T K Bittermans

4 months ago this bar had literally taken a deep dive past a hell hole. But now that they finally fired the bartender who was padding the tabs, over charging and coughing up blood, the owner really has turned things around. Everyone who works there is great. The happy dive bar community vibe is back and there is no longer just certain days the regs show up on. I hope things stay great, Penny and I will be back soon.

There aren't many bars along West Alabama - except for West Alabama Ice House ... and then you have restaurant bars like Bocados, Triniti, Divino and so on ... but TK Bitterman's is the clear and only choice if you want a stiff drink in the area for cheap and without the need to "dress up." Remember, WAI only has beer and wine.TK's is a serious hole, but in a good way. Dog-friendly, pizza by the slice, darts, jukebox, locals-only. i'm a fan.

This awesome little Chicago style bar is off Alabama. The bartender was welcoming and friendly. Cozy dive bar interior with flashback to the 80's kind of feels, nice little patio out front as well. There will be regulars spread out through the bar, making it a little quiet at times. I didn't see a sign out front and heard there's no sign for a reason. This is definitely a well kept secret and wouldn't mind hitting this place up next time I just want a couple of drinks and relax. It's the go to bar if you don't want to deal with annoying noisy crowds and the shenanigans that come with them.

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So why am I taking a star off from this great dive bar? I'm allergic to digital jukeboxes. Seriously. Achoo! Granted there really isn't any room for a real juke box, and if it does get busy on certain nights, then I could understand the saving of space. But, how gross. If I'm going to have to endure carpet in a bar (stop me from going on a tangent here...please), I should at least be rewarded with a real jukebox full of amazing albums and a pool table. Now granted, with a pool table we would have needed to open a few windows to use the cues, but it would have been fun.The things I really liked about this place included the sea of bar tables and stools, the regulars (one kept giving us the Mal Ojo), and the Chicago baseball paraphenalia on the walls. The bar is tiny and our small group easily congested the main travel artery of the bar with our bar stools. Not a problem since it was just us and a few regulars, but again, we kept getting the eyeball. Also like the previous reviewers, I too will mention the Cubs and Sox. What is up with the love of Chicago baseball in Houston? Ernie's and TK's. Honestly, I like Sammy Sosa, Kerry Wood, Rogers Hornsby, Ernie Banks, and Harry Carey, but we're in a town full of Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Roy Oswalt, Mike Scott, Nolan Ryan, and Milo Hamilton. (please note: my list could go on for another five paragraphs) Perhaps it's because a majority of the Chicago players I listed above (sans Sosa and the announcer) were from Texas? Regardless, next time I go, I'm wearing my soon to be made "I heart Ausmus" tshirt.

The first two times I made it to Bitterman's, West Alabama Ice House was too crowded or I forgot to bring cash. Diagonally across W. Alabama, Bitterman's is an easy transition to make. Easy to miss, Bitterman's may possible be the smallest bar in Houston. Seriously. You enter off of small porch on the front with two or three tables. It is a perfect "cave." With the old-school upholstered bar stools, from the "Regal Beagle" era, Saloon style doors on the ladies bathroom stall, and carpet on the floor, this place will take you back in time. There is Chicago sports memorabilia all over the walls, so I assume the owners have connections to the windy city and pull clientele with a similar affinity for the Cubs, Bulls, and Sox. They always have a decent drink or beer special(s) up on the board. Yesterday was Sam Smith Winter Welcome for $4. Perfect choice for a chilly afternoon. Put Bitterman's on you list of dark, small neighborhood bars...perfect during the summer or a day when WAIH is too crowded.

This place is the worst if not close to it. Rude, surly bartender. Occasionally rude patronage. Expensive drinks for quality of the bar. I have tried very, very hard to like this place because my friends live nearby and frequent it. But alas, I cannot in good faith recommend this bar to anyone who wants an outing that is pleasant and doesn't involve masochism. On the plus side, it is a Chicago Cubs watch place, so its got that going for it.

Great bartender, strong drinks, and an overall chill atmosphere. Loved this local gem!

Local bar where everyone knows everybody and if you're a newcomer you'll be treated like family. Drinks are cheap and delicious.

Guest bartender Tia was amazing and the steaks were cooked to perfection! Mashed potatoes were solid too.