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Anvil Bar & Refuge

Cocktail Bar and Whisky Bar$$$$

Houston

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Anvil Bar & Refuge

9.0^/10

596

ratings

Ranked #1 for cocktail bars in Houston
The folks at Eater and The Wall Street Journal like this place. Would you agree?
"I hear the Pliny tonic and brimstone texas whiskey are great."(5 Tips)
"One of the few and best craft cocktail places in Houston."(6 Tips)
"Best cocktails in Houston, the bartenders are truly master creators."(3 Tips)
"Amazing old fashioned cocktails."(6 Tips)

181 Tips and reviews

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cocktails
trendy
pliny
good for dates
authentic
good for singles
off-menu items
happy hour
gin
pretzels
tequila
great value
staff
DJs
liqueurs
chicken pot pie
cobbler
eggs
chili
good for special occasions
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The Wall Street JournalAugust 3, 2014
Try the Nitro Cuba Libre, a seriously upgraded rum and Coke dispensed through a nitrogen tap, giving the drink the appearance and creaminess of a pint of Guinness. Read more
Upvoted Apr 6
Rebekah WesleyMay 24, 2012
Been here 5+ times
The Champagne Flip is AMAZING!!!!!! Also try a Queens Park Swizzle, which is my off the menu go to drink, it's a not so sweet mojito with bitters and always drink it from the bottom up!
EaterMay 28, 2014
Emma Janzen writes, “Anvil was one of the first bars to put Texas on the map for craft cocktails, and since then, the standards have yet to dip.” Founder Bobby Heugel is the one to thank for that. Read more
Alex AlamJanuary 8, 2014
The drink menu probably has a lot of things you've never tried. Keep an open mind and you will be greatly rewarded!
Tom AdamsJanuary 5, 2018
I live in NYC and I’ve never waited as long for a couple of cocktails to be made; but it’s totally worth it. The house craft recipes are brilliant.
Elizabeth BursteinSeptember 30, 2018
Loved the blue hawaiian drink but the yolk shots were not for me! Have the bartenders make something custom for you! Super nice
Jonathan HaenchenMarch 30, 2016
Incredible menu which can be expensive. Perfect for after-dinner drinks; neighborhood parking is available. Excellent date night spot with attentive and knowledgable bartenders.
Ross WSSeptember 5, 2016
Its city’s first bar devoted to classic cocktails, Anvil boasts a 100-strong menu. In-house creations and beer taps are also available in this modern-industrial Houston haunt.
Andres NovoaNovember 2, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Great trendy spot for cocktails with friends! If you're in a big group you're going to have to stake out one of their booths. This place can get pretty packed.
EaterMarch 26, 2013
Heading towards its fourth birthday, some might be tempted to think Anvil is resting on its laurels, but the bar's recently updated list of 100 cocktails to try shows that it still leads the pack.
KathrineJune 8, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Great cocktails. Super busy late at night, though, so go early if you can.
VivianAugust 23, 2014
This place is incredible. The cocktails are amazing and made with lots of love. The bartenders are so friendly and will answer any questions you have about the drinks. I highly recommend this place..
Social News NetworkNovember 24, 2013
Love the new ideas of drinks that they have every week. Very unique place to have a get together and catch up or a casual night out with friends.
RainmanDecember 20, 2013
Been here 100+ times
If you're not sure what to order, ask for a recommendation by telling any of the bartenders what you normally enjoy drinking.
Matthew SchwabenbauerAugust 7, 2014
Amazing old fashioned cocktails. Pre-prohibition style drinks and speakeasy atmosphere. Gigantic drink menu, smaller craft beer and interesting food menu. Pretty pricy.
Men's Health MagNovember 15, 2011
It’s dark and there’s not a TV in sight, so you can give her your full attention. She’ll appreciate the cocktail list, too. These guys know their way around a mixed drink. Try The Brave…if you dare.
Ross WSJanuary 16, 2017
A pioneer of Houston, Anvil was one of the first to revive the classics – its work isn’t forgotten and this year Anvil rises eight places in the World's Top 50.
Jessica RiosDecember 28, 2018
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the long menu, but you can’t go wrong with any of the drinks. The Pliny Tonic was my favorite.
Felipe VeigaDecember 1, 2015
amazing staff with great off menu drinks! delicious food as well, specifically the chicken pot pie!
Mike RomoDecember 29, 2014
Been here 5+ times
What's not to like? This is one of the finest bars in the country. Check out their amazing selection of Old Tom Gin while you're there.
Ivonne GonzalezOctober 25, 2014
Never a disappointment, great cocktails, the mixologist are personable and give great recommendations. Love this place!
Brittany NicoleNovember 14, 2011
Huge menu of unusual drinks. Fun place to be adventurous. I usually tell the bartender a typical drink I would order (like a Tom Collins or vodka tonic) and let them come up with something I'd like.
Jarrod KlawinskySeptember 15, 2016
One of the few and best craft cocktail places in Houston. Just tell the bar tenders what you like and watch them cook something up.
Caro LMay 19, 2015
#1 place in cocktails in Houston. Nice list of cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating. Dress code is mixed with dressy and casual.
Austin ReedJanuary 4, 2017
Great atmosphere, innovative menu but the taste doesn't live up to the hype or cost. The drinks I've had were muddled without any surprising flavor profiles that could carry the weight of the cost.
Bitches Who BrunchAugust 4, 2016
With a cocktail list boasting over 100 classic cocktails and a few originals, their experienced bartenders are sure to make you the perfect libation. Read more
Joe AndersonJune 11, 2012
This place gives me hope for the future of mixology. Interesting and delicious cocktails using high quality ingredients... A must visit for any cocktail lover visiting Houston!
Adam FeldmanDecember 22, 2012
I hear the Pliny tonic and brimstone texas whiskey are great. I loved the rubus swizzle and Sazerac (pictured)
Jensen LugoSeptember 26, 2015
Everything is great! Just tell your bartender what you're in the mood for and let them take care of the rest!
T.s. WilliamsApril 27, 2016
Scotch eggs are amazing... Wish I brought my own Coleman's mustard. Kimchi is good just not a perfect marriage of flavors.
Zach RDecember 14, 2014
Been here 10+ times
A ton of drinks to choose from, and not a single bad one in my experience. The bartenders really put a lot of effort into making you an incredible cocktail.
Zach RJanuary 16, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Happy hour is clutch. All drinks 1/2 price 4-5pm. Get here early because everyone else is cheap, too.
M GApril 25, 2015
Bartender's choice is a safe bet. These guys are professionals. Tell them what you like and let them surprise you!
Ricardo HernandezDecember 12, 2015
Great list of original creations. Top liquors. Casual ambiance.
My Table MagazineMarch 27, 2013
The cocktail bar has always had tasty food options (Sunday brunch RIP!) and we’re particularly partial to the warm pretzels and curry eggs... Read more
Heath TerryAugust 9, 2014
Great cocktails. Start with one and work your way down the menu. Do the bourbon ones twice.
Christy LandesSeptember 25, 2014
During busy times very slow, but it's worth a wait. Parking is also tough... Creative drinks and good snacks.
Reni AbrahamJuly 15, 2011
Been here 10+ times
Try the Ethels Grove! Great gin drink that doesn't really like gin! Also, try the Piney's Tonic which has chili tincture in it for an added kick!
Eileen SeagravesApril 21, 2017
Pastrami plate was small for the $. Specialty only in mixed cocktails. Called a whiskey bar only for their selection, but they have a terrible pour. For young crowd looking for something different.
JasonSeptember 18, 2012
Great appetizers! Amazing drinks! What more can you ask for ? Make sure you try the curry egg dip..it's delicious!!!
Mike SeilbackDecember 29, 2015
Top notch mixology. Lots of interesting combinations and good scenery as well
Houston PressOctober 10, 2012
2012 Best of Houston Winner: Best Cocktail Bar.Check out more Houston Press Winners here:http://www.houstonpress.com/bestof/ Or go moblie with the free Best Of app.
Houston PressJanuary 25, 2011
2010 Best of Houston® Winner: Best Bartender: Come meet Mindy Kucan, the brassy brunette who has been slinging drinks at the Westheimer haunt for close to a year now, and she has a devoted following.
Atlanta Food & Wine FestivalApril 18, 2012
Ever wonder how to make the perfect cocktail? Join us at this years Atlanta Food & Wine Festival in May where mixologist Bobby Heugel will show you how! Get your tickets today! Read more
Oliver G.October 25, 2011
creative/strong drinks, good crowds & friendly bartenders. Be careful where you park if you're going to take a cab home or you might get towed.
Eva K.March 9, 2011
Been here 10+ times
My other favorite bar ;) Get the Zombie, Queen's Park Swizzle, Gin Gin Mule and a Ramos Gin Fizz, the latter only if it's not busy!
Jennifer VickersNovember 2, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Bartenders choice. And a Diablo if you're new to the craft cocktail thing.
Samantha Sarah WalterJuly 9, 2011
With my favorite person in the world. About to have my favorite drink in the world, Amero di Montenegro. Plus headed home to Dallas for the night tomorrow. I couldn't be a happier girl!!
Billy OvallesJanuary 20, 2017
We sampled the $9 dollar valet parking (even though arrived at 7:30pm & left at 9:07), the $7 dollar plate of 11 olives, $7 dollar stale nuts, and a couple of $13 dollar average tasting cocktails.
Miriam GoldmanJanuary 12, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Their grasshopper is insane. It's like a beautiful, teeny, Shamrock shake with liquor in it.

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