Washington Avenue Renderings

[TheNiche 945]

Only the 6th Ward/Houston Avenue area has a chance.

Nope.

[swtsig 2929]

OOOOOO Yippy! Maybe we really will get a laid back bar on washington with the harp place. Pearl bar is ridiculous these days. Brad and Bridgette had a vision for that place, and I really don't think this is it. I drove by last night around 1030 and there was a line of at least 40 people WAITING to get in! Are you serious?! I also was quite the little buisness lady last night and made 15 bucks by telling folks that were clearly not from the neighborhood that I would be happy to keep an eye on their cars if they parked them on the street in front of my house! Happy trails back to the woodlands, guy with the gigantic ford pickup truck!

The gentlemen who owns Laredo Taqueria came in to quite a deal of good fortune when he purchased the lot where the old red house once stood. He paid less than half the land value. Now he uses it all day for his taco place and at night is charging 5 dollars a spot to park there. On the positive side, there is someone watching the parking lots until 230 am, and it keeps the riff raff away from the payphone!

i'll go ahead and admit that the pearl bar i loved just a few short months ago is no longer... at least on friday and saturday nights. lines, middle-aged men in skin tight affliction t-shirts with spiky hair and designer jeans, plastic women with too much botox, etc. what a damn shame, and i agree that that is not what bridgette was shooting for when she opened the place. i've still enjoyed myself on happy hours there, especially with the old-school funk and r&b DJ spinning out back, but the laid back friday or saturday nights of playing table some beer pong or flip cup or just relaxing with some friends are over... for now, at least.

[20thStDad 255]

I'm way out of the club scene in Houston, but talking to a friend about a place I noticed that was empty, he commented that he thinks that Houston has a migrating scene. A hot new place opens up, catches fire, keeps going for a bit, then the crowd moves on somewhere else, almost completely abandoning that place. No rhyme or reason most of the time, and with lots of re-treads, places opening under a new name. I'm talking "hot" clubs, not laid back, icehouse, hangout type places. Maybe it'll calm back down for Pearl Bar. I won't go near it unless it does, I can't stand a clubby atmosphere. Trendy=annoying in my book.

[longhornguy 4]

Agreed, psuedo-Studio 54 type atmospheres are really annoying. I hate it when they make a line form outside just to make it seem like it's packed inside (i.e. Drake/Pandora).

On the flip side, I love the exposure that it gives to the Corridor.

10 years ago, I would have never thought midtown had a chance, but now, it really is a thriving community.

I believe Wash Corridor has so much more potential because of the green spaces nearby.

It would be great if a 24 Fitness opened up around there (I am biased since chain gyms are great for availability when traveling).

Also, maybe a Randall's signature or Rice Epicurean would make a killing serving the immediate neighborhood. (Central Market and Whole Foods are already taken).

I do agree with the Migrating club scene, but I hope the migrating scene stays in the Washington Corridor area! (i.e. Citizen is hot, then not, then Blue Label Lounge is hot, then not, etc etc)

[musicman 192]

I'm way out of the club scene in Houston, but talking to a friend about a place I noticed that was empty, he commented that he thinks that Houston has a migrating scene.

club type places are cyclical as are their clientele. a few yrs ago downtown was it, then midtown, now washington. this is just part of the cycle.

[heights_yankee 110]

The gentlemen who owns Laredo Taqueria came in to quite a deal of good fortune when he purchased the lot where the old red house once stood. He paid less than half the land value. Now he uses it all day for his taco place and at night is charging 5 dollars a spot to park there. On the positive side, there is someone watching the parking lots until 230 am, and it keeps the riff raff away from the payphone!

that is good luck indeed. i've always said if i had a time machine i would go back to boston and buy empty lots all around the city. it's $25-30 bucks to park for an event, $10-15 just to go to a bar. one employee per lot, almost no overhead. a freaking goldmine!

[diggity 20]

club type places are cyclical as are their clientele. a few yrs ago downtown was it, then midtown, now washington. this is just part of the cycle.

As much as you like to harp about the demise of midtown...i haven't see it.

The bars are still packing them in on the weekends. I'm not saying it will last forever, but Midtown is still strong.

[sowanome 12]

As much as you like to harp about the demise of midtown...i haven't see it.

The bars are still packing them in on the weekends. I'm not saying it will last forever, but Midtown is still strong.

I agree....

[musicman 192]

The bars are still packing them in on the weekends. I'm not saying it will last forever, but Midtown is still strong.

not saying it's dead but there definitely is a shifting tide towards washington.

[swtsig 2929]

not saying it's dead but there definitely is a shifting tide towards washington.

but "shifting tide" implies that washington is taking some of midtown's business, and i'm just not seeing it. washington may be a hotter area right now, but there is still a lot of development proposed and otherwise in midtown to go along with the ever-popular nightlife scene.

With our terrific job growth over the past few years, it just seems that Houston has attracted enough young professionals that it can support several bonafide "entertainment" areas... and that's a very good thing, imo.

[roadrunner 44]

but "shifting tide" implies that washington is taking some of midtown's business, and i'm just not seeing it. washington may be a hotter area right now, but there is still a lot of development proposed and otherwise in midtown to go along with the ever-popular nightlife scene.

With our terrific job growth over the past few years, it just seems that Houston has attracted enough young professionals that it can support several bonafide "entertainment" areas... and that's a very good thing, imo.

Downtown isn't dead on weekend nights, either. It's a different crowd than Midtown and Washington, but it's still busy.

[musicman 192]

but "shifting tide" implies that washington is taking some of midtown's business, and i'm just not seeing it. washington may be a hotter area right now

i would say they are hindering the growth pace. with respect to clubs/bars/restaurant growth rate, washington appears to be attracting more currently.

i do agree the young professionals are fueling it.

[crunchtastic 344]

I went to Corkscrew after work today. I like it there. It's one of the two places on Washington I go (the other is the Dark Horse). It would be nice to have a place on the other end of the Washington drag with that same vibe. But I'm sure some chef-proprietor has a 'vision' for a new beer bar. Bleh.

If I see another 'small plates' menu in a bar where people drink miller lite and mojitos, I will just lose my composure completely. Parking lot fight.

[musicman 192]

If I see another 'small plates' menu in a bar where people drink miller lite and mojitos, I will just lose my composure completely. Parking lot fight.

lemme watch.

i just wonder whether the police stops on the weekend will change things.

[tmariar 26]

I went to Corkscrew after work today. I like it there.

I was close by, at Beaver's. I've heard good things about Corkscrew, but am just not a wine-bar person. I like Dark Horse for the vibe, but like the drinks at Beaver's. Bobby, Kevin, and others make the place more than it seems. Washave still has some good spots, despite its trendiness.

[Tiko 11]

Another hat tip to Andrew, Doyle, Laura, Joanna, and rest of the crew at Corkscrew...love that place. It's a wine bar without the wine bar attitude.

[longhornguy 4]

LOL! I love the generalizations of some posters! If only life were so simple...

I do disagree that it's a cyclical crowd from midtown to downtown to uptown to washington. Each place will get a bump in clientele because of the "newness", but as that wears down, the locals living in the area (or people who just enjoy it) will keep the businesses open.

Once Pearl Bar newness wears down, I can see the scenesters moving on to another place. People who live in the area will not be inclined to travel far to have the same drink they are going to have down the street.

For what it's worth, rent in downtown and midtown is NOT cheap. A lot of businesses have closed up, but the ones that are still there are supported by a strong customer base.

[roadrunner 44]

LOL! I love the generalizations of some posters! If only life were so simple...

I do disagree that it's a cyclical crowd from midtown to downtown to uptown to washington. Each place will get a bump in clientele because of the "newness", but as that wears down, the locals living in the area (or people who just enjoy it) will keep the businesses open.

Once Pearl Bar newness wears down, I can see the scenesters moving on to another place. People who live in the area will not be inclined to travel far to have the same drink they are going to have down the street.

For what it's worth, rent in downtown and midtown is NOT cheap. A lot of businesses have closed up, but the ones that are still there are supported by a strong customer base.

Is there a nightlife in Uptown outside of the hotel bars and strip clubs on Westheimer?

[tanith27 308]

Once Pearl Bar newness wears down, I can see the scenesters moving on to another place. People who live in the area will not be inclined to travel far to have the same drink they are going to have down the street.

You comment that people who live in the area will not be inclined to travel far and I fully agree with that. Which makes me believe with all the so-called urban pioneers and new residents all along the washington corridor that places like Pearl are busy because of all the nearby residents. Rice Military is booming, the Heights is booming, there are townhomes and apartments going up everywhere so the natural population of this area is increasing. I'd be curious what the actual numbers are, but my guess much of the activity along Washington are from the 'locals'.

[roadrunner 44]

You comment that people who live in the area will not be inclined to travel far and I fully agree with that. Which makes me believe with all the so-called urban pioneers and new residents all along the washington corridor that places like Pearl are busy because of all the nearby residents. Rice Military is booming, the Heights is booming, there are townhomes and apartments going up everywhere so the natural population of this area is increasing. I'd be curious what the actual numbers are, but my guess much of the activity along Washington are from the 'locals'.

I agree that those areas are booming, but it is not just the immediate surrounding areas providing business to Pearl Bar. It's the hot spot right now for all of the young professionals inside the loop....just like Vintage was all spring/summer and just like the Drake was last winter. The trend is tough to follow considering it hits different parts of the city usually on a 3-6 month cycle.

[sheeats 25]

Just in case anyone is interested:

Urbanist: Washington Avenue

...with lots of pictures, in case you want to skip the words.

[longhornguy 4]

Is there a nightlife in Uptown outside of the hotel bars and strip clubs on Westheimer?

Yes, Uptown definitely has a thriving nightlife. Velvet Melvin, El Tiempo on Richmond, Kona Grill and all the other Galleria area restaurants keep things going.

It will only get busier with the construction of Blvd. Place.

[longhornguy 4]

Just in case anyone is interested:

Urbanist: Washington Avenue

...with lots of pictures, in case you want to skip the words.

Great, well-written article! Thanks for the link!

[skooljunkie 651]

This area needs major street improvements in my opinion. Perhaps someone needs to create a widespread petition to City Hall...

http://documents.publicworks.houstontx.gov...nsr-program.htm

It would be nice to improve entire chunks of the area's streets.

[heights_yankee 110]

I agree that those areas are booming, but it is not just the immediate surrounding areas providing business to Pearl Bar. It's the hot spot right now for all of the young professionals inside the loop....just like Vintage was all spring/summer and just like the Drake was last winter. The trend is tough to follow considering it hits different parts of the city usually on a 3-6 month cycle.

and outside the loop.

i haven't been there since the burst in popularity, but when it was 1st getting noticed i would go on occasion for date night with the husband or girls' night out. i always ran into someone i knew from some other part of the city (OTL)- some work downtown and stay in town on a friday rather than drive back out to the burbs, but many who drove in on a saturday and go to wherever the scene is. i saw some good friends who used to live in shady acres but moved to a mcmansion in south katy. they apparently go there a lot b/c they like the scene. as people have said, the scene will move, so will my friends and so will i, but i'll be moving *back* to pearl bar.

[Bacchus 0]

Who are these people claiming that Pearl Bar has been taken over by the yuppie hipster crowd, against the owner's wishes? For goodness sake, there is a valet stand outside the place and a DJ playing fast-paced remixes of hip hop songs inside. The place is purposefully catering to this crowd, not operating in spite of it.

[sheeats 25]

Who are these people claiming that Pearl Bar has been taken over by the yuppie hipster crowd, against the owner's wishes? For goodness sake, there is a valet stand outside the place and a DJ playing fast-paced remixes of hip hop songs inside. The place is purposefully catering to this crowd, not operating in spite of it.

They are now. They didn't used to. Hoping the pendulum will swing back the other way, that's all.

[lcc179 0]

Has anyone seen that construction going up just West of Cova and across the street from El Tiempo. I saw a sign in front that said future home of Eye Impact. Is that whole building really going to be an optomotry/eye glasses store? If so, that's kind of disappointing..

[longhornguy 4]

Anybody know what is going on with the warehouse they are tearing down just east of Thompson? There is an Iron Works place there and a small office across the street.

It's a huge commercial spot right next to the railroad tracks.

More than likely it will be a new warehouse, but one can hope it will be something else!

[jc281 2]

I do agree with the Migrating club scene, but I hope the migrating scene stays in the Washington Corridor area! (i.e. Citizen is hot, then not, then Blue Label Lounge is hot, then not, etc etc)

Is Blue Label open? whats it like?

[longhornguy 4]

Is Blue Label open? whats it like?

I don't think it's open yet, but I believe it is affiliated with the same owners as Red Door in Midtown. Probably expect to see the same type of crowd and I would think it's going to be a pretty hot place when it opens.

I welcome any positive exposure the Upper West End can have!

[OkieEric 660]

I don't think it's open yet, but I believe it is affiliated with the same owners as Red Door in Midtown. Probably expect to see the same type of crowd and I would think it's going to be a pretty hot place when it opens.

I welcome any positive exposure the Upper West End can have!

I don't think blue label lounge has anything to do with the Van Delden brothers... The only thing I remember about it is that it had a really corny website, along with some guy spamming about it on here

Edited September 3, 2008 by OkieEric

[Houstonian05 0]

I don't think blue label lounge has anything to do with the Van Delden brothers... The only thing I remember about it is that it had a really corny website, along with some guy spamming about it on here

Blue Label has been open the past couple of weeks. Not crowded, pricey drinks, nothing better than standing outside next to Washington and sketchy people walking by....they should have built the wall around the deck area taller. Not sure this place is going to make it...we shall see.......

[jc281 2]

I don't think it's open yet, but I believe it is affiliated with the same owners as Red Door in Midtown.

Thats "The Drake" on washington.

I think the guy starting Blue Label has some tie to one of those Galleria clubs, Vogue or something. Dont know who goes to those. I'll check BL this weekend though, I peeked in leaving Raia's the other day and it looks like they have spent some $. If only it was in a free standing building instead of that center.

[energyrich1 0]

The area is really sketchy, 3 girls and we were approached by 2 individuals to pay for public parking because their house was "right there" we almost left.

The club line last night was full of a mix of people, the doorman let us wait for 15 min and let in alot of his friends first, once inside it was good but it was quickly too crowded, we are used to a nice mix but later on the crowd became very spanish and the music changed as well, we left around 130ish. On the way to the car we were again approached and went back to the door to have the off duty cops walk us to the car (they asked us for our for phone numbers). All in all, decent music, seems like it could be better, drinks were $6-10 (average) better alternatives, the area can be downright scary, no lit streets or sidewalks, and even if you are on the list or have a table reservation the doorman or promoters cannot handle it, give it a few months and if it survives and adds parking it may be cool, otherwise take guys with you to avoid the "parking fee", and maybe know the doorman, basically cheap suit local guy, 2 smiles and a nice "hello" to get in.

[margokorin 0]

The area is really sketchy, 3 girls and we were approached by 2 individuals to pay for public parking because their house was "right there" we almost left.

The club line last night was full of a mix of people, the doorman let us wait for 15 min and let in alot of his friends first, once inside it was good but it was quickly too crowded, we are used to a nice mix but later on the crowd became very spanish and the music changed as well, we left around 130ish. On the way to the car we were again approached and went back to the door to have the off duty cops walk us to the car (they asked us for our for phone numbers). All in all, decent music, seems like it could be better, drinks were $6-10 (average) better alternatives, the area can be downright scary, no lit streets or sidewalks, and even if you are on the list or have a table reservation the doorman or promoters cannot handle it, give it a few months and if it survives and adds parking it may be cool, otherwise take guys with you to avoid the "parking fee", and maybe know the doorman, basically cheap suit local guy, 2 smiles and a nice "hello" to get in.

Yes, please be scared of the hood. All of your parking is making us locals very testy.

[20thStDad 255]

The area is really sketchy, 3 girls and we were approached by 2 individuals to pay for public parking because their house was "right there" we almost left.

The club line last night was full of a mix of people, the doorman let us wait for 15 min and let in alot of his friends first, once inside it was good but it was quickly too crowded, we are used to a nice mix but later on the crowd became very spanish and the music changed as well, we left around 130ish. On the way to the car we were again approached and went back to the door to have the off duty cops walk us to the car (they asked us for our for phone numbers). All in all, decent music, seems like it could be better, drinks were $6-10 (average) better alternatives, the area can be downright scary, no lit streets or sidewalks, and even if you are on the list or have a table reservation the doorman or promoters cannot handle it, give it a few months and if it survives and adds parking it may be cool, otherwise take guys with you to avoid the "parking fee", and maybe know the doorman, basically cheap suit local guy, 2 smiles and a nice "hello" to get in.

Holy h...I mean, I can make a mean margarita, come to my house with your friends and I'll mix 'em up. Bring your $10, I'll put in my 2 weeks notice.

But seriously, drinking at bars not during happy hour sucks.

[lockmat 2291]

<H3 class="Text-TextSubhed BoldCond PoynterAgateZero" id=id2446134>Washington Avenue</H3>The former site of Clark Motors on Washington Avenue

[tmariar 26]

The club line last night was full of a mix of people, the doorman let us wait for 15 min and let in alot of his friends first, once inside it was good but it was quickly too crowded, we are used to a nice mix but later on the crowd became very spanish and the music changed as well, we left around 130ish.

The Spanish do love their Mallorcan trance dub anthems. With Catalan just down the street, I guess it's only a matter of time before we're calling Washington Avenue "Little Iberia". Watch for the paella trucks scoping out locations...

[heights_yankee 110]

<H3 class="Text-TextSubhed BoldCond PoynterAgateZero" id=id2446134>Washington Avenue</H3>The former site of Clark Motors on Washington Avenue

[sowanome 12]

thank goodness someone has some sense with the parking!

I second that, maybe they will start a new trend...I can't believe they were able to go forward in this economic environment... unbelievable!!

[swtsig 2929]

les grivals = awesome

[longhornguy 4]

Where is Washington Centre located at exactly? Isn't there a three story empty building at Washington and Bonner? (Currently occupied by a single bank only)

I figured I would have noticed construction on a 3 story shopping center with a parking garage, but I haven't seen anything of the sort yet. Seems like the only available space would be across from James Craig and Raia's.

[margokorin 0]

I think it is going to be across from Molinas. They just started moving dirt around on that lot last week.

[jc281 2]

benjy's opens for dinner tomorrow night (12/29) fyi~

[The Great Hizzy! 18]

Just like to add that I travelled down the entire length of Washington (downtown to the WOW) for the first time in maybe three months and I have to say that, even in a down real-estate market nation-wide, I'm impressed by the amount of activity under way or about to get under way, especially near the intersections with Durham/Shepherd and Heights/Waugh.

If only we could see more momentum on the decayed properties east of Sawyer and west of Houston Avenue.

[ToolMan 7]

I heard that Daily Grind os closed - it may be a bar soon. Is this true? I hope not.

[poyea 25]

Unfortunately, I think it is true. My wife drove by this past week, and she noticed the inside was largely empty, with no lights on, etc (during normal business hours). I haven't heard any chatter about what it might become....please not another bar.

[tmariar 26]

I heard that Daily Grind os closed - it may be a bar soon. Is this true? I hope not.

I noticed "John Klotz" mentioned on a couple of recent records for the property - on one together with Jack Gregory, who I think is (was?) the owner of Daily Grind. Don't know if that has any significance unless it's the John Klotz who started the Local Charm location on lower Washington with Rory Miggins, and stayed on as co-owner of the Rhythm Room when Miggins left. I don't see a current liquor permit for 4115 Washington, though. There is one for the property next door - 4105, where Reign Lounge is supposed to be opening.

HCAD lists the owner of 4115 Washington as Robert Mize, who owns several properties in the lower Washington/6th Ward area, including the Catalina Coffee building.

[NenaE 141]

Historic Fire Station No. 11 is Saved! On June 13, 2007, the city council voted to sell Fire Station No. 11 to Mr. Matt Tabrizi for $350,000. According to the plan approved by the HAHC (HoustonArchaeological and Historical Commission) also on June 13, Mr. Tabrizi plans to convert the first floor into retail/restaurant space, and the second floor into livingspace. The exterior facing Washington will be restored as original. Because of the hard work of Barry Whitehead (Architect and Project Manager for the Houston Fire Department) and Randy Pace (Houston's Historic Preservation Officer), Fire Station No. 11 was designated a protected landmark in May, 2006. A protected landmark is a new designation which requires mandatory compliance after due process

Edited February 23, 2009 by NenaE