Monarch Bar and Lounge — Restaurant in Houston

This is my first time here, and just sat down with a drink on the patio. Super rude bartender. I went ahead and closed out when I got my drink because I don't want to stay. He didn't tell me anything about happy hour, so I just paid $16 for a Citron and soda, and no, it's not a double. That includes a tip, though. It was a decent, pour, though, so I'll give him that. And the place is very nice, we'll done. I used to come here when it was Shakespares.

Reply to Owners Response:

I was not served anything from the kitchen. Bartender asked me if I wanted some chips & salsa and I declined.

Bartender laid a menu on the bar and did not open it to the happy hour page.

Bartender didn't say squat about happy hour specials.

I asked him what the well vodka was and he said "Taaka", so I ordered Absolut Citron. That's as far as it went discussing happy hour with me.

Two lovely women sat near me on the patio. One asked him/bartender for a classic margarita on the rocks. The bartender said that there are only frozen margaritas, so she ordered something else. He can't break out a shaker tin?

Yes, it would be nice if you could post security footage because everything you said was a lie, except for the premium vodka. Security footage? Really?

I work for a large oil & gas company and plan all of the team building events for the company. You didn't lose a customer; you lost potential...

The atmosphere, meaning the great show that Mango Punch plays is the only worthwhile thing in this place.

The owner needs to hire more staff to serve the people who come out. He is missing out on a great opportunity to make a profit. People want to eat and drink but there is not enough waitstaff or products. I would have spent even more but there was no service or drinks available for purchase. It was either dance or wait at the bar forever.

The owner also needs to turn the A/C on.

It is sweltering in the place and there are more than a hundred people here tonight September 5, 2025.

Added to respond to the reply by owner: people were asked to make reservations so in fact, you knew how many people were showing up.

It would have helped if the restaurant staff would have followed the reservation list and only allowed those with reservations to come in to the venue. That seems to be the point of a well-planned event. People who had called and made reservations, and who even received calls from the restaurant to confirm their reservation, were told upon their arrival there was no table for them because attendees who did NOT reserve their seats were given preference and that defeats the purpose of making reservations.

I kindly suggest that you train your staff to better handle reservation taking...

This used to be a dive bar called Shakespeare’s. It’s tucked away in a small strip center behind a Kolache Factory (which used to be a Taco Bell years ago). I love the parking right near the door, the remodel is an open concept with better lighting, the service is great and the prices are decent. They had live music the night I went (a Friday night). There’s a large screen behind the band that plays music videos. There’s bar seating, high top tables, booths and regular table seating available. One group had a child with them, so I believe it’s family friendly, but call to be sure. They also offer a covered patio with nice cushioned outdoor furniture. It really was a shock to see how well they revamped this place. There’s lots of velvet in the bar. The seats are velvet and the curtains are velvet, but it’s done tastefully. I love the convenience to home and I felt safe there. They give you a small plate of chips and salsa to start. The menu is fairly large for a bar. The chicken Marsala was delicious and the portions are big. I will...