax and enjoy... and you will not regret setting foot into this Houston treasure.

• Pros: Friendly staff
• Cons: Nothing!! Everything is perfect!

03/18/09

rdeser

by Reviewer1980 at Citysearch

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• Pros: nice athmosphere
• Cons: rser

12/15/08

THEY RIP YOU OFF!

by evail at Citysearch

I've been twice..and it was two too many times for me.

The first time was the night before Thanksgiving, and I guess because he didn't prepare for the crowd. We waited to order a drink for 45 minutes. We were never acknowledge regardless of the fact that we were sitting at the bar area waving our hands. He just straight up ignored us!

I decided to give it a second chance bc the place has great ambiance. I was wrong to do so!

I hosted a bday party and held it there. I invited 50+ ppl. As I ordered their advertised specialty drink (menu available on their online website). I was told two shots of Absinthe was $30.00 when the menu states 10 each. Despite trying to steal from me, I gave him what he told me - thirty bucks, nothing more. He refused to take it and demanded TIP!

So here's his TIP - treat your patrons with respect! Stop stealing from them!

Needless to say, I've never return nor will I recommend it to anyone. Trust me, there are way better places that have a great staff and much cheaper not to mention tastier drinks!

• Pros: Ambience however not worth it when not being treated with respect
• Cons: Bartendar/Owner jacks up the prices when he feels like it and is RUDE!

07/26/08

NOT RECOMMENDED....DON'T GO!!!!

by JohnFIN at Citysearch

Hated it!!! Dont go....not worth it...expensive drinks and it seems unclean....the bathrooms are nasty. Also the waitress and the bartender are rude. Not good for groups either....the place is small with not many places to sit... The waitress thinks she can commit everything to memory...but screws up the order every time....not to mention questionable billing...NOT RECOMMENDED!!!!...

07/18/08

Best Martinis!

by dcmelis at Citysearch

This place is wonderful. It is dimly lit and has great music, comfortable couches, and the best martinis I have ever had. Try the chocolate martini...you won't regret it. It is a great place to hang out with friends - and a very romantic place for dates.

• Pros: martinis
• Cons: nothing I saw

07/12/08

Didn't feel it.

by oliverme at Citysearch

I just finished watching a play Friday night, and wanted to have a drink and meet friends out at Absinthe Brasserier. I was wearing Calvin Klein shorts with a polo shirt. The door guy (who looked like he never left the 90's) was wearing all black which looked fated and a black shirt that was tucked out. He then went on to tell me that "It is Friday night, and no shorts are allowed". I thought to myself...wow it's a July Friday night IN HOUSTON at 11 P.M. and it's still 90 degrees out, and this doorguy rather turn a patron away (who was in the mood to drink alot), than get the establishment business. I phoned my friend who was inside the bar and explained to him what had happend. He found it strange because he informed me that he just saw a guy in the bar with shorts and a cap. That to me was funny...thinking this doorguy was loving his power. WAKE UP...you're in Houston, TEXAS. LOL. My friends later told me as they made their exit from Absinthe Brasserie that it was a little sketchy as well.

So bottom line is I am not really recommending this place at all. Houston has many bars who will welcome you.

• Pros: Nada
• Cons: read my review

06/13/08

Satisfies every time

by wunderbread at Citysearch

I go have drinks 4-5 nights a week, and this place is great with business associates and work happy hours because the menu has nicer selection of pizzas, panini sandwiches, hummus, etc,,,,,,,respectable menu for a lounge and better than "bar food."

Bartenders will maintain a conversation with you if you are solo, and fact that it has no sign, just the big wooden door is a nice touch and adds this place's mystery and great experience.

• Pros: location
• Cons: none

05/02/08

Great Atmosphere, Great Food, Great Service

by seanandolivia at Citysearch

My best friend and I went to Absinthe a couple of weeks ago. The place was pretty busy, but the bartender made us feel very welcomed. He even unreserved some space for us so we could sit down and eat some of their delicious food. Even the customers were courteous. Two gentlemen saw we had food and offered their barstools so we could eat with a bit more comfort. The Antipasto platter was huge with delicious and fresh ingredients. The Pizza was by far one of the best in the city. The crust has a slight sweetness to it that I can't place, but it is certainly original and scrumptious. For a cocktail I had a cajun martini. It was zesty for sure. Don't drink it if you plan to make out latter. It has some fantastic tasting, yet pungent ingredients. the music is great. It is very entertaining watching the bartender double as the DJ. (I love Ipod technology)

Absinthe is classy, but cozy...I highly recommend it.

• Pros: comfy seating, great service, great food, fun place to lounge without being to fancypants
• Cons: please put a bench out on the smoking patio. I am lazy.

04/12/08

Amazing Food, Classy but Relaxed Atmosphere, Interesting Drink Choices, Great Bar Attitude

by jenabouthouston at Citysearch

I just cannot possibly say enough about the phenomenal menu choices. The anti-pasta plate was not only tasty, but it had such a wide selection of meats and cheeses. The melon, olives, grapes, pecans, almonds, and crostini perfectly paired with the 6 selections of cheeses and 6 varieties of meats. Simply delicious. Then came the pizza. We ordered a very simple Basil/tomato/Mozz pizza, but what we received was anything but simple. The crust was the perfect texture and thickness for the toppings. The crust had a slightly sweet flavor to it, which paired well with the pesto sauce.

The drinks were well made and served by a confident and quick staff. The overall atmosphere of the bar was relaxed but not sloppy-sports-bar kind of relaxed. The place is smallish, but the seating is well thought out and makes for the best usage of space. I loved the elongated couch-type seating that was all along the wall, allowing patrons to create their own space based on how many people were in their party.

The outdoor smoking section could use a few amenities - such as seating and an overhang or awning of some sort. The front doors were beautiful and sort of set the mood of the interior.

We will be back....