Recommended dishes: Spicy Rita, Espresso Martini Shots
Damarquis Casarez
I came into this establishment last night a little after 10pm. It was my first time there and initially I’m thinking it was a nice ambience. I was recommended by a server at Eddie V’s after enjoying dinner with my date.
Music was good, and it seemed like a great spot for drinks. But the service I experienced was no where near what I expected. The bartenders at one point were intentionally ignoring me and my date.
I ordered an old fashion, it was made with too much bitters, not my preference, so I asked if it could be remade with less bitters. The bartender didn’t want to make me another one for whatever reason, so he asked another bartender to make it. It was better but it was a very small pour for a typical old fashion. I usually go to The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, or a spot with good craft cocktails for old fashions which may be why I have a specific taste for them. But after I finished, the bartenders kept walking past, not acknowledging that we both were sitting with empty cocktail glasses. Two bartenders started having a conversation right in front of us with no attentiveness toward us.
I patiently waited to see if they would acknowledge us, but then I had to flag a bartender down. Instead of him making our drink he asks one of the bartenders that was talking and standing behind the bar to make it. That bartender casually finishes his conversation with the woman, then takes an order from a guest sitting right next to me, then proceeds to make my drink. At this point I’m just watching him pour my drink and I noticed he didn’t even fill a 1.5 ounce jigger to make my old fashion. Then pours it into a mixing glass that is typically used for Manhattans, waters down the drink in order to make it look like more liquor in the glass. Then pours it over rocks, not a big rock. I finished that drink so fast it was literally 3 gulps of watered down old fashion.
A woman comes and sits next to us to my left. A bartender walks right past, takes her order, ignores our empty glasses, doesn’t offer another drink, pours her Prosecco, and just walks away without acknowledging us at all. Then I sit there and watch to see if anyone was going to offer a check, or another drink. We had to flag another bartender down to get the check because at this point we’re ready to leave. Then has the audacity to charge 20% gratuity, for terrible service.
I hope this email reaches a manager, or owner maybe so these type of issues get corrected for future guests. Just wasn’t a good look. 1 out of 5 type of service experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Antonette
Update: also see owner’s patronizing response under my review, as well as other low ratings. This business does not state any of the fees they charge (i.e., in menus, waiters letting you know) until the receipt is given hence the conclusion that the fees are indeed “hidden”. Seems like a hard concept to grasp for the owners and is possibly why they believe it is fine to do so.
This place got really shady. Up-charges were 37% of actual costs of drinks. Most restaurants that do this explicitly state such charges on their menu, etc. However, Clarkwoods purposely hides these which is simply just a bad business practice leaving our group, and I’m sure most patrons, feeling deceived. Fees include 3.5% for “venue fee” which was justified as a credit card fee by the waitress ??? Automatic 20% gratuity to all orders, with the machine prompting for additional tip in addition to the 20%. $46.58 in total for 2 drinks. $34 for drinks and $12.58 is from fees.
E _
Came by the other day, sat at the bar and was ignored for 10 mins. Got up and walked away. Won’t be back and recommend you don’t either
Service: 1
Alex Campos
So I’ve been to clarkwood many times over the years but I came to look at the recent reviews and it’s a shame how the owner talks down to anyone who has an opinion. I mean the place is cute but there are far better places with more room and options. Let alone an obnoxious owner. Places close all the time so remember it’s the customers that keep your place open so stop being so smug. The nerve of some people. The stars are for the smart mouth on the owner, place is cute. Ha
Angelina Ledesma
food was decent, flavorful. drinks were alright. Ambience was delightful. however….. this restaurant needs like a wake up call fr… im not sure what the vibe was supposed to give but it gave Mexico vibes ? Just real chill and wholesome in a way?.. I went last week and I just heard about the way the bartender treated a Mexican. Very disheartening and dissapointing. please do better and be more welcoming to all!! everyone deserves to try the drinks and food. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Cesar Narvaez
Wants Mexican inspiration but not Mexicans in the establishment. Crazy.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
alex ruiz
I wanted to come here for a drinks with some of my friends because from a video I seen it seems like they make nice cocktails But, I started reading the reviews and some if not all the responses from the owner are completely out of line. How embarrassing to act like a petty lil girl over some comments that are hurting your establishment? It doesn’t make it any better and I’ve been In the industry for 8 years worked in some fine dining and some bad ones and this is a first to see an owner response to criticism over their service, the quality of food or drinks and hidden fees. If the owner acts this way I can only imagine the rest of the employees. We were looking forward to this but not anymore. Oh well
Jacob Barnes
Avoid this place, not honest people. Helped do the remodel on there new patio and outside bar, then they stiffed the contractors. Times are hard enough and you got people out there doing this kinda stuff.
Service: 1
killed mel
over priced, nothing special, honestly overall very boring. not worth the hype.
Great cocktails but!!!!! after the fact fees leave a bad taste when you leave.
They have a “venue” fee and add 20% gratuity to the bill. Some complaint responses where the “owner” seems quick to tout that it’s “transparent”.
Yeah, transparent after you get the bill….
Service and drinks were good but that should be up to the customer to express appreciation via tip, not forced.
To the owners, careful with the snark or I’ll post my bill.
7 cocktails total 2 people, >$169 all in.
Wild.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Mateo
This bar has always been my go-to spot for a relaxing night out, good drinks and great service. However, this last time I was there with my friends the music was so loud that we struggled to hear each other over the beats. It felt more like a club than a bar, which was disappointing since I typically enjoy the casual atmosphere. I appreciate that the bar tries to create a lively ambiance, but really it was way too loud. I still love this place and I will return but hopefully management considers adjusting the music levels in the future.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
David Pham
Nut allergies are clearly marked on their charcuterie boards.
Parking is basically on the street, metered from 7AM-6PM.
Time to Drinks: 6 Minutes
Clarkwood is definitely a trendy, intimate, upper class spot in the intersection of Montrose and the Heights. Parking is difficult, even on a weekday night when it was not that busy.
Service is decently attentive, even with self-seating. Waitresses kept a good eye out for when we needed a drink refill or new order.
I got their espresso martini and a Victoria Mexican Lager. The beers on tap are extremely basic light beers that would normally be half the price at another venue (1.5/5). The espresso martini was quite sweet, with the marshmallow being an interesting touch but definitely not the best I've had in Houston (3.5/5). It was too sweet (maybe some influence of the marshmallow?) and the espresso notes were light and not roasty at all.
It was not mentioned that gratuity was automatically included. I was delighted to see the options for only a 7% tip and maxed out my tip without realizing 20% gratuity was already added on. My mistake for doing bad math, but I seriously missed if this was mentioned anywhere.
My friend mentioned his negroni was also too sweet. Our third liked his Mai Tai, so maybe try that.
Also, no tap water? At a bar? We specifically asked, since the water that shows up at the table is something like $7 per person. Ridiculous.
Overall, I'd say it's overpriced and a nice date spot if you've got the wallet to spend for it. Likely won't be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Scott Briscoe
They have a happy hour M-F, but keep an eye on your check. Our bartender didn't give us the happy hour prices for our drinks. The happy hour is no secret, it's printed on the menu. When I questioned her about it, she made it right. The $17 Mezcal Old Fashion seems to be a batch made cocktail with a fancy ice cube, and some garnish. It's a stretch to charge $17 for a cocktail you're essentially just pouring out of a pitcher into a glass. For $17, I'd like to see my cocktail made from scratch. Maybe you could argue that they use batch made cocktails during a busy happy hour to keep up with customers. But, it wasn't crowded (there were empty seats at the bar), and I wasn't charged happy hour prices. The bartender also poured my cocktail into a glass, tasted it, and then she decided it wasn't the correct cocktail (she poured the wrong batch made cocktail). So she dumped that mystery drink out into the sink and tried again. It seems very odd that they don't have their bottles labeled. I thought that was a requirement or at least standard practice in the food/beverage industry.
Pricey, but good drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Spicy Rita, Espresso Martini Shots
I came into this establishment last night a little after 10pm. It was my first time there and initially I’m thinking it was a nice ambience. I was recommended by a server at Eddie V’s after enjoying dinner with my date.
Music was good, and it seemed like a great spot for drinks. But the service I experienced was no where near what I expected. The bartenders at one point were intentionally ignoring me and my date.
I ordered an old fashion, it was made with too much bitters, not my preference, so I asked if it could be remade with less bitters. The bartender didn’t want to make me another one for whatever reason, so he asked another bartender to make it. It was better but it was a very small pour for a typical old fashion. I usually go to The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, or a spot with good craft cocktails for old fashions which may be why I have a specific taste for them. But after I finished, the bartenders kept walking past, not acknowledging that we both were sitting with empty cocktail glasses. Two bartenders started having a conversation right in front of us with no attentiveness toward us.
I patiently waited to see if they would acknowledge us, but then I had to flag a bartender down. Instead of him making our drink he asks one of the bartenders that was talking and standing behind the bar to make it. That bartender casually finishes his conversation with the woman, then takes an order from a guest sitting right next to me, then proceeds to make my drink. At this point I’m just watching him pour my drink and I noticed he didn’t even fill a 1.5 ounce jigger to make my old fashion. Then pours it into a mixing glass that is typically used for Manhattans, waters down the drink in order to make it look like more liquor in the glass. Then pours it over rocks, not a big rock. I finished that drink so fast it was literally 3 gulps of watered down old fashion.
A woman comes and sits next to us to my left. A bartender walks right past, takes her order, ignores our empty glasses, doesn’t offer another drink, pours her Prosecco, and just walks away without acknowledging us at all. Then I sit there and watch to see if anyone was going to offer a check, or another drink. We had to flag another bartender down to get the check because at this point we’re ready to leave. Then has the audacity to charge 20% gratuity, for terrible service.
I hope this email reaches a manager, or owner maybe so these type of issues get corrected for future guests. Just wasn’t a good look. 1 out of 5 type of service experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Update: also see owner’s patronizing response under my review, as well as other low ratings. This business does not state any of the fees they charge (i.e., in menus, waiters letting you know) until the receipt is given hence the conclusion that the fees are indeed “hidden”. Seems like a hard concept to grasp for the owners and is possibly why they believe it is fine to do so.
This place got really shady. Up-charges were 37% of actual costs of drinks. Most restaurants that do this explicitly state such charges on their menu, etc. However, Clarkwoods purposely hides these which is simply just a bad business practice leaving our group, and I’m sure most patrons, feeling deceived. Fees include 3.5% for “venue fee” which was justified as a credit card fee by the waitress ??? Automatic 20% gratuity to all orders, with the machine prompting for additional tip in addition to the 20%. $46.58 in total for 2 drinks. $34 for drinks and $12.58 is from fees.
Came by the other day, sat at the bar and was ignored for 10 mins. Got up and walked away. Won’t be back and recommend you don’t either
Service: 1
So I’ve been to clarkwood many times over the years but I came to look at the recent reviews and it’s a shame how the owner talks down to anyone who has an opinion. I mean the place is cute but there are far better places with more room and options. Let alone an obnoxious owner. Places close all the time so remember it’s the customers that keep your place open so stop being so smug. The nerve of some people. The stars are for the smart mouth on the owner, place is cute. Ha
food was decent, flavorful. drinks were alright. Ambience was delightful. however….. this restaurant needs like a wake up call fr… im not sure what the vibe was supposed to give but it gave Mexico vibes ? Just real chill and wholesome in a way?.. I went last week and I just heard about the way the bartender treated a Mexican. Very disheartening and dissapointing. please do better and be more welcoming to all!! everyone deserves to try the drinks and food. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Wants Mexican inspiration but not Mexicans in the establishment. Crazy.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I wanted to come here for a drinks with some of my friends because from a video I seen it seems like they make nice cocktails But, I started reading the reviews and some if not all the responses from the owner are completely out of line. How embarrassing to act like a petty lil girl over some comments that are hurting your establishment? It doesn’t make it any better and I’ve been In the industry for 8 years worked in some fine dining and some bad ones and this is a first to see an owner response to criticism over their service, the quality of food or drinks and hidden fees. If the owner acts this way I can only imagine the rest of the employees. We were looking forward to this but not anymore. Oh well
Avoid this place, not honest people. Helped do the remodel on there new patio and outside bar, then they stiffed the contractors. Times are hard enough and you got people out there doing this kinda stuff.
Service: 1
over priced, nothing special, honestly overall very boring. not worth the hype.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Disgusting place
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Mexican Candy
Great cocktails but!!!!! after the fact fees leave a bad taste when you leave.
They have a “venue” fee and add 20% gratuity to the bill. Some complaint responses where the “owner” seems quick to tout that it’s “transparent”.
Yeah, transparent after you get the bill….
Service and drinks were good but that should be up to the customer to express appreciation via tip, not forced.
To the owners, careful with the snark or I’ll post my bill.
7 cocktails total 2 people, >$169 all in.
Wild.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
This bar has always been my go-to spot for a relaxing night out, good drinks and great service. However, this last time I was there with my friends the music was so loud that we struggled to hear each other over the beats. It felt more like a club than a bar, which was disappointing since I typically enjoy the casual atmosphere. I appreciate that the bar tries to create a lively ambiance, but really it was way too loud. I still love this place and I will return but hopefully management considers adjusting the music levels in the future.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Nut allergies are clearly marked on their charcuterie boards.
Parking is basically on the street, metered from 7AM-6PM.
Time to Drinks: 6 Minutes
Clarkwood is definitely a trendy, intimate, upper class spot in the intersection of Montrose and the Heights. Parking is difficult, even on a weekday night when it was not that busy.
Service is decently attentive, even with self-seating. Waitresses kept a good eye out for when we needed a drink refill or new order.
I got their espresso martini and a Victoria Mexican Lager. The beers on tap are extremely basic light beers that would normally be half the price at another venue (1.5/5). The espresso martini was quite sweet, with the marshmallow being an interesting touch but definitely not the best I've had in Houston (3.5/5). It was too sweet (maybe some influence of the marshmallow?) and the espresso notes were light and not roasty at all.
It was not mentioned that gratuity was automatically included. I was delighted to see the options for only a 7% tip and maxed out my tip without realizing 20% gratuity was already added on. My mistake for doing bad math, but I seriously missed if this was mentioned anywhere.
My friend mentioned his negroni was also too sweet. Our third liked his Mai Tai, so maybe try that.
Also, no tap water? At a bar? We specifically asked, since the water that shows up at the table is something like $7 per person. Ridiculous.
Overall, I'd say it's overpriced and a nice date spot if you've got the wallet to spend for it. Likely won't be coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
They have a happy hour M-F, but keep an eye on your check. Our bartender didn't give us the happy hour prices for our drinks. The happy hour is no secret, it's printed on the menu. When I questioned her about it, she made it right. The $17 Mezcal Old Fashion seems to be a batch made cocktail with a fancy ice cube, and some garnish. It's a stretch to charge $17 for a cocktail you're essentially just pouring out of a pitcher into a glass. For $17, I'd like to see my cocktail made from scratch. Maybe you could argue that they use batch made cocktails during a busy happy hour to keep up with customers. But, it wasn't crowded (there were empty seats at the bar), and I wasn't charged happy hour prices. The bartender also poured my cocktail into a glass, tasted it, and then she decided it wasn't the correct cocktail (she poured the wrong batch made cocktail). So she dumped that mystery drink out into the sink and tried again. It seems very odd that they don't have their bottles labeled. I thought that was a requirement or at least standard practice in the food/beverage industry.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
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