Barbarella

AVOID THIS BAR. the music was nice and the themed nights seem cool. however, the staff absolutely suck. all of them are so unprofessional and unnecessarily rude. be aware that the bouncers do not care about your safety. they are absolutely on a power trip and will kick you out for reporting creepy and touchy people instead of dealing with the situation. will not be returning.

Absolutely packed could barely move, went for daftpunk night for my first time and did not disappoint... Drinks werea bit pricey

After a disappointing beginning to the night at another place, Barbarella saved us! The music was absolutely banging. The place is kept chilly inside, which is ideal for dancing your butt off. Everyone was packed on the dancefloor but polite, positive, and totally into it! Fantastic time, can't wait to go back!

I came here for a birthday, paid for entry, and shared a cocktail with a friend. About an hour after arrival, I went outside to help a friend safely get in an Uber back home. When I tried to go back inside to rejoin my group, Travis, one of the bouncers, told me I couldn’t because he thought I was “too intoxicated.” I politely told him I was sober and asked him how he had made this determination, but he refused to elaborate and simply told me, “There is no way you’re getting back inside again.” I was polite and non-argumentative, and asked him again for an explanation because I was genuinely confused. My friends came outside to advocate for me, but Travis was not receptive and humiliated me further. As I sat outside waiting for my friends, other staff came outside, conversed with him, and laughed at me while making eye contact. Barbarellas has been my go-to for years, but tonight’s experience has changed my perspective entirely. After tonight, it was not surprising to see other reviews that also had unpleasant experiences with the bouncers.

five stars just for the pink haired girl at the door. easily one of the friendliest and most welcoming people you’ll ever encounter working a club door. she’s polite, professional, and somehow always remembers your face even if your eyeliner is melting and you look like a completely different species than you did last weekend. truly the perfect first vibe check of the night. we stan.

My biggest complaint was the drinks were so overpriced considering the ambiance and the type of clientele this bar serves. Music was good but it was an acquired taste at times. There's just not really anything that sets this place apart for me.

I've been going here for about 7 years, and it's still my favorite night club. I've made so many friends here, and love the bartending staff. There have been a lot of changes recently that I am still getting used to, but they've all been for the best. If you're ever in Houston, or a Houstonian and have had trouble with "clubs" in the past I highly recommend coming here. You can dance, dress, talk, and be whoever you want to be.

The lady in the front with the purple who charges for starters is disrespectful for no reason. I’ve never had a bad experience until her. She likes to talk bad about customers which is so unprofessional and abuses her power In the front. She lets her emotions get the best of her. I’ve been coming here for years and never had a bad experience until her. I miss the other day girl who would be in the front charging. Other than that I love barbs.

If you've been on the fence about going lately because of the rude bouncers, you'll be happy to know that they're no longer there anymore. Management has gotten a lot better and the DJs there have gotten better as well. Seems like this bar is returning to its old self.

I had heard about this place for a couple of years but ended up going there with some friends on a Friday night and it was quite an interesting experience. For starters, this is located in the "other" midtown away from the trendy restaurants and bars and literally on the other side of the tracks south of Main. What I'm getting at is it's sketchy as hell. If you park on the street there, there is a pretty good chance it'll get broken into since the street lights have mysteriously been knocked out and you have a large homeless and/or druggie population wandering around. We had a large enough crowd that we decided to walk down there the couple of blocks. Getting in is also interesting since they give you the TSA treatment and get the metal detector out and ask you to empty your pockets while mean mugging you if you don't know which way the entrance is. Inside has the classic beatdown downtown warehouse decor but on the plus side, the AC works, the bathrooms are surprisingly clean (which is why I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1), and in its own way is kind of welcoming if you're not into any of the trendy places. It kind of reminds me of how Houston's alternative scene was in the 90's...not sure what the kids call this nowadays. Then there is the music. It wasn't good. The sound system is muffled and the music selection was pop rock style from like 2007-2012 mostly so even though I am older, I can still say it was lame without sounding like that old guy who hates new stuff. I actually WANTED to hear new stuff and not what I would listen to on Pandora 15 years ago, but apparently the younger and alternative crowd seemed to like it. It's kind of like Numbers Night Club for people who don't like wearing black and think of the 2000's as their 80's? I gotta say though, despite having the scary walk and dealing with frowning security and bartenders who act like they're doing you a favor for letting you in, it's a great place for people watching.

Horrible security experience as I am wanded down BTay gave uneasy and unsafe predatory vibes. This is whom you are trusting to keep ladies safe? Disgraceful . Stay safe girlies. Bartenders are not very pleasant. Drinking on the job as I wait to order drinks cheap but not great

One of my favorite spots because I love 80s but yea it's $10 to get in now when it used to be $5. But that's okay. Cause they have another DJ on the patio now so it makes sense. But I love barbarellas!

Drinks are auto grated!! Not sure if there was a sign we missed about this but when bartender gave us the small machine to sign after payment, the tip options came up and she did not say anything about the gratuity already being added and it was not shown on the machine. Pretty scammy if you ask me

The ambiance was amazing! The 80s night is the best in my opinion. I wish this place was in Katy Texas.

BRING CASH!!!! Drinks are NOT CHEAP - $10 for a Tito's and said which is crazy considering this is a dive bar. Additional details: Started off the night here at around 11pm. No long line to get it so yay for that. Girl at the entrance wearing a Halloween costume taking payment was SO extremely ugly and rude. While she wasn't rude directly to me, just very direct, she was so rude to the people behind me asking if there was an ATM, she was like "WAIT YOUR TURN I ALREADY TOLD YOU" first of all, the guy was asking ME if I could see an ATM inside to which I responded yes, and that's when she proceeded to snap at him. You're at the entrance and first person we interact with and this is the vibe you give?! She knocked down 2 stars for her ugly attitude I loved the music! While I wish there were places in Houston that played more of 70's music, this is as close as it will get to that and I really liked that.

The staff here is SO rude and the bouncers/security are even worse!! We went after leaving the bars on a Saturday to dance and upon getting to the door, there was a $10 cover. (I can't believe this dirty bar charged a cover in the first place, they should be lucky people are still going)! Anyway, I had $20 in cash and paid for me and my boyfriend. He used the ATM inside to try to pull cash out for everyone else, however the ATM kept just eating his money. He'd get charged and no cash was coming out. We all agreed to just leave at this point bc the bouncer had already been giving us a hard time and being rude. When leaving they kept my money and would not give it back even though we didn't even go in the bar! My boyfriend went in to use the ATM and came right back out!! All in all this place is gross, overpriced, and bad vibes! If you're looking for a place to have a good time, go literally anywhere else!

These are the current hours at barbarella Houston! Google hasn't updated the hours! should be updated soon!

Stood in line early at 9:15 . Didn't let anyone in until 10:15 when the event started at 9:30 ??? Drinks are too pricey and it's not even an open bar. Also it was BRAT night and they hardly played any Charli XCX songs. They replayed like 5 songs off of brat 3+ times...... but what about her entire discography full of bangers???? Next time hire a good DJ with good music taste that can go 5 minutes without replaying a song they just played. Regret spending a Friday night here. Wish I could ask for a full refund. First time here at Barbarella but the Numbers has never let me down like this.

Hi barbs!!! I've been going for a good while now, but not so much lately. Last night I tried entering with my friends Charles and it seems one of your staff as in (the pink hair girl who works just the door) seems to kick or ban anyone she's slept or cheated on her husband with. She keeps harassing him and any of the females he's been dating and sleeping with other guys who she's banned and calling it assault right after. Only saying something bacause it's become an issue. I really love going to emo nights and dark wave nights but she keeps harassing my friend Charles when he's not even interacting or bothering her at all! Karina Rivera also has a friend who keeps tagging along with her in some of these events named Bowen. He also keeps harassing and shouting horrible comments to my friend when he's just simply existing without bothering him or her. If anything can be done by this please. Him and I aren't bothering anyone and she keeps harassing and bothering him. It's ridiculous that she keeps kicking or trying to ban people that's she's slept with just so they wont bump into her "husband". It's ridiculous that I even wrote you guys on Instagram and you still haven't responded.

Haven't been posting as much as I usually do... yelp is not as fun this year, BUT I will still post once in a while on the new, fun places I visit! If youre an 80s and 90s FREAK you will love Barbarellas. Of course parking is crazy in this area and can cost as much as $20 so I would take an Uber from wherever you are. The dance floor is full of life. Young and old, colorful, vibrant personalities of all shapes, sizes and depths come here to let loose and just have FUN! A night very much needed on my end. Every one is care free and dancing the night away. My feet were so swollen after a fun filled night here that I could hardly walk the next day. Just think, a night filled with Madonna, Duran Duran, Kate Bush "Running up that Hill"! Yesssss! Good drinks, great people and no one to judge you. Highly recommend coming here for a fun night of dancing with friends. Thanks Barbarellas for yet another fun night in the books!:)

We like Saturday nights because it's 80s night. This was my second time here and both times have been a blast. We danced pretty much the entire time. There is a $10 cover charge which is cash only, drinks are pricey but who has time to drink when your da ding the night away!

It was 80's night. I was celebrating my birthday. It was a wonderful time. Lots of fun to be had dancing. I felt very safe. The bartenders were on top of things. Would definitely go back for a fun night out.

Love this club a lot just need the men's restrooms to get fully restored thank you forever a customer here and goer and for sure do recommend this club

A group of us came here three years ago for drinks and some funky dancing to a great mix of music! It was number two out of three bars we went to in Downtown Houston and we had so much fun dancing on there stage away from the bar! This place is a must visit if you want to dance the night away and you appreciate a good mix of music, real music. We came on our bar hop for New Years Eve three years ago. It was early in the night so when we arrived it was mildly packed. My friends and I ordered some drinks that I don't remember the names but they were not that strong. I remember they were pretty bland. However, the main objective was to dance and have fun and that we surely did! They have a lot of space for dancing, even a stage with a mirror to watch yourself as you're getting down lol. Fun place! I may go this New Years Eve!!!

Fuck this place! normally it's a great place IF YOURE PAYING CASH! I went to emo night and started a tab. Closing time came and of course it takes a while to get to the bar, and once I did it's 2:04. So I go to the main bar to close my tab And was met with a bouncer pushing me out! I tell him I have to close my tab, and the female bartender tells me no you need to leave! I tell her I need to close my tab and she proceeds to tell me no you walked your tab so you automatically get charged 20%. I don't mind the amount and I would have tipped more but that's my choice! I did not walk my tab! Let me close my tab if I did not walk my tab! This bullshit needs to change! I didn't even get my receipt! Some drinks were wrong and I need to know if I was charged for them. This smells like a scam to me!

I used to love Barb's. I hadn't been here since Covid until recently and was disappointed. I always loved the decor and the huge dance floor and eclectic people, but now it's just a different vibe. Feels ran down, both literally (holes in the couches so if you're wearing tights be careful, smells bad) and energetically. The bouncers have changed and whereas the old ones made me feel safe, these decidedly do not. Someone I know stopped a dude (some random guy on the dance floor) from slipping something into a girl's drink. The area right around it is sketchy too-- which I mean I get it, I'm a Houston native-- but usually I Uber so had no real issue. Last time though I was accosted 3 times just on my way back to the car. One man sat and watched me from his car until he got out and started to walk towards my car, almost blocking it. Not sure his intentions, didn't stay long enough to find out. I'm not sure if I'll be back or not. But I am sure that it isn't the same as it once was and that's a shame. Guess we only got #s left now.

Had a great time getting my 70s/80s fix in. If strictly on DJ most likely 4+ stars, but service, drinks and some real cringy ppl that make you think twice about coming here lowered the rating.

Went for 80s night and Dj did not disappoint. Good drinks and good vibes. Love coming to barbs

Chill place to have some drinks on big event nights. They got two bars on bar g events and a outside deck to go chill at.

This is literally the best place to go dancing, I don't know of another place in Houston that plays good music like Barbella's! Love this place, I have my best nights here!

Honestly, of all the bars that I have been to in Houston wether they are straight, gay, strange, goth, whatever... Barbarella Houston is guaranteed to always be a damn good time. The vibes here are just so laid back, people are genuinely here to have a good time and not cause any trouble. Took me a minute to figure out exactly what kind of bar this was as in.. is it gay? Is it straight? I've come to my own conclusion that ANYTHING goes here. LOL. Tuesday is Emo night though this is now changing to TuesGayz night for the LGBTQ+Ally's community starting January 2020. Makes sense to align well with Austin's Barbs that does the same thing on Tuesday. Thursday night is 90's night. Fridays is 'New Noise'. Saturday nights are my favorite nights to come, it's 80's night and cover is only $5. There's a nice patio on the second floor where all the smokers and what-not hang out. Plenty of picnic tables for people to sit. Drinks are always cheap though they do come in really small plastic cups. If you've had a little too much to drink there's a water station in the back right of the bar all through the night. Stay hydrated folks and don't drink and drive.

If you feel like dancing this is the place to go! Great drinks for great prices and you can even get bottle of brut to share w/ your group on the dance floor! Led lights and televisions set up playing music video makes for a great vibe. Just wish it was a bit cleaner, the floor was so sticky and it wasn't that late into the night yet as if it hadn't even been mopped earlier but hey you forget about when you start having fun which doesn't take long here :)

Happy birthday barbarella!! I always have a wonderful time here, Thursday is 90's night and they're open until 3am!! You can get a bottle of champagne for 20 bucks and drink it on the dance floor. Okay more Britney!!!!!!!!

I miss this place soo much very nostalgic,unfortunately I live in Las Vegas now so never go anymore

A couple of friends and I came to Barbarella on a Friday night at around 11PM with free cover, and we stayed here until just after midnight. As soon as I walked in, I could tell that this is a free space that you can come to as you are, no need to dress a certain way unless you want to (you won't get judged for however you're dressed). Perfect place to get some drinks, dance your heart out, and rid your mind of all your stress and worries. The interior is dimly lit, but still vibrant-looking with colorful walls and furniture. There is an elevated top dance floor and a bigger bottom main dance floor, and a smoke machine to make your experience more fun. The music is pretty retro and not the typical EDM/house music I'm used to hearing in a dance club, but it was still fun to dance to.

Would not recommend. Security guards will physically assault you outside of the venue. I was thrown out, emphases on thrown, and asked for names. Just kept getting excuses and rowdiness while being followed off premises. After being followed, two security guards proceeded to verbally and physically assault me. Thankfully I had friends with me to correct these people on how they treat others.

Barbarella will always be the dance club where you could have a great time to dance the night away without a care. There's always all types of crowd coming to here because there's only so many big dance clubs in Houston where the drink is decent price, the light, the sound, and it's moderately air conditioned building that all feels just right. If you get in before 12AM, there will be no door charge! Normally the Saturday night is 80s night so if you feel like some great 80s dancing time, you should make Saturday a Barbarella night. Then there's also New Noise night and sometimes theme nights on other days. The club is spacious as there's an elevated floor for people to dance on. However, you have to be careful because sometimes the floor may be wet due to people spilling drinks and it makes it very slippery especially you're wearing a less traction shoes. There's also an outside patio where people can get some fresh air and a great view of the Houston skyline. You can always walk back inside as long as you got the black light stamp on your arm. As for water to quench your thirst, there's usually two big water dispensers near the back of the bar for you to self-serve. In the back is also a photo booth and a few lounge chairs along the side to sit down. If you come on other nights there will be different themes so it depends on your mood of dancing but over all I never had a bad time at Barbarella. Parking is always tricky in that part of town but as long as you see street parking that everyone else is parked there, you should be safe to park there as well. I would certainly recommend anyone who wants to dance all night long should go here first or last, depends how your night goes.

this place is FILTHY. they have all these fans blowing on you that are HEAVILY COATED in dust. This place is NOT open 7 days a week. There's no excuse for them not to thoroughly clean off all the fans and the ceilings!!! PLEASE CLEAN THIS PLACE. ITS DISGUSTING. it looks like they've never cleaned this place since the day it opened Other than that: honestly this is a fun place but damn are they DIRTY & again, they need better DJS who know how to transition songs. They have a great song selection but TRASH transitioning

Awesome place to be on a Saturday night!!! Great environment and staff. It goes down!!!!!

Open till 3am. Cover is $5 cash except when special events are happening like New Years. If you wanna safe place to dance but don't feel like putting up with ridiculous club prices, $20cover come to Barbs. No judgement club, popular theme nights, expect a line on theme nights. Patio upstairs for hanging outside. Fast drinks just don't get to complicated with it. Bouncers do their job and keep it safe so don't be a creep or get wgw/sloshed. Food vendors outside are great or just go to Mony's PIZZA for a Jumbo Slice 3 min away!! Can always find street parking. LGBTQI+ friendly and best on HALLOWEEN bring a costume!

Their themes nights, DJs and Bar staff are amazing! Just know that you will be treated like a rat off the street from their bouncers and security. I never leave Yelp reviews but I have been disrespected by the people checking my bags and IDs everytime I have come here. so, I feel compelled to warn people. The bouncers have red hot dildos up their ass and will insult you everytime without fail.

This review is based on the potential Barbarella has to be an amazing spot for a great night. Due to a bad weather forecast, it seems no one in Houston wanted to risk going out on a Friday night, so the whole place was completely dead at 11pm on a Friday night...except for a 50-something year old couple dancing tango on the dance floor. What? Anyway, this place is the definition of dive. It's kind of gross, but awesome at the same time and I can tell why my friends in Houston love coming here to drink and dance the night away. Maybe during my next Houston visit weather will cooperate and I can boogie myself, not tango.

This is the SHITiest bar I have ever been to. The staff is incredibly rude and not helpful in the slightest. If I could give zero stars I would. The WORST...most DISGUSTING Place I Have ever been to. I was literally insulted going into this "bar". I would not wish my worst enemy to enter this establishment. The music was terrible, the service was even worse. The manager did not care about our safety or concerns. The manager cussed at me and was less than 6 inches from my face. Unprofessional and extremely rude. Would not recommend.

I came to Barbs with full intentions on making a revision of my March review. I spoke to the owner Rick and he stated that I would be welcomed back in May. I had some friends that wanted to go, so I agreed to accompany them. I get to the door with one of them, and the bouncer tells a woman outside that I wrote the review, so I wasn't allowed in? Again, I wasn't allowed in because I WROTE A REWIEW. Is that even legal? I started walking off with my friend when my other friends walked up. I walked them to the door, and told them that they should still go in. I attempted to call the owner Rick, so he could verify our agreement, when the bouncer shouted, "get off the premises". As I was trying to explain to him that I was calling Rick, he physically assaulted me! I yelled out for help to the female Constable T. Smith that was in the parking lot, who stated that she would do the same to me. I stated no one had the right to put their hands on me, and that the owner Rick welcomed me back. I was then told by her that she "doesn't give a damn about Rick, and that she runs this shit". My review revision has gone from 1 star to 0, but it will not let me post without at least a star. Please like, comment, and advise me on what I should do? I encourage anyone who's had an experience At this establishment to please write a review! Troyvont Davis 281-773-4531

Barbarella is totally tubular in every sense. Come as you are, dress is outrageous 80's costumes, dress to the nines -- whatever. Whatever you want to feel slick on the dance floor is cool here. Bouncers are exceptionally nice when checking IDs before entering where you'll hit the enormous bar first. Drinks are standard and more for efficiency to drink quickly so you can go out and dance. THE DANCING is again, totally tubular. Multiple levels have light up dance floors and TV screens showing the music videos. Pro-tip: Put your hair up, girl. You're probably going to get sweaty if you barbarella the right way.

This used to be the coolest, most happening dance spot in the entire city. Line out the door every night. After just a couple of years it seriously fell off. The "dj" is the same playlist every night for 5+ years now, and they don't even put it on shuffle Then, for some reason, they decided that hiring the rudest, most antagonistic security known to man was the move. After just a couple of years it became impossible for me to find anyone willing to go here with me; Every single person I knew had been either PHYSICALLY ASSAULTED or harassed by staff here. I tried to tell myself that they must have been belligerent/some other kind of behavior that snowballed into a conflict. Then it finally happened to me Just coming in the door the security people touched me unnecessarily and inappropriately. They didn't even try to pretend like they were patting me down. When I talked to my boyfriend about it he said no one tried to touch him or pat him down when he came in. Which means.....it was probably sexually motivated. Absolutely 100% not okay in 2024! The bouncers were so antagonistic I decided to Google "Barbarella Houston violence." Wow!!! Many, many similar experiences come up! They're even being sued for breaking someone's ankle! If a lawsuit isn't enough to make you change your ways.....going out of business should be. This place is dead 95% of the time now (even weekends) and on its busiest nights only draws maybe 1/4 of the crowd it used to. It's hard to believe that a business owner would choose violence over money....but that's human nature for you ‍ Or is it just money laundering

Highly unimpressed with this bar. I had heard so many great things about Barb's but when I arrived I was disappointed. FYI- There is a $5 cover to get in. The ground was gross, the bathrooms were not kept up with, and their dance floor is too small for the amount of people in that establishment. The positive is they had cheap drinks. My friend described this place as "you have to be really drunk to enjoy it here" and she must be right because I did not like Barb's.

Its a cesspool. The staff is unhelpful but still manage to make you feel like they're doing you a favor. As to their food and drink, well... I wouldn't touch it with someone else's 10 foot pole.

My friends and I usually have a great time here, the vibes and music are great but beware their bouncers are horrible. Last Saturday we went as a group and one person in our group broke the rules but instead of that person getting kicked out, my lady friend got singled out for no reason and forcibly pushed outside. She was listening and asked him not to touch her and he pushed her even harder. Broke her nail and her shoes came off so she hurt her feet in the process. We are devastated our friend was treated this way for no reason. Bring your business elsewhere.

The music was good Saturday but way too loud particularly in the bar area with the seating. It was actually louder there than on the dance floor. It was almost Impossible to strike up a conversation, and that definitely ruins the place as a mingling spot. One had to yell directly in the other person's ear. Maybe something the club owner should reconsider, but on the other hand, I will probably never come back. I regret forgetting my ear plugs...

Use to be cool still cheap drinks but literally wtf. How do you fuck up a Houston gem.

Dance floor was flooded with water (an employee hinted it was from the backed up pipes) and they didn't close the club.... Usually a fine time. However, on Friday July 12th they seem to have severe plumbing problems. We arrived and could see and smell the mop bucket behind the bar. Women's restroom was closed so everyone was using the men's (not really a problem for me). Then the men's restroom closed and they directed patrons across the street to Rich's where (they didn't mention) you had to pay to use the restroom. A guy got in trouble for peeing outside. I'm sure more people did it, but just didn't get caught. Be responsible...Close the bar, get a porta-potty or pay the bar you're directing your patrons to so your customers don't have to pay. If people knew what the hell backed up onto the dance floor, they could've at least made an informed decision to stay or leave. Drinks were decently made.

This place is just messy and badly managed. We came here to celebrate some friends birthdays and paid for entry like 15 minutes before final call and were told they were still serving drinks. Went to the bar to ask for a drink and instead of just saying the bar was closed the bartender got aggressive towards my friends and mad that they asked for drinks after he "closed the bar" and then they kicked us out. After being in there for 10 minutes and being lied to. You can have a better time elsewhere.

I hadn't expected to find myself here on a Friday night, so I was just wearing my ordinary street clothes, not at all dressed to dance or anything. And it didn't matter here; I loved the vibe, the crowd, the light-up dance floor, and the unique choice of [funky] music. We got there at around 11pm and didn't have to pay a cover, which was nice, and the dance floor didn't start filling up until it got closer to midnight. Definitely a fun night out, especially because each night seems to have a different music theme. I really want to stop by for '80s night on a Saturday next time I'm here!

Came here after the bar. Barbarella is open later than bars and music is great. Drinks are a bit overpriced. Would defiantly come again.

I come here for after hours 2-3am normally and love the music they play. I don't know why but last night I was able to go in but my friend 20 years of age couldn't get in. We've been here multiple times, a full year to be exact and never had an issue. If under age drinking was a concern they should know that they shouldn't even be selling alcohol passed 2am... and therefore letting us in should be fine like it has been in the passed. I'm just a bit upset from last night, I guess they won't be seeing me there anymore

This place is killer! Even with Covid restrictions the music is amazing and the gritty ambiance makes it an easy place to be yourself and have fun. I highly recommend!! Get yourself an uber because you're goi to want to stay until closing.