2221 W Alabama St

This is hands down my favorite spot in Upper Kirby--and possibly all of Houston! The bartenders, kitchen team, and owner consistently go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and valued, always making an effort to truly get to know their guests. The drinks are exceptional, and there's always a fantastic special to enjoy. The food? Elevated bar food that is on point--everything I've tried has been absolutely delicious. They offer a range of semi-private event spaces and are more than willing to collaborate with you to create a memorable event. Plus, the spacious patio out front with a cozy fireplace is an added bonus that makes this place even more special!

Came in on 7/10/24 for some cold AC and some cold drinks. One of the few places open with power in the area. They still kept their happy hour specials going which was greatly appreciated. Service was great and the food orders came out fast. For bar food it was surprisingly really good. The lemon pepper wings were my favorite and for $.99 cent a wing it was a steal. I also had some chicken tenders which were amazing. Large in size and had a perfect crunch while the chicken was still tender on the inside. I will be coming back very soon!

I really enjoy this newish casual bar. With great happy hour and daily specials, great bar food, plus a roomy outdoor patio, this place makes a great stop for the evening. I've been here a couple times now for weekday happy hour and chilling with friends. This place doesn't really get crowded then, which is fine by me. They do offer a limited menu serving up some classic bar food including burgers, wings, nachos, etc. My last visit was on a Wednesday, when they were offering a daily special of six wings for six dollars. I chose the buffalo lemon pepper flavor, and man were they tasty and good sized! I also loved that they offered guava cider on tap, which is not something you find often. The patio is my favorite feature though. There's a covered space with barstools and mostly not covered space available. At night, the glow of string lights illuminate the patio space in a nice pinkish hue. Another feature I love is the TouchTunes jukebox, which one can easily use digitally by downloading the app. Definitely will be returning! They advertise having a dj on the weekend.

This was my first time and we went for their $3 Taco Tuesday special and I am super impressed. They have a nice dog friendly patio, good beer, and all the food was really good. We tried all 3 types of tacos on the special, fish, chicken, and beef, and they were all good but we agreed the beef was the best (the chipotle sauce on the fish was sooo good tho). All the details from the tortillas to the guacamole was really fresh and thoughtfully curated. We're looking forward to coming back and trying their Philly and fried green tomatoes (they were out), they sound amazing.

The brunch burger was amazing.Their hashbrowns reminded me of McDonald's but better, they had the perfect crisp on em'! My eggs were scrambled lightly, as requested - which was very much appreciated. I subbed the ham for bacon and the mayo was a good touch of flavor, they added the perfect amount. I had a Texas Sun for a drink and man it was terrible, not even a sprinkle of alcohol. I'd come back for the burger though forsure.

Im in the neighborhood and frequent this place at least once a week. It's an empty neighborhood dive bar so you'd assume the service is attentive. Wrong. Got ignored twice when I tried to close out. Finally had to shout it out just to get my check. This happens more often than I'd like here. Very frustrating

My boyfriend and I did not have a good experience at this place at all. We came here to watch Arsenal play their last game. There were two bartenders working in the entire bar. The line was out the door. We waited half an hour and got a terrible, nasty attitude from the bartender. She proceeded to yelling at us, trying to rush us along, but instead she should've been courteous and maybe would have received a tip. I feel like this place should have been way better prepared especially knowing ahead of time it was going to be a busy morning for them. They have a nice patio with only one TV and about 5 tables. I do not recommend this place. I will not be coming back and they have lost business (Mostly because of the attitude of the large female Hispanic bartender with glasses). The customer service was one of the worst services I have experienced at bars in upper Kirby.

I've passed by this place so many times and always wanted to check it out because of the little squirrel on the sign. So, rando Thursday afternoon me and my husband stopped in. There's a gravel parking lot in the back with tons of parking and the door is on the side where you drive up. Tons of space inside and seating and tvs outside. Very much so neighborhood pub vibes when we went. But they have tons of specials on different days that I could see it catching a large crowd during the night. I wish I caught the bartenders name, he was so nice. We were the only ones there and so we chit chatted and he offered suggestions. We had the house shots $3 for happy hour, the golden nut. It was a nice blend if you're into more fruit/juice shots. I had the fizzy peach sunrise which is non-alcoholic but he spiked it with some Bacardi for me. Every drink I had was made super well, no complaints. Didn't have to ask for napkins or anything he set us up right. Honestly the star of the show, those cauliflower Buffalo bites. Bury me with those. They were sooooo goood. I would go there just for them. We plan on coming back during one of their nights and seeing how it is. If you're a small neighborhood bar type of person, this seems to be the place.

This bar has a unique theme of stuffed animal squirrels in funny poses. It reminds me of that Bob's Burgers episode. Anyways... They have $1 wings on Wednesdays, and the wings are CRISPY. I was honestly a bit disappointed with the honey habanero because it was a like a trace of a trace of habanero. The buffalo lemon pepper though, omg. Amazing! The patrons are also very nice. Everybody at Velvet Oak is super chill, friendly, and it's a wonderful addition to the neighborhood! This may be my new Wednesday night hangout spot.

The patio was full on the Sunday we first stopped in. A large table outside and all of the inside tables were reserved. We sat outside for one Bloody Mary and then we left. Parking is in the back and they have accessible parking.

The ambiance here is great. We recently switched venues for the Arsenal game watch parties and so far it's been a positive one.

If you're looking for a great vibe, fun time, and great food come to this place now!!! We wanted to beat the crowd so we came as soon as they opened. We got to pick where we wanted to sit. We decided to sit on the shaded patio. We played darts and they had beer pong. It was really cool. The waitress was the sweetest. She was helpful and explained the food items. We ordered Jell-O shots and their drinks really good. We had an awesome time. The food was large portions and so filling. It was delicious, hot and flavorful. When we were leaving we noticed they had a Dj inside and the vibes were so fun. The owner stopped by the table and he was so friendly and shared with us about why he started his restaurant. We really had a great time and the staff felt like family. I give this place a 10/10!

Omgoodness seriously one of the best patty melt I've had in Houston.. and upgraded to the loaded fries wow amazing.

I was there last night and had the fish and chips the fish was not edible saturated in grease the fries over seasoned and i sat at the bar. There were 4 other people at the bar. I literally sat right in front of the bartender and he would rarely if ever acknowledge me. I still tipped over 25 percent. I wish they had more vegetarian or vegan options.

Good people good food and good drink's definitely a fun place to hang out with some good friends

The bartenders are superb and remembered all of our names. The food was excellent and well worth coming back for!

This place was the most down to earth chillest bar I have ever been too. The food was amazing, had their Texas patty melt. 10/10. Bartenders were awesome ! Service was great. Along with the ambiance it was terrific. If you are new to the area and need a chill stop to hang. This is the place ! And if you're feeling up to it you can leave your tag on their brick wall inside ! "GRUNT 4EVER"

i didnt even get to order anything. me and my girlfriend came after work to have some drinks with coworkers. we showed our id's (were both over 21) alessandra or alexandra was very rude and said we were underage (we are petite and look young) she proceeded to scan our id's and still refused to serve us. she yelled across the bar and made a scene. i have been here before but in general i have never had an experience like this at any bar. i then overheard her calling my id fake to another customer. it honestly felt racially targeted because my friend has an Ecuadorian passport. im sad to be posting this :(

Loved this place! Saw it on tiktok, figured it was worth a try, we were not disappointed. We both got the chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and fries. Everything was so good! The chicken was seasoned and so moist. The staff was super sweet and friendly, and the place had a great vibe. They even had a DJ come in around noon!

Food was satisfying! Most especially the Honey Black garlic wings, cauliflower snax, and fried green tomato. But all the food taste really good. Service was excellent very friendly and accommodating. We love the ambiance so much. Its very calm and relaxing. The outdoor patio is one of our favorite had the tree light.

Came her for brunch with a group of friends and had a great time. Velvet Oak Tavern has an eclectic esthetic and is covered in squirrels. All the food we ordered was pretty good, but we all agreed that their waffles while giant and fluffy lacked some flavor. I ordered the chicken and waffles, and the chicken was moist and well seasoned, but the waffle needed some extra pizzazz or hot honey instead of just regular syrup. The staff was really nice but you could tell the place had opened recently because they were not knowledgeable about the menu. We would ask about items and then be told they weren't on the menu, but we read them off the menu to our server. Food came out at a decent pace. Overall, I'd try it again for their regular menu and drinks.

This is the ultimate brunch spot. My wife made reservations for 15+ just a few days before and they were able to accommodate and then some. Management and serve staff were phenomenal. Food was delicious and you can't forget the mimosa spread. They have NFL Sunday Ticket which was vital for us. DJ was playing all the feel good cuts as well. Birthday brunch was a success!

We really enjoyed our night at Velvet Oak tavern! The food and drinks were really good! I loved the frozen margaritas! I love that they have food theme night! The steak night was delicious! You get a huge steak, potato and a salad! Taco Tuesday is always a go to for me! They have a great $3 taco Tuesday deal! I tried the chicken, beef, and fish! The fish was really good! The fried cauliflower was light and very tasty! my favorite was the fried tomatoes! These are way better than fried pickles to me!

Lovesit!! Adorable logo, affordable Wellers.... what more could a gal ask for?? Even the patio is perf

The service was amazing! Thank you Dom one of the best service I've literally ever had. Thank you!

My car got broken into in the back. They could be serving 100.00 bills and ground Diamond rimmed drinks and I still would be giving 1 star. The ambiance in the back parking lot is too dark. Total bill plus drinks. 3800.00 (before insurance).

OMG!! Fried green tomatoes were amazing. Not a fried food person but they were actually lightly battered. Plus it's really hard to find places that serve them. The wings are not battered which I loved because the meat is really juicy and not greasy. My group and I shared the breakfast sandwich as well. We were able to split it up in Quarters. It's that's big. Just too sum up what my group had - fried green tomatoes - wings (12) - Breakfast Sandwich And it was plenty of food that we could even finish it all.

Baretender was extremely rude and even rushed a friend and I to order. I get you want to make money, but we took no more than 2 minutes ordering and they even kept going back and forth over if they had what we wanted to order available. That's what caused us to take a little bit more time ordering. Weird and won't be visiting again.

Good drinks good food. They have industry night which always amazing. Best specials. Great service. Amazing place. Tavipus took great care of us.

Service is amazing!!! It's always a fun time when the bartenders are bubbly and have great attitudes. The women who work there are DA BOMB!!! I came on a busy weekend and the brunette with blue eyes was really on top of it. Super fun to talk to, gorgeous, and overall make a really great atmosphere at Velvet Oak. Helps that they are amazing at making drinks as well. Haven't gotten to try their food, but I will be coming back for their burger.

New place , I ordered Guava cider , it is delicious. cool place to hang out with friends, they have big parking lot so you can park your car in the back. Happy Hour from M-F , 4pm-9pm ! Check it out you will love it!

Found this place online and it had decent reviews. Came here for my birthday in a good mood and the waiter/bartender is extremely rude. He told us to call him if we needed any service but when trying to reach out to him he said "yall can wait a few minutes." This is extremely unprofessional and rude to me and the company I came with. When he eventually came to take our order he responded with a snarky remark. Do not come to this establishment if you'd like good service.

I love this place. The food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Great wine. Good drinks and friendly staff. We will definitely be going back!! I need to try out karaoke night on Fridays!!

Had my birthday at Velvet Oak and it was a blast! Service was amazing, food was delicious, and the drinks were perfect. The patio is a great space to hang out. They also have drink specials everyday and fun activities at night! Put them on your list to visit.

Velvet Oak Tavern is a fun environment with a great staff. Found it very last second for my group the H-Town Bolt Gang(Los Angeles Chargers fans of Houston) and we made it our home. The owner Jeremy welcomed us with open arms and has done nothing but be gracious to us every week. If you're seeing this review and you're an LA Chargers fan in the Houston area? YOU HAVE A HOME and yes we would love to have you show up! Food is pretty good too. Brunch or dinner, it's all phenomenal.

Great casual vibes. Friendly people. Highly recommend the tavern burger. It's like a real life krabby patty - picturesque and delicious.

The wings were amazing and the old fashioned was great and well priced. The outside environment was cool at night with all the lights. Service was quick and friendly. Will be back for sure.

Can't say enough good things about this place. The owner is super friendly and all the staff is awesome and super knowledgeable. The food is on point, both the regular & brunch menu. The wings smack and on Wednesdays it's $1 wing night. Came up here for football on Sunday but have been back multiple times over the last two weeks.

BEST BAR FOR CHARGERS FANS!!! miracle was so attentive. food was great. owner is awesome. we love this bar and we're so happy to have a home bar for us LAC fans. looking forward to many more weekends here!!

Food was great, service was great and bartender was super nice. Ambiance good, very chill.

Excellent local spot with great parking. Very cool brick inside. I'm happy they are in the neighborhood

Awesome staff, awesome food, convenient location, a patio that's definitely going to have some day drinking done! Jeremy is a cool guy to get to know. Ally is super attentive and hilarious. Axel was super nice and had we stayed longer we'd have gotten to know him better too!! All in all it'll be the next hangout. P/S - get the Mac n cheese bites!!! The tavern burger is delicious too!!!

The place is clean and the bartenders are welcoming. The drink I had was "so fresh and so clean". It was on the sweet side but still good. The reason for 3 stars is due to the food. My friend had loaded fries and I had lemon pepper wings along with fries. Both the loaded fries and wings came way over salted so please order with caution. Also, customers were leaving pretty quickly when it was already 12.

Food service was good. The food tasted great and the dj was playing all good jams. Their drinks are also really great! I wish I took pictures of my food but I ate it so fast and it was really good.

Their new quesadilla is well priced at $7, $2 more to add chicken. Great patio, cute lights at night. Nice vibes and the bartenders are always super sweet. New place with a few kinks to iron out. I've been in before under different circumstances, definitely wanted to give this place time to breathe and find their flow, and, find their flow they did. Give it a try!

this place is cool, i recommend the guava cider. they should bake the mac and cheese but i thought the cheese variety in the mac and cheese was nice plus the pepper on top added a lil zing. i will try the burger next time i here.