Refuge — Restaurant in Houston

From Pastry War to Tongue Cut Sparrow to Anvil to Refuge — every single one of Bobby Heugel’s liquor libations and cool vibe bars are an experience.

On the opposite side of the building where you would walk into Anvil, you’ll find a wide glass door with the small white script above the handle, ‘Refuge’ letting you know you arrived at the right place. You immediately walk up a flight of stairs on your left and you’re greeted warmly by someone at the top of the stairs asking if you’d like to sit at the bar, a table or get a booth.

We got a booth and were handed over to Maté where he served us with a jar of still water, jug of ice, and warm towels.

As always at one of Bobby’s spots I could not make up my mind and Maté assured me I could not go wrong. For the first round, I enjoyed the Hall Pass - a light, summery drink where the gin was imperceptible, the gooseberry was sweet, and the rose was bubbly - the kind of drink that could sneak up on you. My wife got the Pantone 359 and it tasted like the beach. Again, the kind of drink that could sneak up on you.

For the second round, I appreciated the sazerac with the oak-rich armagnac that’s great for sipping slowly. My wife sipped on the Sauternes cobbler. It was a delicious drink with the interesting combination of mango, tonka, and pomegranate seeds with the mango being the first flavor you taste, but the tonka lingers.

We were also served with a little glass plate of snacks while we drank and sweets with the bill.

This is a great spot for date night, time with a friend, or another couple. It has low ceilings and an intimate vibe, but it fills up quickly and becomes standing room only. If you’d like to enjoy the quiet plan to arrive early.

Parking can be tricky, so if you don’t find parking next to Refuge there is an unpaved parking lot across the street from Anvil shared with hair salon Cutthroat that you can...

For years, Refuge has been one of my absolute favorite places in Houston. A wonderful and classy location to enjoy amazing craft cocktails in a more intimate and relaxed environment than the downstairs Anvil. Sadly however, after our visit this last Saturday evening, they seem to have given into the party-girl shots bar vibe that has overtaken so many other once nice places throughout the city.

Numerous large, rambunctious groups were filling the space, some even packing 8 people into booths meant for 4, all ordering rounds of shots literally delivered with near-seizure-inducing strobing flashlights. We had to wait almost 30 minutes with our glasses empty just to try and order a second round of drinks, before finally just closing out and calling it a night. The incredible host graciously noticed no less than 3 times that we had yet to be helped and kept trying to get someone to assist us, but the party tables took all the focus of the room.

I truly hope that this was just a one-off bad night for Refuge and that it won't continue to be the norm going forward, but I'm not...

Amended Review I have been to Refuge 3 times. Refuge is quickly becoming my new favorite bar. The service, drinks, snacks, thoughtfully intimate details like, lighting, damp towel, and the most chic table lamps these eyes have seen. Something I would suggest would to dim the music a touch. The intimate Japanese cocktail bar theme is perfect for conversation. *Atmosphere: intimate feel, cool dark tones. Every detail of the bar from the lamps to the snacks and neon signs is so thoughtfully chosen. The first time visiting, this place truly was a refuge to my week, the busy city and job demands. *Cocktails: Bobby's Martini IS A MUST! It comes with an olive, pickle, lemon twist and pickled onion. The daiquiri was phenomenal - try to not get a brain freeze. The Hall Pass was sweet but refreshing. I would not recommend the pantone 359, unless, you really like the way banana boat sunscreen smells. *Service: Good, they make an effort to remember your name. It's not necessary to me but it does show this bar goes...