Howards Bar and Club

For a day-drinking location, I'd prefer darkened windows. But damn, those fries! Maybe the best I've ever had! Good Paper Plane. Liked the dancing bartender, liked the music. Had my first espresso martini -- don't understand the thrill. Haven't you ever had a Black Russian? Yum.

Howards certainly has a great aesthetic, in fact, has much of a speakeasy vibe in the interior...and the appeal of quaint meets lively in Clarksville. I'll admit, it draws an interesting crowd of all ages. A turn off is the loud music. Doing too much. A huge DJ booth, advertising themselves as a "dance club" but honestly the seating is not suitable for a dance club. I could see them benefiting more from a Jazz set-up or blues love music. We'll be back for HH to try both drinks and they're claimed to be popular hot dogs.

Howard's Bar was a nice place for a quick stop before dinner but it is pricey. We got two cocktails and it was 40 dollars with tip which is seriously California prices at this point. I did a low ABV cocktail spicy manzanilla sipper and my husband got a tequila based drink. They were nice but also not mind blowingly good. The bartender was nice, but the bar patrons were a little bro-ey and fratty to make me feel like this wasn't really a place I was welcome. Overall, I would probably come back again if I needed to kill time before a dinner reservation but I'm not necessarily going to seek out this bar as a hangout for me and my friends.

I love Howards for a happy hour cocktail. The ambiance is great, and the quality of people is always on point. Their bar food is playful, and hits the spot. Well worth a 5pm visit most nights of the week.

I love it here! Great spirit selection and cool ambiance & lighting. My bartender Cole was a vibe and made me one of the best cocktails I've had in a minute.

Cozy and dark bar. Perfect to have a first cocktail date or romantic cocktail with your hunny. Friendly staff that makes a good martini. Just came for cocktails this time, but next time will for sure try some food!

We went for a pre dinner drink and we're impressed with the interior. Cozy diner meets retro high end cocktail bar. It was busy but not packed, however, the talking bounced a lot and it was pretty loud for how busy it was. We sat right down at the bar and David the bartender welcomed us and gave us menus. He was extremely welcoming and we enjoyed our time chatting very much. He was very knowledgeable and made a superb pink lady. Prices seemed very high. There was very little variety or cheaper options. The drink was good but $17 for a classic cocktail that didn't have expensive ingredients seemed excessive. The wine prices were through the roof which is why I chose the cocktail instead. I did not experience the club. I probably never will knowing it turns from a cozy cocktail bar to a club on weekend evenings mean I will avoid the spot at those times.

Came here early on a Friday evening -- it was already packed but we were able to snag a table. It's a beautiful, moody bar with a little bit of pretension -- definitely fits the "new" Austin vibe. It gets super, super loud when it's full...and it wasn't even a "club" when we were there. Seems like the outdoor seating might be a better option if you're looking for a more laid back experience. We ordered espresso martinis and Tom Collins. Both were fine, not great, not strong, which is disappointing for the high price point. Our server was nice and easy going.My take: This is a seen and be seen spot. If you're looking for an upscale, modern experience at a new Austin bar, don't care about paying for an overpriced, average drink, don't care about being packed like sardines into a nice place, and want to feel "cool," this is your place. If you want good, strong drinks at a reasonable price in a quiet, laid back, down to earth setting, this isn't your place.

We went for a nice out, a buddy was DJing for the night. We thought it would be a casual thing and we ended up waiting in line for an hour. When we got it the place was packed but not super packed. They kept just enough people in there to fill the bar but not make it unbearable. Bartenders were quick, music was great, def a hidden gem.

Such fun vibes!! Love that it brings an upscale cocktail lounge vibe to Austin. Came to watch a UT game and eat dinner and by 8pm the place was getting packed and fun! Need to come back for when the DJ comes out.