Penny Whistle Pub

We were the first ones in on a Friday at a little after 4pm. Looked like a great place and the bartender greeted us and made us feel right at home. As each person came in after us, she greeted them by name and poured them their usual. Definitely a neighborhood bar. Classy, Irish atmosphere with several different seating areas, darts, ping pong and several TVs. Looking forward to coming back!

Nice place if you want just drinks. Never thought I would go to an Irish Pub and not get real Irish Pub food. Pizza, Pretzel or cookie???? Pizza was ok because we were really hungry. Music was really loud and we moved to a different area where it wasn’t so loud. I have been to Irish pubs all across America and this one is ok if you just want drinks and a nice place to hang out outdoors but don’t come here hungry. The only thing Irish is the name and that they have Guinness and Jameson. Will continue looking to find a true Irish pub in Houston.

Really dark inside, the female bartender was really weird. She didn't acknowledge us as we stood at the bar waiting to order. She took the order of the man next to us and turned and walked away. It just didn't feel like the normal Montrose love during happy hour everywhere else.

This used to be a great pub. Now, it's a lifeless bar with zero personality and an odd manager. The manager claims that their pizzas are handmade. They are not. They are clearly store bought frozen pizzas. Doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

such a good spot for some drinks. The music is really nice. They have an outside patio.!!! def will be going again!!

Super neat and comfortable place. Looks great after the renovations. Plenty of space, comfortable lounge chairs, you can even play Mario Cart 8 on the big screen along with more traditional board games. A very genuine and pleasant place to relax with friends or unwind after work.

It's not called Penny Whistle pub. Name is updated. It's super dark there . Older women bartender first she was ignored me then I was chatting with a friend she started to chat with me but I can seen she was picky to talk . Drinks are amazing good. Clean place. Around 10 pm got packed.

This neighborhood gem is great for many reasons. They have 2 golden tee machines which is nice. The Pretzel is AMAZING! The staff is super friendly and willing to get ya what ya need. Parking is easy and they have live music on occasion as well.

This is a your quintessential neighborhood bar - and fills a niche that the closest bars around it don't meet. You may get fancier cocktails and food at Toasted Coconut or more of a scene at Nonno's, or more of a vibe at 93 Til, but sometimes you just need a good ole dive bar to chill with large groups of friends. They have a huge space with both indoor and large patio area. They have jumbo, high quality screens everywhere, so it's always a great atmosphere during game times and sporting events. They constant host events so definitely follow them on socials to keep up with their calendar - they have a great trivia scene, live music at times, and all sorts of food events like steak night and crawfish. Although a bit more of a dive, don't sleep on their cocktails as they have a pretty expansive menu you wouldn't expect at an establishment like this. They pour a good Guinness draft, and have a variety of local beers and imports. The bartenders are all extremely hardworking and friendly. Food-wise, they have a limited menu that includes basic bar snacks like pretzels and frozen pizza (I swear this has to be Red Baron). But the bonus is that they typically allow outside food, so can order delivery or bring whatever you want to eat with you. The tamale guy also makes fairly regular rounds at Penny Whistle, especially on trivia nights. There's been a lot of talk what constitutes third spaces, and in this part of Montrose, this would be one of mine. If you're ever in the neighborhood drop by Penny Whistle and come and say hi!

I gave this spot another try. The bartender was great. She made do with what was available. They're always out of a lot. This time it was cognac. The cocktail menu was different from the last one I remember and thus pricier. I tried the "southern belle" (~$15). The name is cute just not what I was expecting. I enjoyed the soccer game on the TV. That was cool. The bar was chill and not a lot of people, which is not a problem for me. There were more people sitting outside. Also the AC was on 10, which was awesome given how hot and humid it was that night. There was a vendor outside selling new american style food. I didn't try the food but the menu looked decent and most items were ~$10-$15 with a lot of truffle mentioned.

Below review stays the same, but they may earn a 5th star if they don't run out of steak on steak night. Especially when I was the first person to order. Unpretentious, neighborhood Irish pub. You can strategically bring in Nonno's pizza and chill out here with reasonably priced drinks. Bartenders are friendly, patrons are chill, and they have 2 rotating taps. There's nothing immensely special about this place. It's what a pub should be. Good patio, dart boards, clean, cold beer, nice staff, all good!

The food service and ambiance was amazing. Looks like they got a recent overhaul on the inside. Had a vendor selling crawfish that was bomb!!!!

They don't have food, but the drinks are straight up and reasonably priced. Typical Irish pub, but thats a good thing. Ask for a D20 shot for a fun surprise!

Typical Irish bar with a twist! They have a ping pong table, Nintendo, and darts. Came here for good old st. Patty's day. Had a great time putting guinesses and whiskeys back. They also have live music weekly I believe as well. Staff was great and attentive! Pro tip: I don't believe they have a kitchen. So if your hungry grab something before hitting up the pub!

A small low key neighborhood bar with a few extra bells and whistles, Penny Whistle is a favorite little getaway from the bustling Montrose area. Before Covid-19, my friends and would come for drinks and ping pong. The ping pong is gone, but we still enjoy the patio, so we return often. I especially enjoy the illuminating canopy of green fairy lights over the front patio. There's no kitchen or food menu, but The Revelry is two doors down and Toasted Coconut is next door if you'd like to get takeout or prefer waiter service. Here, you're lucky to find the occasional food truck. This bar offers several beers on tap as well as canned. I like that they offer plenty of patio seating. I often see people with their dogs here, and it never gets too crowded or packed to where you won't find seating. That's just how I like it!

My fiancé and I love trying out new pubs around Houston. And I am so glad we found this one! The first time we came here there was no on else here, which was nice because we got the whole place to ourselves for a good hour & half. The bartender was so kind and made us amazing drinks! We came here for St. Patty's day and enjoyed an amazing live band with green beer. We always enjoy getting a cold Guinness here too. It's such a cute pub with a pool table and darts

I enjoy the Penny Whistle. Great atmosphere, cold drinks, fun crowd, good service. No food, so if that's your focus, go somewhere else to eat first.

Tonight my sister was just bit aggressively by a customer's dog in Penny Whistle right in front of the bartender. The bartender didn't stop to check on my sister and later acted like she knew nothing about it. As I questioned the bartender about the incident, a drunk man sitting at the bar came at me ready to start a fight about the incident. The bartender never showed any concern for the bite marks on my sister's leg that resulted in blood and a hole in her pants. As the drunk man was yelling at me and threatening me, instead of asking the drunk man to leave, the bartender told our group to leave and politely asked her drunk yelling buddy "John" to sit back down. The bartender showed a lot of concern for not upsetting her regular customer but absolutely no consideration at all for the person bitten by a customer's dog. Be wary of crowded bars with a bunch of unknown dogs.

First time here and I ordered 3 of their signature drinks - with whiskey, scotch... but they came out tasting like an angel made them. And quite possibly, she could have angel hands behind the bar. If Rowan is behind the bar - your taken care of for sure. 10 out of 10 recommend. Come at 11am skip the crowd and get brunch started early

Contrary to intolerant Jack's trans/non-binary-phobic review from yesterday, this straight white guy has never had a problem at Penny Whistle. The staff there have always treated me and my friends well. It's a great place when customers like Jack and his friends don't go in there causing problems.

Love this bar! Inside is a more relaxed, chill vibe, and the patio outside is super nice and spacious to enjoy on a sunny day. Bartenders are very nice and they always have a unique drink menu

I like the location and the overall vibe of the bar. It's a chill spot to hangout at. However, the bartender was extremely rude. She kept rolling her eyes at us when we asked for drinks. It created a really uncomfortable experience which sucks because I really liked the bar.

First time at this bar. Bartender was very rude when my friend, visiting from Louisiana, tried to show her ID from her phone (Louisiana has an app that allows state residents to show bars their digital ID). The bartender responded with "I can show you a picture of a drink" and all the other staff started laughing which we thought was very rude. The same bartender also "barked" at our friend for trying a friends drink before showing her his ID. Bad first experience. Will not be back.

The bartenders are super attentive. Lots of TV's everywhere so it is great for viewing sports. Great beer and liquor selection.

The interior pretty comfortable and the outdoor patio is great, especially now that the weather is nice. To be an Irish pub, they need to upgrade their taps. I told the bartender that I drink pale ales and he suggested Rolling Rock. I ordered a Harp which didn't taste like the Harp that I have had. Saint Arnold Elisa IPA saved the night.

I'm sorry but the way I was treated in this bar is completely unacceptable. It seems like the bartenders only accept lesbian or people of color. Bartender girls or what ever the fuck they are, loaded up with testosterone just waiting for the first straight white guy to walk in the bar and kick them the fuck out with no explanation. Just unexplainably wild

Well, this bar is not even close to an Irish Pub in anything other than its name. The night that we were there they were playing "head banger" music loudly to the entire place. Good grief! It doesn't need to be Irish Celtic ditties but loud head banger selections? My reason for inhabiting Penny Whistle bar that night was my seemingly never ending search for a proper and good tasting Smithwicks draft. Its my favorite draft beer, and I swear that very few "Irish" bars in Houston know how to serve a good tasting Smithwicks pint. My taste buds tell me that most bars that have Smithwicks (and Smithwicks was available at Penny Whistle the night we were there) have no clue that to serve a proper pint from a draft beer delivery system, that the lines need to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned out with beer-line treatment. This was tur at Penny Whistle. The Smithwicks line tasted like it had not been flushed and cleaned for months.... Yuck. Never again. If you are looking for an Irish pub atmosphere and good Irish draft, you will not find it here!! Keep looking!

This is a very chill fun bar with great staff! I had an excellent time here their old fashions are to die for

I love the set up and the environment. My boyfriend and I love chill bars we can play darts and/or pool at. We always appreciate a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere which we have found at so many local bars in the area. Most bars in this area we have developed a nice relationship However the bartender, brunet woman, has been extremely rude to my boyfriend and I , on separate occasions. Us both being in the service industry ourselves always give benefit of the doubt, however she doesn't seem to care to give us the time of day. It's just extremely unfortunate that such an awesome bar in houston makes so many people feel unwelcome or turned away based off of "I guess one angry bartenders attitude/ preferences" I've never left a negative review before but feeling that unwelcome when to in are in the service industry yourself and trying to be kind to someone makes you never want to return

This place was recommended to us by our waiter at another establishment. It's a great little spot for drinks and live music. They also have table games and darts and the bartenders are friendly. We will definitely be back if we're in the area again.

Much better bars in the area. How does an Irish Pub runout of Guinness??? Service isn't the best either whether it is busy or slow.

Penny Whistle is awesome! I live in the neighborhood and walk over to PW fairly often. I love the steak night on Wednesdays, and the dog friendly patio is fantastic! I've been several times and never had a bad experience. The bartenders have always been knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I love that I can bring my dog inside with me when I need a drink, and the patio has lots of fans and a couple TVs to watch games. It's a comfortable neighborhood spot and I'm so happy to have them in the neighborhood!

First time at this place. Pretty chill vibe. Sam is an amazing bartender. Drinks and conversation were on point

Our new favorite neighborhood spot. Delicious cocktails at a great price. Love the renovation too. It's now a clean, cozy, comfortable bar. Has enough TVs to watch a game but not too many where you feel like you're in a sports bar. Can't to try the Wednesday steak night.

My wife and I have spent thousands of dollars at penny over 2 years. Was our regular spot. Over the course of the last year it has gone down hill since Matt left. As of tonight after the same bartender I have had for the entire last year had no idea who I was or my wife was and had a very "nose"down at you flippant approach. I will not be returning.

First time being in an Irish Pub and the place looks amazing! Great atmosphere and great drinks. Love how there's interactive games too!

Awesome friendly staff. Have the Irish coffee! Ask about the ghost, and watch out for their mascot.

Third time trying this place, had a blast the first time but couldn't stand it the past two times. They BLARE gangsta rap, like a serious hood club, whats the point in all the upgrades to call yourself a neighborhood pub when you are alienating the neighborhood. Good luck.

I've had sea breezes at many bars around town. Penny Whistle by far has the best! Shout out to Corinne, she killed it. I will definitely be back for more sea breezes!

Updated patio and decor inside, this place is great. I was able to sample some IPAs and some craft beers I never had. Bartender was awesome. She knew her music and was conversational.

Okay- I never do reviews on Yelp. Never. But this place has an awesome Wednesday night special. The guy that does Wednesday steaks is awesome, and the atmosphere is great. My boyfriend and I got an amazing steak and a bottle of wine for $35. I don't know what the other review about rap music was talking about- their playlist is on point. I was extremely skeptical about the renovation, but I think it still has the same divey Montrose vibe that made it stand out. I mean just kidding- this place sucks. Don't tell your friends about it...... ;)

Newly renovated, and such a great place. We usually hang at Revelry next door, finally walked over, and so glad we did. Great change of pace. Very chill and spacious place, especially the front patio at night under the green lights. But most importantly? Only place for miles than can make a REAL whiskey Sour with egg whites for a great price. Very solid craft cocktail menu, and a not too shabby beer selection. Awesome laid back neighborhood bar feel, will be back many times. If they got Guinness on nitro draft or maybe some cask beers, and I'd never leave.

This place has amazing service. The staff are all very nice, and they are constantly checking on guests. They are a dedicated staff that's doesn't stop working at anytime, and they treat all the guests with respect. The prices are no more expensive than any other bar, so no complaints there. They have a few games to play as any pub should, plus a jukebox and tv's. This is a perfect pub. I have no complaints.

Matt is the man and this is my new local spot since I moved here. Good whiskey and even better service.

After avoiding the Harp's atmosphere, Penny Whistle's updates and renovations are just what this location needed. There are plenty of different spaces to relax whether if you want a great outdoor deck, an indoor lounge, or a game room with ping pong and darts. The cocktails are delicious and reasonable (French 75 and Moscow Mule are my favorite). The staff is friendly and helpful. It's also a plus that you can bring food in from other places. Ideal bar if you want to chill with some friends and watch an Astros game, play Mario Kart, or get some sun with a drink in your hand.

Don't use touch tunes. It will be a waist of your credits, they will shut down your jams. Not very a welcoming place, wish them well.

They still have ping pong and steak night on Wednesday. Oh and Mario Kart. Go penis whistle!

Really enjoy the casual vibe of the place and the cocktails and pricing is on point. I can grab a beer and a shot or get a solid classic cocktail. Something here for everyone for sure!

Went here with a group of friends and the environment is really nice. I had the pleasure of Hailey being our bartender. She was fast with our drinks and very knowledgeable. She had no problems with our difficult orders. We will definitely be going back, as long as she is our bartender!!!