Stopped in for a few drinks and suprisingly got 3 spots at the bar. (Usually it is super packed) The bartender was great! We got 2 smoky old fashioneds and a drink with Japanese whiskey. All were fantastic. He then guided us on a great rye finished in rum barrels. đđ˝
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
mason farmer
Best service and atmosphere to be in , drinks and food really good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mia hudkins
Permission Whiskey is truly a gem in the Heights. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and elevated without ever feeling pretentious. Their whiskey selection is incredible â you can tell a lot of thought goes into the curation, from rare pours to approachable classics for people still learning their palate.
Mason is an outstanding bartender and a huge part of what makes the experience memorable. Heâs knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely takes the time to help you find something youâll love. Whether youâre trying something new or looking for a perfect recommendation, he makes you feel taken care of the entire time. His hospitality and attention to detail really set the tone for the bar.
If youâre looking for a spot with great energy, craft-level cocktails, and service that feels personal and intentional â Permission Whiskey is absolutely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Morgan. M.
I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH!!!! Truly some of the best drinks in Houston (the espresso martini is to die for) not to mention a caring, kind, and attentive staff đđ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TR
Fantastic selection, service and ambiance. The staff is well versed in the wide array of spirits and cocktails. Canât wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dante Pernell
My fiancĂŠ and I visited Permission Whiskey on a Friday evening and sat at the bar. Shortly after sitting down, the bartender, Mason, asked for a card to keep on file, which I provided. We each ordered one drink, which should have totaled around $30.
Partway through our visit, an older gentleman sat beside us and began making casual conversation. When it was time to close out our tab, I was shocked to see a total of $52.04âmuch higher than what we had ordered. When I asked about the discrepancy, Mason informed me that he had added the other gentlemanâs drinks to my tab because he âassumedâ we were together.
As anyone who frequents bars knows, itâs standard for a bartender to clarifyââAre these together?ââbefore adding drinks to a customerâs bill. Mason did not ask, took no accountability, and didnât even offer a genuine apology for the mistake.
When I requested to speak to a manager, Zach Haag eventually came overâbut instead of addressing me directly from the start, he first spoke to Mason to hear his side. Zach then voided the incorrect charge and said heâd re-run the correct total. However, when I checked my bank account moments later, I discovered that both charges had gone throughâthe incorrect $52.04 and the corrected amount, meaning I was charged $82.04 for two drinks.
Because it was a Friday night, I now have to wait until Monday for the refund to processâan inconvenience caused entirely by their error. There was no ownership, no real apology, and no effort to make things right.
This experience was extremely disappointing, unprofessional, and disrespectful to paying customers. I will not be returning and plan to escalate this further with ownership or upper management. If you value honesty, good service, and basic customer care, I strongly recommend spending your money and time elsewhere.
Service: 1
B Blake
UPDATE BELOW: Terrible customer service. I have entertained Permission based on a good friendâs recommendation. In the last month I have spent over $3000 at this establishment on Omakase dinner, James private club membership, and general entertaining of friends and family. In the end, the customer service is extremely poor. They seem to feel customers are a burden, charged $1500 for membership, but do not honor membership privileges / reservations. I really wanted to love this place. There are several amazing bourbon spots in Houston; this one is simply not worth the effort.
UPDATE- My initial issue was solely the fact that they told me I reserved a table, then didnât honor it (see image below). Had they indicated in any what that it would be standing room only or we would only be in the queue, we would have gone somewhere else. We were not offered drinks until 50min after we first arrived, to which we refused because we already purchased our own drinks. But whats even worse than this simple miscommunication, and what prompted me to write a review & ask for a refund, is how Pete and the staff handled the mistake. The smug attitude, acting as though I was demanding and difficult rather than simply expressing feedback about how things could have been done different. Of course Pete was âwaiting â for my review, because I had the courage to respectfully speak up directly to him rather than going to a public forum. Itâs unfortunate when ego is a barrier to progress. It was clear I was no longer welcome at Permission or the James so I requested a refund of my membership. I am still waiting for my refund to be processed.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Ryan LeMoine
Great drinks, great staff, great service. They will even set up reservations through an instagram DM. Approachable and flexible businesses are the best! Your competition is not like you, keep it up! đŻ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hiresh Tailor
What a hidden gem! The Permission bar is already a cool spot, but discovering the speakeasy James inside took the night to another level. The atmosphere was incredibleâintimate, stylish, and full of that classic speakeasy charm. The staff made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in.
Huge shoutout to Luis, our bartender, who truly made the experience unforgettable. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and crafted some of the best cocktails Iâve ever had. Each drink was perfectly balanced and tailored to what we liked.
If youâre looking for a unique night out with top-notch drinks, amazing vibes, and fantastic service, James at Permission is the place to be. Canât wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danna Apolloni
Permission is wonderful. We always have a great time and the service is always to notch. Matt is the BEST!
We weren't exactly sure what this place was when we first saw it, then we heard they collaborate with Ume Sushi, our favorite sushi restaurant.
We tried it, we love it! very elegant, yummy drinks, so fun! We love it! Haven't eaten there yet, but we will!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Jerica Saddler Bragner
We had the best time at Permissionâmeeting up with friends over oysters, drinks, and nonstop laughs in that dark, sexy, canât-help-but-stay-awhile vibe. It was our first time, but definitely not our last.
Their tequila old fashioned? Pure magic. These tequila lovers were đâbold, smooth, and dangerously good.
Highly recommend if youâre craving good energy, sultry ambiance, and a damn good cocktail.â¨đ¸đŚŞ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AA R
For those seeking an exceptional ambiance, regardless of the day, look no further. Permission provides an ideal setting for a weekday date, complete with the perfect beverage, or a weekend night out, featuring excellent music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
terry obot
Terrible service
Cody Baird
Nice sit. Couple of fantastic drinks. Quality service and atmosphere. Glad we came and will come back in the future.
Stopped in for a few drinks and suprisingly got 3 spots at the bar. (Usually it is super packed) The bartender was great! We got 2 smoky old fashioneds and a drink with Japanese whiskey. All were fantastic. He then guided us on a great rye finished in rum barrels. đđ˝
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Best service and atmosphere to be in , drinks and food really good
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Permission Whiskey is truly a gem in the Heights. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and elevated without ever feeling pretentious. Their whiskey selection is incredible â you can tell a lot of thought goes into the curation, from rare pours to approachable classics for people still learning their palate.
Mason is an outstanding bartender and a huge part of what makes the experience memorable. Heâs knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely takes the time to help you find something youâll love. Whether youâre trying something new or looking for a perfect recommendation, he makes you feel taken care of the entire time. His hospitality and attention to detail really set the tone for the bar.
If youâre looking for a spot with great energy, craft-level cocktails, and service that feels personal and intentional â Permission Whiskey is absolutely worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I LOVE THIS PLACE SO MUCH!!!! Truly some of the best drinks in Houston (the espresso martini is to die for) not to mention a caring, kind, and attentive staff đđ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic selection, service and ambiance. The staff is well versed in the wide array of spirits and cocktails. Canât wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My fiancĂŠ and I visited Permission Whiskey on a Friday evening and sat at the bar. Shortly after sitting down, the bartender, Mason, asked for a card to keep on file, which I provided. We each ordered one drink, which should have totaled around $30.
Partway through our visit, an older gentleman sat beside us and began making casual conversation. When it was time to close out our tab, I was shocked to see a total of $52.04âmuch higher than what we had ordered. When I asked about the discrepancy, Mason informed me that he had added the other gentlemanâs drinks to my tab because he âassumedâ we were together.
As anyone who frequents bars knows, itâs standard for a bartender to clarifyââAre these together?ââbefore adding drinks to a customerâs bill. Mason did not ask, took no accountability, and didnât even offer a genuine apology for the mistake.
When I requested to speak to a manager, Zach Haag eventually came overâbut instead of addressing me directly from the start, he first spoke to Mason to hear his side. Zach then voided the incorrect charge and said heâd re-run the correct total. However, when I checked my bank account moments later, I discovered that both charges had gone throughâthe incorrect $52.04 and the corrected amount, meaning I was charged $82.04 for two drinks.
Because it was a Friday night, I now have to wait until Monday for the refund to processâan inconvenience caused entirely by their error. There was no ownership, no real apology, and no effort to make things right.
This experience was extremely disappointing, unprofessional, and disrespectful to paying customers. I will not be returning and plan to escalate this further with ownership or upper management. If you value honesty, good service, and basic customer care, I strongly recommend spending your money and time elsewhere.
Service: 1
UPDATE BELOW: Terrible customer service. I have entertained Permission based on a good friendâs recommendation. In the last month I have spent over $3000 at this establishment on Omakase dinner, James private club membership, and general entertaining of friends and family. In the end, the customer service is extremely poor. They seem to feel customers are a burden, charged $1500 for membership, but do not honor membership privileges / reservations. I really wanted to love this place. There are several amazing bourbon spots in Houston; this one is simply not worth the effort.
UPDATE- My initial issue was solely the fact that they told me I reserved a table, then didnât honor it (see image below). Had they indicated in any what that it would be standing room only or we would only be in the queue, we would have gone somewhere else. We were not offered drinks until 50min after we first arrived, to which we refused because we already purchased our own drinks. But whats even worse than this simple miscommunication, and what prompted me to write a review & ask for a refund, is how Pete and the staff handled the mistake. The smug attitude, acting as though I was demanding and difficult rather than simply expressing feedback about how things could have been done different. Of course Pete was âwaiting â for my review, because I had the courage to respectfully speak up directly to him rather than going to a public forum. Itâs unfortunate when ego is a barrier to progress. It was clear I was no longer welcome at Permission or the James so I requested a refund of my membership. I am still waiting for my refund to be processed.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Great drinks, great staff, great service. They will even set up reservations through an instagram DM. Approachable and flexible businesses are the best! Your competition is not like you, keep it up! đŻ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a hidden gem! The Permission bar is already a cool spot, but discovering the speakeasy James inside took the night to another level. The atmosphere was incredibleâintimate, stylish, and full of that classic speakeasy charm. The staff made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in.
Huge shoutout to Luis, our bartender, who truly made the experience unforgettable. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and crafted some of the best cocktails Iâve ever had. Each drink was perfectly balanced and tailored to what we liked.
If youâre looking for a unique night out with top-notch drinks, amazing vibes, and fantastic service, James at Permission is the place to be. Canât wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Permission is wonderful. We always have a great time and the service is always to notch. Matt is the BEST!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We weren't exactly sure what this place was when we first saw it, then we heard they collaborate with Ume Sushi, our favorite sushi restaurant.
We tried it, we love it! very elegant, yummy drinks, so fun! We love it! Haven't eaten there yet, but we will!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We had the best time at Permissionâmeeting up with friends over oysters, drinks, and nonstop laughs in that dark, sexy, canât-help-but-stay-awhile vibe. It was our first time, but definitely not our last.
Their tequila old fashioned? Pure magic. These tequila lovers were đâbold, smooth, and dangerously good.
Highly recommend if youâre craving good energy, sultry ambiance, and a damn good cocktail.â¨đ¸đŚŞ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For those seeking an exceptional ambiance, regardless of the day, look no further. Permission provides an ideal setting for a weekday date, complete with the perfect beverage, or a weekend night out, featuring excellent music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Terrible service
Nice sit. Couple of fantastic drinks. Quality service and atmosphere. Glad we came and will come back in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
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