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Categories: Dive Bars, Music Venues, Karaoke
Neighborhoods: Fourth Ward, Midtown"This place is excellent. recommended for Thursdays as they have the 'pulse' event. features drink such as 3 dollar bombs, and dollar bud…" read more »
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It's like walking through a time machine...from the outside: 1957.
Inside: evocations of CBJB.
The only real reference that you're not in New York City moshing your way through throngs of punks or loose women is the massive Texas flag that seems to have been there so long that its threads are now fused into the cracked paint walls.
There is not much to notice about the inside of this place. The stage is obviously the forefront of the room, the bar to your left, and stragglers creeping in and out. It seems like most people are just regulars who don't mind paying a cover to get in no matter who is playing that night. There is a room in the back which seems to be somewhere in between a storage closet, co-ed bathroom, and pool hall. There is a shuffleboard table across the far wall and a passageway to the new patio (that I have yet to see).
Anyways, the beauty of this place is the acts they bring in. This was the first place that had Dax Riggs play in Houston and they usually have a Beatles tribute band every week. I can't pass up the place without seeing who they have on the calendar for the month. The stage is raised enough for everybody to see and the acoustics are great.
Parking is either on the street or in an abandoned parking lot, that still has a sign up saying you must pay but I have never had a problem skimping on.
Whether it's just to stop in for a beer after eating Tacos A Go-Go or to see an underground act with the accompaniment of fellow music-goers, The Continental Club is sure to be dive bar on your short list of places to visit in Houston.
Don't just pass by and wonder what that place is, experience it.
It's a shame I don't come here more often because it's got some of the best soul and blues music in town. Granted, I always seem to walk past it when I'm heading to The Mink or the taco place owned by The Continental Club, but I've managed to stop in a few times.
The music is great, ready up for dancing and I've even seen Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears there a few times. Once you're done dancing up a storm, head into the back for some barbecue, tacos or whatever they are selling in the back that night. And if you want to enjoy the weather, walk over to the back patio and chill out with a few friends while enjoying some more artwork.
Favorite piece: the ELVIS lit up sign.
Continental Club still has great bartenders great shows and showcases great local musicians, but they have added a couple more patios out back. As you walk out onto the original patio, they have a built a covered deck to the right overlooking Winbern St. The Continental Club has also added the Pachinko Room to the left of the ELVIS sign. The Pachinko Room gives off a surfer bar vibe in the middle of Houston. It includes surf boards, and classic surf movies playing behind the bar.
Check it out folks!
The Continental Club is my favorite live music venue in Houston. I know there are some that are… Read more »
Great venue for regional/local rockabilly. Just saw Dash Rip Rock & Mojo Nixon there on Saturday. Plenty of room for the large crowd, but you can get close to the stage if you want to. If you don't want to be near the stage, no big deal either because you don't end up in the next county for it! Live music sounds great there. Only drawback is that you have to walk from the large main room through a narrow doorway and then into a narrow hallway to get to the can. If there's a big crowd getting through there can be a pain. Haven't had a problem parking in either the $5 lot or on the street.
I would give the Continental Club a 4.5 - it is definitely one of the best places in Houston to see live music. The Continental Club attracts great regional bands and is intimate enough that you can actually see the band and enjoy the music. The crowd is an interesting mix of people, and dress is casual.
I have seen the Gourds here numerous times, Sun Volt 2X, James McMurtry several times. Always a great time! I have not seen the new outdoor deck area yet, but have heard it's a great addition.
Very few negatives: no free parking nearby and no Coors Light!
The first time I visited the Continental Club, it reminded me of old Fitzgerald's, the place I spent so many of my weekends and dollars as a teenager. It's great to have a place that features a lot of original, interesting Houston area bands AND has a lot of people around my age.
Dive bars are great. Dance clubs are beautiful. But this place has soul.
Continental Club is fantastic. I always have a great time when I want to see a live show. I've never been dissappointed yet. I hadn't visited in a few months and since then they've added this very cool expanded patio with a "retro surfer shack vibe". Make sure to look for the awesome and legendary bartender JAMES BROWN. Yes, I had to check his driver's license because I didn't believe him. Also try the "Squid Shot" which is Squid the bartender's custom shot that tastes just like an apple martini but less apple pucker and more alcohol.
Meh... it's alright. There was no cover today, so that part was good. I went with some friends to hear a band at 9:00. We got there at 9:30 and nothing was going on. After a few minutes the "fun" begins. It seems like we were just in time for female mid-life bitching hour... or as The Continental Club calls it... "comedy night." It was bad...
Finally sometime after 1030 the band came on. Wow, what a disapointment. Sure glad I didn't pay cover. But the shuffle board was the redeeming quality. So 3 stars rather than 2.
Oh, and the formally free poor quality parking lot... it's still a crappy parking lot, but now they expect you to pay $2 to park there. Meanwhile the street less than 10 yards away is still free.
Is a review still a legit review if you haven't ever patronized the place in a sober state? All in favor, say, "Aye".
After all these years, Houston is still treated like a red-headed stepchild when it comes to live music so to have it merely blocks from our home is such a treat. Rock-a-billy, cover bands, blues, all in a comfortably raunchy setting is so great.
The best waitress/bartender in the world works here - Miss Laura Lee. She takes great care of us and still writes nice things to me on my facebook the day after we've been in the CC.
Shuffleboard, pool table, chili dogs for when you're drunk enough to eat them and Tacos-a-Go-Go is next door, easily within stumbling distance, what more could you ask for?
If you haven't been yet - what 'chu waiting for?
Wayyyy better than Blue Label Lounge, which was where I was at earlier that Saturday evening. It reminds me of Boardner's in LA. Looks antique and as I walked through the door. Went here after we met up with friends at Blue Label Lounge. I was very glad we jumped ship. Got in for free and didn't have to wait in line. (I think I love that about Houston clubs) Danced with my friends and then mingled with all sorts of people in the club. Had some Asian creepers who would surprise us from behind, but it's nothing some GiRRRL power can't handle. Didn't buy any beverages, so can't rant (or praise) about the cost/selection. The restroom ceiling was high and much brighter than the rest of the club. THAT i like because i wasn't fumbling around for my belongings.
The music was top 40s and they played some electronic. One of the better clubs I've been to while in Houston. Venue could be bigger for the crowd it brings.
I absolutely love the Continental Club for what it is. It's retro, gets great bands, the drinks are always just right and they do hands-down have the coolest ladies room ever. This is definately the one bar in Houston where I truly feel at home at.
But what stops me from being a regular is the $10 parking, plus $10-15 cover, on top of what your drinks will cost and limited seating.
Especially when you have 3 couples there together, the women spend most of the night on the dance floor the guys are sitting but saving three vacant chairs and if you ask for one they tell you off. Funny story about that exact thing is I have seen that happen twice, the second time I saw that happen it was an older gentleman in his 60s-70s and the "three stooges" scrammed him off one of the chairs. Luckily I had someone give me their table and since I was by myself I offered the seat to the older gentleman. Who was he? Well, it was Wanda Jackson's husband! I sat there and had a lovely conversation with them and at the end of the night he gave me a CD on him! Take that as a lesson any of you who may be seat grubbing stooges, you never know who you might be denying....
The Houston Continental Club is far better than that other one (the original) in that other city. No competition. Ha, take that Austin! I'm not going to compare the artists, each venue has equally good performances (in fact, I've watched an amazing Wanda Jackson show from the front door of the Austin venue). I'm strictly speaking of the venues. Houston wins, hands down!
I like the layout of the HTX Continental. You walk into the main performance room with a long bar on the left, and the stage in front. As you snake your way past the dancing folks and stage, you enter the back room. There are a couple of long tables set up with Bar-b-que. It smells wonderful, but I'm partial to Taco's A Go Go next door. I usually get a couple of tacos a some point during the show. Sorry, back to the layout of Continental. This is the bar to order your drinks at; it usually has a shorter wait time. Beyond this room, to the back left, is the door to the patio. (See, in Austin smokers have to loiter outside, by the front door--boo.)
The women's restrooms are pretty cool (not certain about the men's, never been that long of a line for the women's). The walls of the stalls have car-door/armrests equipped with rear-view mirrors and ashtrays (although they do encourage people to smoke outside now). In Austin, they just have the plain stalls. Dull.
I know he may annoy a few people, but there's always the added possibility Little Joe Washington will stroll in and most likely get up onstage. Pretty cool.
I hate that I tell you how great this Continental is by comparing it to the Austin venue. So, let me add, Austin's is pretty rockin'. I loved it, until I walked into and repeatedly returned to THIS Continental Club. Now Austin's just isn't the same...in a very bad dream kind of way.
One note on parking, I always have problems in the mud lot (I drive a tiny car). I usually park on the other side of the light rails. I've only once had to drive around a while to find a space (there was a close to sold-out show that night).
In Houston, for small-ish acts, this is the place to see bands.
Highlights - good sound, usually space for dancing, eclectic acts, nearby parking is easy, and overall great scene. Oh yeah, the Tacos A Go-Go are a plus next door.
Hatings - need more draft beer, there always seems to be a crowd of people that are there NOT to see the show and turn their backs to the stage halfway through a set. Didn't they pay the $10 cover?
Ahhh, The Continental Club. Houston is lucky to have this Austin import. I've been to the CC a few times for live shows, from James McMurtry to Houston's own LL Cooper. All great musicians/bands, all great shows.
Two huge bars help keep the drinks a flowin', and if that Lone Star buzz gives you the munchies, finger lickin' barbecue is sold in the back room. (You can't sneak past them on the way to the restroom without digging in your pockets in search of a few bucks.)
Weekly events, like Wicked Wednesdays (local bands with sexy burlesque shows between set changes, $5 cover, $1 8-11) keep the joint kickin' non-stop.
I highly recommend CC for any one who's looking for good tunes, good people and good times ... just don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
After all the fun times I've had at the Austin Continental Club I feel a little bit like a traitor thinking (nope, sorry...scratch that) *knowing* that this location is better. It's got all the great elements of the original location: independently owned, hip and eclectic inside, not pretentious or expensive, a small stage (yet just big enough), pool tables, and always a rawking good time. But the Houston Continental Club trumps it with a free parking lot nearby, a great backyard patio and grassy area, larger bathrooms, more than one pool table and all around it's just a little bit more spacious (but in all the best ways) and it's a stop on the light rail.
Now that I've met members of the El Orbits and the Allen Oldies Band I can't wait to go to Monday night bingo at The Continental Club. Plus, this Glover Gill piano tango sound intriguing. Who's with me?
Excellent live music venue - it's intimate without being too tiny, they book good acts, and the cover is reasonable. There's usually enough space to do a little dancing, and both times I've been there they were selling BBQ on the back patio. That's enough to warrant 5 stars right there. Also, the crowd is typically very laid back, so you can enjoy your evening without a round of pretentiousness to go with your beer!
I came here w/a friend to watch an 80s cover band. I think it was an 80s cover band. It was a cool little place and really central. However, the band was not that great and a lot of people there (at least that night) were quite a bit older than I was. Not my scene, but who knows in a few years... lol.
Can't believe it took me so long to finally watch a show at this place. Very cool layout, nice and long. The doorguys are really sweet too. Plus they had BBQ for sale in the back which was kinda interesting.
I'll have to come back soon to enjoy this venue again.
I went to the Continental Club and saw The Suspects. They were awesome! The crowd was a good bunch of colorful people. Not a lot of space to dance, but I made room in a small area by the tables. The crowd cleared out when the band was over. Drinks are moderately priced, we paid $9.00 for two Bass. The bartender was a bit slow at ringing up our order but other then that we had a great time. The dress code is very causal, you can get in with tank top and flip flops. I will return there again very soon, hopefully to see another great band!
This is one of my favorite live music venues. During the week they have regular acts performing weekly often with no cover and cheap food. Monday nights were piano tango with Glover Gill and music from the 30's-60's with cover band El Orbits, both popular with tango dancers and swing dancers, respectively. Thursday nights were a Beatles cover band, appropriately named, "Beetle." Friday nights are busiest with the 80's cover band Molly and the Ringwalds kicking off the evening followed by a headlining act. Get there early for a seat if you plan to sit. Otherwise, dance and volunteer for karaoke! Other state and regional acts perform at this venue as well, headlining Saturday nights.
There are games in the back if you want to get away from the music. Bathrooms are relatively clean. Although the ceilings are high and there's good ventilation, I would still come home smelling like smoke so I'm happy with the smoking ban. Conveniently located near the rail and other cool restaurants/bars in midtown, there's also a gravelly parking lot and street parking nearby.
Update 2/1/08: The Monday nights with Gil & El Orbits I think have moved to the Big Top down the street according to a flier. I showed up once back in Oct. or Nov. '07 and was confused by this placed being closed & locked up.
I always loved this place. It's the only club in town which is like an Austin club. It attracts a cool crowd, and the shows are great. I wish they'd hire the HOLLISTERS again! I saw Jack Ingram do an acoustic show in here, and I had many good times here. I only wish it was not so far across town from where I live. It's safe, clean, and got a good vive going on all the time. I don't get over there too often, but I've always had fun when I did go there. Give a shot!
How could I be the first person to review the Continental Club? This is one of the coolest places in town. They book great rock and roll / blues / rockabilly / etc.
The bartenders and owners kick ass, they have pool, shuffleboard, and Burger Time in the back. They also have a back patio where you can smoke, which will be a major plus when the smoking ban goes into effect next month.
Either you get this club, or you don't. You can regularly catch Houston bands like the Flametrick Subs and The Flamin' Hellcats here, and Molly and the Ringwalds are a permanent and popular fixture for the free Friday night happy hour.
Oh and they often have BBQ in the back from a great local catering company.
So - I have to write a review to put it on my list. Shoot - what's not to love about this place??? [some covers get $$$] That's about it. Gosh, I love Continental Club.
I'm at a loss for words. sorry.
This is just a very unique and eclectic place. I agree with the reviews before. I make a point to bring every visitor to Texas (much less to Houston) to this place. It fits that genre of a roadhouse mixed with a favorite neighborhood bar. The music as well is very representative of the region, from the blues guitar to the cumbia band (and everything in between). Not to mention they serve some BBQ with some "soul", which go very nicely with Lone Star beer.... It is a different yet enjoyable time with each visit to the CC.
This is one fun place. I dont usually go to clubs, but this one was a great experience. We had a 80's night event here and it turned out to be awesome. We were all dressed up for the event and the live music was great!
LOCAL bar. with live CW/rock/rockabilly/blues etc. music. they have a working "burgertime" arcade + a pool table. bbq man makes you a fat sandwich.
Great place on the weekends for awesome local music and bbq! On weekdays, there is no cover before 9 and it's usually ten bucks after that. The bartenders are really friendly... also, make sure to check out the green room to see some pretty famous signatures on the walls and the patio is great to catch some fresh air.
I really like the Continental Club. This is a great place to hang out. I can wait to see the next Molly and the Ringwalds show!!
Neighborhood: Eastwood
Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: Museum District
Category: Performing Arts
Neighborhood: Midtown
Category: Wine Bars
Neighborhood: Eastwood
Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: Montrose
Category: Dive Bars
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