The Garrison — Restaurant in El Paso

Went in yesterday to grab some cocktails and hang out with friends. We were having a nice relaxing evening, the service was good and so were the drinks. That was until the “dance” show started… Apparently there was a live performance from a dance group not jazz or anything classy, but rather pretty raunchy. I didn’t know if I was at a classy cocktail bar or a trashy dive bar. The girls were pretending to sing and had some pretty explicit dance moves. I mean everyone around us was laughing at them including us it was pretty pathetic and we were a little taken a back. The performance just didn’t go with the place or the ambience. There was nothing classy about it and it looked like it belonged in a trashy dive bar. After about 20 minutes of this we finished our drinks and left. Like seriously it wasn’t even nice to look at, it was pretty distasteful and cringy. Even people walking by outside were like what the hell is going on in there??? I guess to each its own… but in my opinion there is a lot better talent out there and if I wanted to see that I would go to a strip club not a cocktail lounge bar…. Just sayin… I’m not into places that demean women and objectify their sexuality to make money, that just isn’t in anymore and most women are sick of it… it was not sexy, it was not talent, it was gross...

🎺🎶 Come for the live jazz (every Wed with drink specials!), stay for the sultry lighting and comfy seats.🍹Must Order: Over the Arroyo ($13) superb and well balanced mezcal + smoked rosemary. Everything else is too sweet for my taste (esp the espresso martini). 🍷Wine selection is very limited (they really need more dry & sparkling options). 🥃 Nice whiskey collection but prices unclear.

🎹 Jazz jam sesh every Wednesday night 8:30-10 (sometimes earlier— 🕐 check Jazz Exchange Instagram or website for schedule & reserve your table with The Jazz Exchange — they’ll hold the table for 25 min & it gets crowded).

DRINKS: ☕️Espresso Martini ($13) is too sweet. And house special “The Garrison” ($28) is unique & Instagram ready (legit comes in a smoking treasure chest), but not worth the price tag.

♿️ ✅ wheelchair accesible entrance and single stall bathrooms. Tables are high top, high bar, couches (very spaciously arranged for groups of 4-10) — on live music nights, make a reservation! Plenty of parking nearby.

Shout out to bartender Michael, who provides great, fast service with attention to detail. Thanks...

This new bar that just opened up downtown literally across the street from the courthouse is set with class. This is not a dive bar. It truly is an experience for your palette. Each cocktail is made with incredible detail meant to ensnare the senses. Cocktails presented with flame broiled banana chips, mescal so smooth it toys with your tongue, an old fashioned that helps unwind the day or The Garrison a signature drink presented in a smoker these are just a handful of what is offered. Chandeliers and the upholstery continue the classy experience throughout with live music being a real treat. And the fine men and women working to keep it all perfectly balanced are all well experienced and bring their own individuality to their craft. Great after a long day in the office to have a proper drink. Bring your significant other after an evening dinner and enjoy the luxurious feel of this...