Oui Lounge

First, an admission: I’d not been to the previous incarnation of Oui lounge, tucked into a somewhat sketchy strip center off a roundabout just a bit down University. So I can’t claim years of backstory on what this spot used to be (apparently that word is «divey»). I can’t lay claim to intimate knowledge of the tracks on the jukebox, or the attention span of the former wait staff. I wasn’t here for that, but I did hear about it.
Fast forward to yesterday’ re-​opening, and upon the shellac scented entrance, you can tell the new crew here has been fast at work getting this place open for its re-​entry onto the scene. Gone, apparently, is the smoke (and a high five for that), gone are what were at least rumored to be less than enthused staff (our bartender was perfectly friendly), and you’ll find a solid assortment of both Texas liquors (lots of them, actually) as well as standards. The beer list isn’t particularly creative, but it’s here, and the place really opens up on the inside — it plays tons bigger than it looks.
We dropped by here on the tail end of a long evening, and there was a hopping (but not elbow to elbow) crowd on hand. If you weren’t into Oui before, you’ll likely find it’s changed. And I’m sure the evolution’s not complete yet.

Stale smoke? Check.
Crappy beer selection? Check.
Cranky leather-​faced bartenders on the wrong side of middle-​age? Check.
Doesn’t accept credit cards? Check. (Well, they didn’t. I have no idea anymore.)
Creepy old drunks? Check.
Do I love it? Check
This place is as divey as they come. It won’t get you laid, and if it does you should probably go get checked out by a medical professional… but it’s a great place to kick back, play some pool, and watch all the sad, old barflys buzz about.