Decades

08/31/09

Love it.

by crzyferfer at Citysearch

I think that Decades is a unique type of establishment. It's hard to find a nice place to sit, drink and gather with friends without having to shout over hundreds of people. The dart and pool tourneys are always a draw, and karaoke on wednesday nights is fun. Seeing everything from old show tunes to the latest and greatest new hits. The bar owner is an energetic and wonderful woman that took over the business not too long ago, but decades itself has been on Richmond for many years before her. The interior could use some polishing but the cheers-like nature of the place makes it a calm and welcoming environment for anyone. (gay, straight etc.)

• Pros: wonderful environment
• Cons: not so modern

03/29/08

Decades

by rustyngeoffrey at Citysearch

Decades is a place for all generations!

Decades is truly the "cheers"-type establishment, where everybody knows your name. The minute you walk through the doors of this unassuming, open-armed atmosphere, you will instantly find yourself engaging in conversations with professional pianists, restaraunt managers, retirement counsellors, financial adivisors, physicians, nurses, lawyers, waiters and retirees.

The drinks are no stronger than those you might mix while entertaining friends in your own home. The prices are fair and the bartenders are as diverse as the patrons themselves. Each personality is multi-faceted and everyone can find someone with whom they relate.

Service may not always be at lightning speed, but that is only because the barkeep wouldn't dream of cutting you off mid-sentence, simply to rush a sloppy drink to an impatient dolt who cannot wait to medicate himself. Quality comes first at this bar. Quality in the libations served and quality in the relationships nurtured.

Whatever you fancy, you can find it here. Play billiards, join a dart league, sing karaoke, enter a chili cook-off, play a video trivia game or listen to the music playing on the jukebox...one of the best in town, in my opinion.

Everyone feels right at home, black or white, gay or straight, republican or democrat, male or female, young or old, all are welcome and all are treasured.

There is plenty of free parking and an outside, front porch patio allows conversation friendly seating for those who choose to smoke.

Many restaraunts deliver right to the bar, and cab companies are quick and responsive in the event you need a safe ride home.

Decades is not your kind of place if you are looking for an anonymous, faceless, lonely place to drown your sorrows. If, however, you are looking for some friendship, conversation, a place to belong and a safe place to be yourself, look no further. Decades is my favorite bar. Hope to see you there real soon!

• Pros: friendly, safe, be yourself atmosphere, good prices, service staff invests in patrons
• Cons: smoking area not covered, parking lot a little bumpy

08/06/07

Hole in the Wall

by rustyrusty at Citysearch

Not recommended. The only thing that can be said about this bar is the prices are good and the drinks are stuff. However, the place is a haven for shady activity. I've been twice and stumbled across someone doing illegal substances in the men's restroom. The second time there was a couple doing "that" in the restroom. The bartenders weren't the friendliest and serve drinks at a snails pace.

• Pros: Stiff drinks
• Cons: Shady activity all around.

Retro Montrose gay bar is the default hangout for veterans of Houston's gay and lesbian scene.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
The nondescript sign and barred windows predict the insular scene inside. Locals are careful not to betray any suspicion of newcomers, but it's clear that the regulars like to keep to themselves. The green Astroturf carpet, pallid wood paneling and framed watercolors don't excite the senses much, but the black-and-white photos of past customers do add a nice dose of sentimentality.

The Draw
Dart and pool fanatics will love the highly competitive weekly tournaments, while shuffleboard fans will be appeased by the championship table. Conversationalists appreciate the pleasantly low volume of the jukebox .

• Pros: DartsPool tournament
• Cons: Parking lot

01/09/03

Best Neighborhood Gay Bar

by joeinhouston at Citysearch

Great staff, excellent drinks, friendly crowd. Good variety on jukebox. Good place to play pool or darts.

• Pros: Friendly, Good for parties
• Cons: Parking lot rough