Mongoose Versus Cobra

I consider myself a beer connoisseur, maybe even a beer snob, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a nice cocktail from time to time. Apparently Mongoose Versus Cobra makes killer drinks, so we headed on over. It is conveniently located in midtown, away from most of the hustle and bustle. They even have their own parking lot which is awesome. I came on a weeknight, so the crowd was light, but the music was on point. Service was friendly and quick. The interior is nice and comfortable. Go check out the mongoose vs cobra display!

My drinking companion knows I love a gin and tonic and that is why she suggested this place. Right there in top of the menu was the Gin and House Made Tonic. The house made part really stood out to me as it had ingredients I've never heard of. The drink is served with the gin in the glass and the tonic comes separate in its own little bottle. I poured the tonic slowly in and the drink took on a reddish color. Usually my gin and tonic is clear. The more tonic you pour, the sweeter the drink gets. Squeeze the lime in and you have a absolutely delicious drink. I would maybe cut back a little on the tonic next time. I would compare it to a cherry limeade. The drink menu is pretty extensive as is their beer menu. They also have food which I did not partake in.

This place is definitely going into my rotation for quality mixed drinks and beer!

This has been on the "must try" list for a couple of years.

I have my hometown spots that are near and dear to my heart, with experiences that could never be recreated, but Mongoose Versus Cobra is probably as close as I'll ever come to it in Houston.

Everything about this place is made with care, right down to the ramblings printed on the menu (a nod to one of my favorite quotes of all time is currently on the front page of the menu - "though much is taken, much abides"). Since I'm a frequent jotter-of-random-thoughts, I appreciate all the little scribblings on the backdrop above the bar - almost as much as I appreciate the drinks themselves.

I am not a gin kinda gal, but I got a taste of the gin and tonic because I was told it was kind of a necessity. I'll agree with that. The tonic is made in-house, and it's kind of a mix-as-you-go situation. Still not my jam, but I can certainly appreciate the novelty of it.

I opted for an Always Eve (pretty sure that's what it was called), and I was thoroughly impressed. They also have some little nibbles ("groceries", as they're labeled on the menu) that are pretty impressive. I highly recommend the Bar Mix. It held me over perfectly before our massive dinner since I hadn't eaten lunch.

Since we're old and boring, we got here pretty early and were surprised to see the place fill up almost immediately after we sat down. With that in mind, I'd venture to guess this place gets pretty crowded after the sun goes down. Not a deterrent, but definitely something to mentally prepare for if you're like me and hate your bubble being invaded.

Either way, no matter what time, this is a must-do in Houston.

precovid: A good amount of beer options and some traditional European casks (whatever that means, if you go and see a wall of tubes, that's it) which was a good way to end the night. Service was quick and friendly and the boards of what they were out of were kept up to date.

Love the atmosphere here. It's intimate, but open. Visited at night so the lights were low & there was some live music. Bartenders were really friendly! And the drink was tasty, I had the little JJ but my friend swears by their tonics.

Two words... Beef Jerky....#micdrop ;)

But no really...it's that good. Loved all the options for bar food! Service/Bartenders were awesome.
Really great selection of beers and liquor. Fun and interested atmosphere.

Parking is next to nonexistent unless you're there early or an off day.

Nice spot to hang out with a great subdued atmosphere. Plenty of tables to chill-- I think there are even board games tucked away in a corner, but I didn't venture to pull any of them out.

Tried the gin coupled with the house-made tonic. Honestly I'm not normally a fan of gin and tonic, but their formulation was great! They give you a bottle of the tonic that you can pour on your own and dilute or concentrate to your own liking. There's a sweet aftertaste that I haven't yet encountered that I really liked.

I always like places that offer options that set them apart from other restaurants. Mongoose Versus Cobra is definitely no exception (also, how awesome is that name??).

First drunken review and man these fresh baked cookies are freaking amazing. Perfectly soft with lots of chocolate chips and pecans, so delish.

OK back to really writing a review 12 hours later; Mongoose is a cool chill bar with a clean relax vibe inside (there's a small section upstairs and assortment of board games available too). Lots of good craft beer options and a solid assortment of liquors. Bartenders are happy to offer their recommendations, which all turned out pretty good. Definitely enjoyed their gin and house made tonic, a must try if you're a newcomer.

I have to say, we went on a Friday night from 9pm to 2am close and it seems that the downtown and Washington scene must be taking its toll on Midtown's barscene since it was most popping at 9 and died out throughout the night. Not a con on Mongoose though, we actually really enjoyed the quieter relax atmosphere for conversation and cocktails.

Will be back to check out Tuesday Jazz night and a Japanese Whiskey tasting event in the future!

I've been here many times over the years and surprised I haven't reviewed it yet. My latest time going here was on a Saturday evening and it was well-attended but not loud, which can be a welcomed change in the midtown bar area. I sat at the bar and was quickly served. I ordered the house gin and tonic, which others have recommended on Yelp and although I'm not much of a gin person it was great. The tonic, which is house-made, really makes the drink.

Also the drinks aren't weak here.

I ordered the grilled cheese, which I've ordered multiple times before, is a great dinner. The sandwich is large and the potato salad is nice and spicy.

The ambience is nice. It has an industrial feel.

Definitely plan to continue coming back here!

This is an excellent place to gather around with some friends and munch on tapas style bar food with a cocktail/beer. This is a beergarden with community tables which is excellent under the dim light. The bartenders here are up to par with their skills and speed. I do recommend their margaritas which aren't too sweet and still has a great tequila punch. I also recommend ordering their house pretzel with their mustard. This pretzel is legit right out the oven; fresh & hot. I also suggest ordering their cheese plate which has fresh slices of fruit and thinly sliced bread.

The ambiance here is right on the spot with a medium-tone noise atmosphere. There is plenty of standing room and seating so be sure to stop in!

Huge selection, cozy yet lively vibe, lots of comfy seats, and--omg--it's indoors! If you're like me and you're easily cold but strugg to find an indoor spot for drinks, you ought to try Mongoose Versus Cobra.

On the Friday night I went, this place wasn't extremely packed but is definitely lively! It's a good place to bring a friend from out of town for a chill night.

I tried the Cobra Kool-Aid, which is bourbon and variety of other things that change every night. It's a pretty strong drink!

I really like this place and plan to come again, especially because a guy sitting next to us was eating this pretzel with beer cheese that looked *bomb*; I've got to try it next time!