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Boondocks
Categories: Nightlife Dance Clubs Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Dance Clubs, Dive Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
1417 Westheimer AveHouston, TX 77006
Neighborhood: Montrose
(713) 522-8500
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ages Allowed:
- 21+
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
83 reviews for Boondocks
Review Highlights
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"with a kick ass juke and a PHOTO BOOTH then look no further." In 5 reviews -
"What keeps me coming through are the cheap drinks." In 8 reviews -
"and I really love that they have a jukebox." In 16 reviews
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82 reviews in English
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Review from Gracie D.
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
After years spent suffocating in the pits of over-pretentiousness of Washington and Midtown, I've finally given Montrose another chance. I even lived in Montrose for 3 years and never bothered coming here - for shame, for shame.
Undoubtedly the best place to find music of any genre, specifically indie synthpop, nu disco, or the rougher side of EDM (electro, dub). I randomly came on a Friday night and they were spinning songs I've only heard on my iPod or during a live famous DJ set - never in a Houston bar. Damn good music is my drug, and I know I can come here whenever I need to get a fix. If I'm there, you'll find me upstairs dancing. And no I'm not having a seizure - those are my real dance moves.
Each night is different so check their Facebook to see what kind of party is being hosted there. Hell, if you're into 90's hip hop, they even have a night dedicated to that too.
I hate that it's 18+ up because at 29, I don't really want to deal with the obnoxious youngins. But I guess the super, dirt cheap drinks make up for it (give me a few glasses and I don't care who you are or that you were born in 1997).
The crowd is very, very hipster. It's Montrose, go figure. But I love it because it's a nice break from the boat shoes and Tory-burch clad folk I see elsewhere. Bathrooms are sketchy but HEY! It flushes and there's toilet paper. The rest of the bar has a dingy-feeling to it, but the glasses they serve their drinks in are clean and just avoid licking the floor and you'll be fine.
AND SUNDAY FUNDAY! FREE BBQ! They even have Tofurkey sausages and Morning Star veggie burgers. Legit shit. Just bring cash to tip! And $1 vodka wells. Because bottomless mimosas are for pussies.
See y'all on the dancefloor.Listed in: Dancey Pants
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Review from Cameron H.
Houston, TX
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Just a typical bar. The set up is nice. They have a nice, big patio. Other than that, nothing to brag about. Poor service. Not a great liquor selection. The best part is that it's cheap. If you're looking for good service, a good selection, and looking to pay a few dollars more for an exponentially better drink, go across the street to Anvil.
The crowd: dirty, hipsters, scenesters, drug addicts(stoners(which no one cares about), but not just stoners- heroin, coke, meth users), punk losers, douche bags. Just to forewarn you. -
Review from R G.
Houston, TX
3/2/2012
This place is gross! A few years back, I came twice and danced both times for quite a while. Then, one night, I decided to bring my BF for some late night grind dancing. However, at 11, the dance floor was empty and we were treated to a 12 minute song that had about 5 notes.
Tonight, we tried again. More people later at night, about 5 guys lined up around the dance floor and no dancing. One of the guys was so clearly high it was creepy. Then, standing around, we hear workers say the cops were here again. Seriously? No way. We high-tailed it out of there. "Never again," I said to myself as we passed a cop car in the front.
Stay away! -
Review from Arie M.
I was here a couple of years ago for something where they had a special event (not quite remembering what - Halloween or a Streetfest of some sort) and it was very crowded and not fun at all. I figured things have changed and I was with friends so why not...
I really can't find anything fun about it to be honest. They have a small patio that is full of smokers to the point where you can't breath. Inside is dingy and loud. The bathroom is dirty and for some reason the door to the men's room was wide open so everybody could see you doing your business.
The only saving grace was that around 11 on the night I was there, DJ spinner was um, spinning and even though I'm not a fan of hip hop, he was pretty good....right until the time the po po shut them down. Still not sure what that was about, but things were getting kind of tense so we went across the street to Etro and I discovered the Killers are now considered Retro music and felt really old. Interesting night. -
Review from Philip C.
Houston, TX
1/20/2012
How this place got such a high review rating is beyond me. The ONLY reason the place got a second star is because of the inexpensive drinks and the fact that it's walking distance to cooler places... Here is a couple of reasons I gave it a lousy review..
-Guys were doing coke in the restroom. Ridiculous.
-The guy/girl ratio is like 6.5/1
-There is a lot of Affliction wearing douche bags.. (the worst kind..the ones that start fights)
Peace. -
Review from Lisa V.
Houston, TX
4/14/2012
This place is DIRTY!!
It smelled like marijuana and I think I even saw a homeless guy by the dance floor. If you are looking for a gangster to talk to, then go here.
It was gross and sketchy ... pretty much what all the other people who left bad reviews think of the place.
STAY AWAY!! -
Review from Dee H.
12/26/2011
this dingy, dank, musty, dark, PBR can collectin', Jack Daniels swiggin, Gals dancin on table tops watchin, steep-stair trippin, gin and tonic sippin' , cobwebs and broken chair havin place is a living legend in Montrose.... The DJ's are always on point, but after that... what is the allure of this spot?
This is like a go to spot when there's nothing better to do, you can always end up here and dance with some chick with black thick rimmed glasses and her chesty friend... that's worth one star on its own.... but as far as anything else? it's a dive bar with a place to dance that gets poppin on any weekend night. Too bad i have better things to do.... -
Review from Cee B.
12/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Most shameful review ever. I was about to bash this place for being trashy & overall gross...but then I heard MY JAMS!!!!11!! Specifically, Cascada's "Evacuate the Dancefloor" & Waka Flocka's "No Hands." I heard a lot more FAN-TAS-TIC tunes & enjoyed dancing in a group of my friends. Hey, they played Nicki Minaj and I am a total fangirl.
Indeed, good dance & rap music & alcohol is the young feminist's Achilles' heel. Mea culpa, what's wrong w/ a few, fleeting hours of acting a Third Wave fool? Probably a lot, but I had fun dancing off the stress of finals w/ a crew of my fellow grad students on our Christmas break.
Yes, this place is a dirty, sticky dive bar with a rowdy crowd.
But I wholeheartedly enjoyed dancing my @$$ off w/ my friends & cheap, gross undergrad-style brews. Granted, there were gross sweaty sketchy types creepin' everywhere but we were able to dance away from them.Listed in: STELLA WAS A DIVER: DIVE BARS
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Review from Bo Y.
3/3/2012
I guess this is the definition of a Dive Bar. Old, dirty, sticky, dark, cheap, et al. Punk rock to emo crowd, you know, the guys and girls with black t shirts, dark jeans and huge holes in your ear piercings. Fun crowd but it's just so dirty and rundown. Not my style.
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Review from Dea J.
Updated - 10/10/2011
For a friend's birthday we decided to stop by here and meet up with a few friends that were already there.
The bouncer was nowhere to be seen, so I went for the door and then heard someone loudly say "Can I see your I.D.?" I look over and the guy is sitting a good 10ft from the door in a chair off to the side with nothing to distinguish him from anyone else. For all I know it could have been some random guy sitting there.
Inside was packed to the brim. We head upstairs and make a beeline for the bar. Once again...the wait was unbearable. I had two girls decide they were running the place and very rudely pushed me out of the way and shoved their way to the front of the bar even though we were being polite and waiting our turn. I can't believe the audacity of some people. We managed to get up front and I had money waiting in my hand but BOTH bartenders would repeatedly ignore us. I am not exaggerating when I say at least another 10 people got their drinks before he even acknowledged us. I was getting to the point of being a rude a**hole and saying forget it. No tip for you.
It was 90s night, so the music was making me nostalgic. We were starting to warm up to the atmosphere and dance with everyone but wouldn't you know? A fight breaks out. My friends tell me it started with a girl standing on the table with her pants unzipped and a guy licking in places that shouldn't be seen in public. Well, boyfriend sees this and knocks the guy out, so then someone jumps him and the girlfriend decides she can help by jumping on the two of them. They fall to the floor like a sandwich, beating each other until it gets broken up by the bartender. It not only interrupted our dancing, but also made us decide it was time to leave, so we did.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2011
Maybe I just haven't gone at the right time, but there are way better places to go in Houston. I… Read more »
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Review from Mariah D.
2/25/2012
There's nothing particularly fun or special about this place. It's not clean. The bar isn't big nor does it offer a wide selection or specialize in beer, wine or liquor. The bartenders aren't friendly or fast. It doesn't have cool or interesting "boondocks" themed decor. It's not big enough to dance or move around without imposing on others. The music is muddled and the acoustics of the building are terrible. The only thing this place has going for it is a location that keeps the indie kids coming. The regulars here seem particularly rude and territorial to me, so since the regulars like the place so much, I'll let them keep it and go to one of the many other Montrose area bars and hangouts.
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Review from MsAshley W.
Houston, TX
1/1/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This place rocked! I went there on a whim.. I've seen it before but never stopped in. It was pretty early and it was not packed at all. The crowd was friendly and I met a lot of cool people. I would def go back :drinks, cool staff and good music....
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Review from Sami A.
Houston, TX
12/15/2011
People love to overhype Boondocks as the bastion of Houston authenticity. Reading through the reviews, you'd think Jesus himself descended and started doling out handjobs with PBR on demand. I guess it is alright once you get used to the fact that the bartenders take forever and that you'll end up spending more time on your phone than actually talking to anyone because the music is just a little too loud and it is easier to text people standing next to you in order to communicate with them. Am I just getting too old for this?
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Review from John H.
Houston, TX
12/14/2011
Booncocks - it's all in the name. I really don't like this bar, and can't fathom why I have friends that go there frequently. It takes a while to get a drink, they're not cheaper than any other bar, and the place is wall to wall with bro's, hipsters, and other people who think they're better than everyone else. The "dance floor" upstairs is not really a dance floor, it's just a spot with no tables. The music is always boring as hell, generic hip hop or whatever. Ugh. Also, the stairs can be quite steep and people do fall down them from time to time.
So you go outside to escape the inside, where there is a lot of seating, but a lot of seating has already been taken. I don't smoke cigarettes and the music is too loud outside to hear anyone across the table from you, so going outside has no purpose for me.
So in a nutshell, inside and out this place is no bueno. There's too many better places where I can get a drink and not be in a place thats got a guy to girl ratio of like 10 to 1. Seriously. You are never going to meet a girl here.
So... whats the point? Just head to poison girl, rudyards, numbers, dirt bar, avant garden, or.. well, anywhere else. You'll have more fun, better music, service, people, and a better night. -
Review from Bryant A.
Houston, TX
11/29/2010
My review?
I think this place is a sh**hole.
I think another review put it better than I though (Hipster Hell). Cover charge at the door? It had better be goo.. it's not. It takes entirely way too long to get a drink. Loud obnoxious music, you can't walk anywhere. Every hipster there is obviously threatened by anyone else because I was getting mean-mugged all night. Bar layout is terrible, it's tiny for how many people cram in there.
You want a crap ton of people's elbows in your ribs, trying to get to the tiny bar, this is your spot, you trendy whore you. -
Review from Kristen S.
Houston, TX
8/31/2010
HIPSTER HELL!
this place kinda....no it really sucks. Funny thing is, i like the look/feel/location. what i hate are the clientele. and sadly, that has a lot to do with my experience when going out to drink, I want to be surrounded by like-minded, mellow individuals. it's usually douche bag central. man the people who hangout here are so lame. i want to vomit just thinking about it. no thanks. -
Review from Monica O.
9/6/2010
'You'll love it - it's definitely a Monica place.'
I was told this a handful of times from different homies one visit, and they did not lie. Homies knew my tastes pretty well, and Boondocks sounded like a place I wanted to be at. Which it was, a thousand times over.
The first Saturday of the month Boondocks hosts funk & soul spinning upstairs, and certainly attracts quite the skilled dancer to its dark floors previously of the renown queer-friendly Liquid. Many wore appropriate sneakers for gripping and psyching action, and holy cow did they dominate the floor. I was lucky enough to participate with a few of the funky leads - thanks for those grooving sessions, Masters of Funk.
Leaving their upstairs dancefloor packed from the empty state it was when we arrived, I believe I had been separated from my party. I could only hear Gloria Jones and could only envision gyrating bodies all around. I faintly recall grooving along a neighborhood street, absentmindedly plucking a flower, and somehow ending up in my party's car.
Funk, I think I Love you.Listed in: Shuffle Scoot Swing Jive
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Review from Jimi C.
Houston, TX
This place is great if you catch it at the right time... Ive been a regular here for a while now but not on every night of the week. Certain nights/ events bring in a dubstep dance crowd, on lame nights it's the the new wave of yuppies(bro!), and some nights its the regular montrose roundup of hipsters on fixed-gear bikes, old punk rock guys, and general oddities you'd expect to see in an old montrose bar.
Either way, the place is usually a good stop on a night out.
Oh, and Wednesday is $1 well drink night. -
Review from Eva K.
Houston, TX
6/18/2009 ROTD 12/4/2009
The hipsters have left the building...
It's weird noticing a bar's clientèle change over time and Boondocks (as well as Jet Lounge and Poison Girl) was hipster central at one point until they all ran away to Mango's. But it really dawned upon me when my friend Jennifer walked up to me with a look of horror on her face saying: "This guy drove all the way from Tomball to be here and says he only drinks Miller Lite, Eva he didn't know what a PBR is?!" I would definitely not drive an hour + to come to this bar, don't they have their own dive bars out there?
Again Boondocks can be a win or lose regarding the crowd and music, but I do tend to work up a sweat on the dance floor upstairs whenever a decent DJ happens to be spinning. They had a 90s/Euro music night once and it was amazzziiiiing, Ace of Base, yesssssssss...
Today Boondocks is a hodge-podge, I ran into my high school's baseball star here, whyyyyyy? I mean the bleach blonde whores from midtown and the village even show up here nowadays, pretending to be alternative but reeking of well...averageness and complete utter boredom.Listed in: Life in the 'Strose, Blatant Self Promotion
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Review from Cyrus S.
Houston, TX
9/30/2008 ROTD 11/26/2008
Boodocks is usually on my hit list for an inter-weekly Montrose walk of shame. The bar looks great! The music is usually really good upstairs with various DJ's and bands playing, if not, the jukebox has some rocking playlists. They also constructed a patio for the smokers to commiserate. What keeps me coming through are the cheap drinks...$1.50 PBR's!!!
Aside from this... a warning...you are infiltrating hipster central. Before going I recommend buying a few things from American apparel, catching up on obscure bands, and possibly growing a mustache. Your cover story: You're an artist, you still live with your parents, and everything sucks. Ready, steady, go....Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Nicole D.
Bedford, TX
2/11/2008
I was out with a couple of friends of mine, and we were initially headed to The Harp. However, upon learning that the restrooms were out of order, and that we'd need to use the port-a-potties, we axed that plan. Really, hovering over a seat where you know that some overly drunk retard missed when they were trying to either pee or puke just was NOT my idea of fun (especially not after I've had a few beers and am in the restroom every 10 minutes.) Now that I've finished my overshare, I'll move on to Boondocks!
When we arrived, the place was DEAD. Seriously, there were 3 other people inside, and it was 10:30pm on a Saturday. This should have been our first clue, but we wanted beer and everywhere else was packed. We sit down and order a round of Shiner, and finally I'm a happy Nikki. That is, until I need to use the bathroom. (*cue Doomsday music*) I walk into the bathroom, and it freakin' wreeeeaks. They had the door propped open (I'm assuming to air it out?) and the place is still making me feel sick. So I take refuge in a stall while breathing in and out of my mouth so I don't gag. Words cannot express my sense of relief when I took my seat back at the bar and gulped down my beer. I was totally diggin' the music on the jukebox, I was having fun with my friends, and I had a beer in my hand. All seemed good in the world of Nicole.
But then, seemingly out of freakin' nowhere, the place is instantly packed with hipsters and the jukebox seems to have gotten louder out of nowhere. Suddenly I'm trying to scream over Heart so I can talk to my friend who is sitting 2 feet from me, and I'm really frustrated. At that point, all there was to do was people-watch (which sucked). Urgh. We finally left, and I must say that the highlight of my night was watching a drunk girl fall on her ass because she was trying to flirt with 2 guys when she'd had too much to drink for the shoes she was wearing.
Le sigh. -
Review from Johnny S.
Houston, TX
3/10/2008
Boondocks is hard to rate accurately because whether or not you'll enjoy this place depends on what you're looking for. First and foremost, in no uncertain terms, this is a scenester/hipster/rocker bar. Obviously, then, if you can't stand the guy who looks like he's a member of the Bravery, or the girl who looks like she's in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, then you will hate this place. On the other hand, if you're into that scene, you might really like it.
Second, the VAST majority of the people who go here already know each other as "part of the scene." That said, to outsiders it's easy to feel like you don't belong or aren't particularly welcome here. Still, if you're a pretty looking scenester girl, regardless of whether you know anyone, the guys will be on top of you in no time flat (my friend related a story to me where a guy approached her and bluntly said, "So, do you like big dick?"). The bar also lets A LOT of underage girls in (guess the doorman doesnt really check IDs carefully), so, again, if that's your bag . . .
As for service, on weekends service is slow if you know the bartender, ridiculously slow if you don't. Still, the prices are cheap and the strength of the drinks is decent.
From time to time the place has events like "Soul Night" where the DJs actually play some pretty good music upstairs and people really do start to boogie. So, if you just want a place to dance to some interesting music, it can be a decent choice. The dance floor, though, is TINY and feels vaguely unsafe (i.e., "is this going to collapse?").
Personally, I hate boondocks, mostly because its just way too scene and has a high percentage of immature habitual wasters who have nothing going for themselves except "looking cool." But, I also have a lot of friends who like going there, so I can't hate on it completely, it's just not for me. It seems like the crowd has been thinning out as of late (hard to build a business model where your clientele consists 90% of broke scenesters) so it's questionable whether this place has it for the long-term. -
Review from Crystal L.
Houston, TX
1/7/2009 ROTD 4/4/2009
Finally! I came to boondocks and stayed for more than 10 minutes. Was showing my out of town friend around last night (a tuesday) and we popped in for a $2 lonestar. Little Joe Washington was playing which was a nice surprise, fantastic musician and he always cracks me up with his antics.
The crowd is definitely hipster, and the bartender really tries hard not to pay attention. I can see why so many people like this place though. Its welcoming in a sense, too bad I can't say the same for the crowd.
To be honest, I'd much rather go across the street to Etro and play connect four and listen to industrial/80's/electronic. But thats just me. I just can't seem to warm up to this place. I will come back for some more Little Joe Washington on a Tuesday though. -
Review from Melody L.
Dallas, TX
11/11/2008
While on the Welcome To Hell tour, I stopped in here with my peeps. Then I told more peeps to meet us here. Guess what? It was cool. We liked it. I took over the jukebox as soon as I walked in. I heard they had the best in the city so I was ready to see if it lived up to the hype. And it did. Here are some of the artists I played:
Neil Young
Biggy
Kings of Leon
Joy Division
AC/DC
Jimmy Hendrix
Tribe
Led Zeppelin
Ray Charles
Johnny Cash
Oasis
Jackson 5 because why the hell not?
Let me know if you were there that night dancing. You're welcome. Bwaha
Anyway, this place is great with a laid back staff, clean (enough) bathroom, dark interior, large tables for your peeps, good booze (duh), boys with mustaches from BK, and a pretty big patio for the smokies. I have to say this is one of my faves in Htown. If you are looking for a place that is somewhat rowdy (who isn't at 2am?) with a kick ass juke and a PHOTO BOOTH then look no further. I'll see you next time I'm in town, lil' buddy.Listed in: My Houston Favorites, Bars with Great Jukeboxes in…
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Review from Stephanie F.
Houston, TX
11/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cheap drinks but the crowd can be kinda sketchy.
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Review from Gretchen P.
Houston, TX
8/23/2008
Hmmm...This place reminds me of a cross between a student union and Numbers. I've been here three times over the past year and each time I have just wanted to set my half-drunk beverage down and walk far, far away from the 21-year old hipsters and soon to be alumni at whichever university they are attending.
The bar itself is wonderful. It's a nice space. Two levels. There's a bar upstairs, as well. They've extended the patio, which is a definite improvement. The first time I went here was the first weekend of the smoking ban. Boondocks was one of the only bars that "suddenly had a outdoor smoking area" that weekend. They had made a makeshift patio along the sidewalk. Very narrow and VERY FULL since virtually everyone at the bar was outside.
They have an amazing jukebox. I've never heard it. For all I know, it's just something pretty to look at. I was ready to play the entire The Jesus & Mary Chain album on my last visit, but alas there was a dj. Perhaps if I went early on a weeknight, I'd be in luck. But why would I want to run the risk, yet again, of being the oldest person in the bar...and I'm not that old.
Oh, I'd only give this place 1 star (for the pretty to look at juke box), but I'll add another for all of those early twentysomethings out there looking for a great place (for them!) to hang-out.Listed in: Don't Do Me Like That, Don't Put Another Dime in the…
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Review from Farrah A.
"Boondocks" is a somewhat funny name for a bar that's in the heart of the city--Montrose. But I love it. I grew up in the boonies, so I like telling friends to meet me in "the boonies" and kinda meaning it.
When the owner Shawn B mapped out his first bar, he took his favorite bits and pieces from his favored bars and morphed 'em all together: great jukebox that plays everything from Tupac to Loretta Lynn, cheap beer ($1.50 PBRs any day of the week and a killer Sunday happy hour), a dj booth that plays vinyl, a Pac-Man table, and a photo booth. Yes, a photo booth. Snap some pics with that hottie hipster chick you met five minutes ago as proof to your homies that you still got game.
I only knocked off a star because it takes quite a while to get a drink from the bar (I *really* think the barstaff doesn't like me--and I'm a HUGE tipper), and the ladies restroom could use another stall. That line is too damn long. Always. -
Review from Eva L.
Houston, TX
2/1/2010
I'm a big believer in that you make your own fun. Boondocks isn't a bad place. Up until a month or so ago, it was just ordinary. There's a good mix of people that go there, from the frat pack to the anime. The drinks are decent, reasonably priced and the bartenders are attentive. I've managed to have fun the handful of times I've been there. Yes, I can see what the others are talking about but if you're with a fun group of people, it'll be allright. This would've been a solid 3 star review (if the jukebox were operational, it could've jumped to 4 stars due to some choice tunes).
So, why the two stars? It's now 18 and up to get in. For the luv of alcohol, why did Boondocks do this? I nearly docked ya down to 1 star for this lameness. I don't think I'll be back. On the bright side, this means that I won't be falling down the stairs (they're kinda steep and not well-lit so it would've been just a matter of time before I went stuntman on them). -
Review from Chris S.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2009
Ah, Boondocks.
I tried so hard to hate you. I really did. I kept telling myself that you were trying too hard to be "the cool new kid" in town. Your crowd was so super-hipster that I wanted to vomit. Your bartenders normally suck. I really did plan on hating you and never returning.
But alas, I did return. On more than one occasion. And it seemed that each time I began to enjoy my stay more and more and a little more.
Yes, your uber-hipster and rock-wannabe crowd annoys me from time to time. Their pissy glares and "I'm cooler than you and haven't bathed in a week" attitude. Yes, your bartenders can be un-welcoming and full of themselves as well. Yes, your jukebox is decent--but a little cliché. Yes your photo booth only works half the time. Yes, the people dancing and spinning upstairs look and sound so ridiculous that it makes me want to shake my white ass with them.
And for all these things--I've grown to adore you Boondocks.
I don't hate you. I loathe you. But I will be returning. Hopefully this weekend. -
Review from B M.
Austin, TX
10/8/2009
I've mentioned my married best friend before. Though she is married and her husband is a college graduate, let us not forget that she doesn't graduate until December, so they still operate on a college-style budget. Her husband's best friend frequents this place, so we thought we'd give it a try.
We get there early-- the married part-- and it's silent minus some laughter from a group of five people sitting at a table. It was really awkward. The best friend's husband put a dollar in the juke box... and I really love that they have a jukebox.
We sit at the downstairs bar and we're talking what we want to order. We're going over a list of all the different cocktails, and the bf's husband and I are trying to encourage her to try some different things. These 20-something hipsters, akin to the ones we have in Austin, sit down next to us and start making fun of her and how she must have never been to a bar before, etcetera. Sure, we're young. The best friend got married on her 21st birthday five months ago. But, no matter your age, I like to encourage shaking things up a bit. Sure, it suffices to order the same rum and coke every single time you have a drink, but why not try different things? And at any age, it's hard to believe that you've tried all bazillion cocktail combinations. I was a little irritated by this.
After the DJ gets going, we head upstairs where he's supposed to be mixing 20s/30s music with modern music, but it didn't really sound like much of anything to me. Though we definitely had fun getting plastered and sitting in one of the few bars I've been to where I didn't have to scream to hear my friends, there's nothing about this place that makes me want to go back. -
Review from brittany e.
Olmos Park, TX
10/19/2008
This is an awesome place to go to run into people that you have met many times before (bartenders included) that will consistently pretend like they have never seen you before. The hipster scene here is tragic.
and PBR sucks, it doesn't matter how cheap it is. -
Review from David N.
Updated - 12/27/2009 1 Check-in Here
I get this place now. To me it's a transition bar. You're too old for the clubs but you're not quite ready for just a dive. So you still want loud music but you don't really want to dance dance. You just kinda wanna get in a crowded circle with your friends and WOOO! and high five each other. Yes it's kinda sad but it's exactly what you need.
The drinks are pretty cheap here but not rock bottom, less than the overpriced douche clubs but not as low as they could be. Once again middle of the road.
I haven't totally fallen in love with this place but I finally get what it's all about. (At least on the weekends)Listed in: Houston: Best Dance Clubs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/31/2009
I walked in here on a thursday night and walked right out.
There was no special attributes about… Read more »
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Review from Will B.
Houston, TX
11/6/2009
What a terrible bar. Full of hipster trash and bartenders that think they're king because they're pouring you beer.
The jukebox is good, but not great. Most of the times I've gone, it's been too crowded to have a good time, and took an insane amount of time to get a drink. I went there 3 Halloweens ago, to see the Misfits cover band that had been advertised, but paid the cover and endured the painful wait times and bad service only to find out that the band had canceled.
Not a sign anywhere informing of the change, not one bartender or bouncer telling us. They were just happy to take our 10 dollars and give us crap service.
If you like asymmetrical haircuts, boys in girl's pants, and general hipster douchebaggery, then Boondocks is right up your alley. Promise.
With Catbird's and Poison Girl within walking distance, there's no reason to come here. -
Review from Ly S.
Sugar Land, TX
6/4/2010
I'm originally from California so I am quite strict with various clubs/bars/venues here in H-town. Believe it or not, Houston feels like a different country in and of its own. Its hard to find a place that feels right to me. What I have learned is, H-town has got it all, you just got really look in between all the crevices and feeder roads and all-you-can-eat places this city has to offer.
Boondocks is it. Friends have frequently invited me out to this diamond in the rough and I finally came out to experience THE Boondock. I mean, this place is so beyond any of my Cali expectations. I couldn't even wait until later on in the morning to show support for this place. I am buzzin as I yelp.
21+ID = FREE That's right folks. My fulfilling night at the Boondocks that I feel ever so privileged to have experienced was free.
First impressions of the exterior/interior: I felt like I was at a poppin' house party. True, google maps showed me a house as my destination when I looked up directions, but I thought it was just in need of an update. Indeed, Boondocks is pretty much a very spacious Houston house. But don't let looks deceive you.
The drinks were cheap! Great place to enjoy your favorite beer or mixed beverage. Likewise, the bartenders were attentive to all customers and got you what you wanted without any rude looks or impolite gestures. And I truly believe the fairly priced drinks seem as though they are even cheaper because they are being enjoyed in a very comfortable and eclectic ambiance.
Oh yes, I need to mention the type of scene it is in the Boondocks. First of all, dress how ever-ever you want. You can't label this place by the people that come through because there are so many different styles and music tastes and vibes in there that its..a beautiful thing. I don't even think I can find a place with such iconoclasm in SD. Other reviews stressed the large hipster presence. Judging by last nights crowd, I'd have to disagree.
See, indie/electro and rap/hiphop are like my divorced parents. And I felt like I was at a family reunion and it felt soo good because I didn't have to be with one side of the family. We were all just together. Yeah, that analogy was a bit too much. Still Buzzin. Anyway.
Now the reason why I know I am going to be back real real soon.
THE MUSIC. THE DJ'S WERE SO DOPE. SO ON POINT. The mixin' was so on point, I don't think I ever stopped nodding my head to the tracks the entire night. I think there was a review here that said the Boondocks would be more enjoyable without a DJ..(wow.)
NO. No, that is crazy talk. It has been so long since I have spent an entire night out praising the DJ, raising my glass to them more than to my friends. On a hella serious note, the music made my night. And the greatest part was, nobody was judging me by my over-enthusiasm about how "hard this DJ is mixin."
Everyone was having there own great night. And honestly, how could they not?
Generously-priced drinks, hella chill vicinity vibe, and dope ass music.
Go to the Boondocks. Go. GO. Like right now -
Review from samantha j.
Houston, TX
8/11/2008
One of my favorite night hang outs. Mondays are live bands, tuesdays are little joe washington, fridays and saturdays they usually have pretty good dj's, and sundays are pretty chill with FREE bbq. And they serve veggie dogs for us non-meat eaters. Just don't forget to tip your grill man. Oh and did I mention that all of the aforementioned is FREE! You never pay for shows here!
Happy hour is from 5pm-9pm and that means $2.50 drafts (blue moon!!! yum!) and wells. Plus all day everyday it's only $1.75 for PBR (aka pabst blue ribbon). I'm a cheap date!
I've never had a bad night here....and I've been a regular since they opened last june or july. It used to be my daily hang out but due to alcoholic tendencies I've had to cut back on my drinking. Still love the place though. It can get a little shady, I've heard it be referred to as the place to get whatever you need but I've never seen it. Out of sight out of mind.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
11/13/2008
I have never been here when there wasn't a fight. I don't know if I have the worst luck ever when it comes to this aspect, but I seriously have never been to Boondocks when some girl wasn't spitting on another one, or bottles got broken, or there was a scuffle in the parking lot. I mean, I like a rumble as much as the next 5'2" female, but consistency is kinda not my style.
Pair this with the fact that they play music to ear-deafening levels, even on weeknights when it's pretty much dead inside, and even the cheap drink prices can't entice me to darken its door again. (My friend lived in apartments right behind this place and the loud music would be rattling her china until 2AM on a Tuesday.) For what it's worth, my money's on Poison Girl. Yeah, everybody goes there, it's overrated, bla bla bla, but the patrons seem to be a bit better behaved than those in the Boonies. -
Review from Thao T.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2009 8 Check-ins Here
Another dirty dive bar that's a hit or miss. It is definitely a hit when the night is dedicated to the early 90's. You all know it's the best. Who doesn't like Soul for Real?
One night I removed myself from the second floor balcony because I didn't want to die from its possible collapse.
No cover ever - you know you like that. -
Review from sonia s.
Houston, TX
3/24/2009
Where do I begin? I feel like i have to love this place because once upon a time i worked for the owner, and fucked some of the bartenders, and blah blah blah. That's also why I want so badly to hate it. Yet, I don't. I can't. It's hard to really actually HATE this place. the drinks are relatively cheap, the patio is a decent size for a city with an indoor smoking ban, and they throw some variety into the mix.. live bands, local DJs, touring acts, 60s psychadelic, 90s hip hop, and even some salsa is mixed in just to throw you off.
This is one of those places where you just have to go check it out and decide for yourself you can handle it or not.
The worst thing about it, probably, is the fact that you are going to run into people you know.
you just are, so try not to look like shit. -
Review from Priscilla M.
Houston, TX
8/2/2011
Oh Boondocks, you never let me down. Sometimes I come here with the intention of going somewhere else after, but then I just never leave. The bartenders are friendly, the music is crazy good, and the dancing...oh my gosh ... the dancing is the best. You know that awesome feeling you get when you have a random dance party in your room? Well this place gives you that feeling except it's better because there's tons of other people having that very same moment at the very same time. I get my dance on so hard at the boonies. Thursday nights and Saturday nights are definitely my favorites. Don't forget 90's night!
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Review from Anthony N.
Houston, TX
1/25/2010 3 Check-ins Here
"Alright Brain, you don't like me, and I don't like you. But lets just do this, and I can get back to killing you with beer." There's no better place to do this then at a drive bar name Boondocks. I've made this review simple for your viewing pleasure a la checklist.
Things that require a dive bar are the following (checklist style):
Everyone gets in with whatever they want to wear: Check
Interesting crowd from Hipsters to tight shirt wearing muscle heads: Check
Bar Access is hard to get to sometimes: Check
Jukebox that has lots music from Rod Stewart to NWA: Check
Cheap drinks (PBR and Lone Star Beer): Check
Photo booth: Check
Dirty looking floors and walls: Check
Not the cleanest restrooms: Check
Pac man video game: Check
Live Bands and Dj Nights: Check
Large Patio: Check
Large Dance Floor upstairs: Check
This list could go on and on! I enjoy people watching here on the weekends as there are some many different types of people to see and talk too. I've been here many times and I plan to keep coming back so I can tell a joke about "A Rabbi, a Priest and a Minster walk into a bar..." and really mean it when I said I saw all three walk into a bar!
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