The Alley Kat Bar & Lounge

I go to Alley Kat frequently (Friday’s & Saturday’s) and I have to say it’s one of my favorite bars in town. Service & drinks are pretty good. It’s usually pretty slow until after 12ish. On some occasions I have seen a DJ there, really cool/​90’s hip hop. Love the DJ, wish he would come back more often!!!

Take caution! The parking attendant a.k.a. «owner» (ya right! lol) of both the Breakfast Klub and The Ally Kat (driving a beat up piece of crap of a dodge pick-​up) is a rude jerk that apparently has zero communication skills, manners, or ethics. Without identifying himself — for all we know he was a random guy/​stranger/​stalker in a beat-​up crappy pickup — he very rudely told us we couldn’t park where we were. When we simply asked who he was and what gave him the right to speak to us that way, he then proceeded to jump out of his beater of a pickup and yell and cuss at us (my wife, sister-​in-​law, and two 7 year old children) in an extremely threatening manner, cussing and yelling, and then bowing up at us as if he was about to physically come at us. Ignorance that all could have been avoided by politely identifying himself from the start, and speaking to us as if we were civilized patrons. Oh, and the kicker… turns out both the establishments were closed! Making his behavior even more pointless and ignorant!
In addition, I’ve been to this bar before and it’s is far from someplace special… dirty, hot, and the drinks are way overpriced considering the boring and «hole-​in-​the-​wall» type of environment it is.

Cool place and vibe. overpriced drinks, not so much. I probably won’t be going back anytime soon unless I can get a sugar daddy to buy my drinks.

This place is pretty cool and eclectic! Even though it’s a bar, it has a warm & inviting feel to it. I stumbled across it on a Thursday evening when the Waxaholics were playing. The music was awesome. But, since the place was packed and is so small, there was hardly any room for dancing.
I love the fact that there is an actual alley connecting the buildings and you can hang out or sit out there & chill. You can even order drinks through a window in the alley.
I will definitely be back for another visit!

Horrible horrible horrible!!! Sound is horrible! DJ is horrible! Drinks suck! Use to be the spot but not anymore! Never again!!!

They say they have happy hour on Unilocal but it’s just domestic beers. We thought shiner was domestic since the waitress made it seem like it was a apart of happy hour. Once we got the bill. it sadly wasn’t.

On nights when it’s popping, I feel like I’m in a hip hop video. Now not the new hip hop type of video but more like an old school video from Nas, you know laid back and chill. Always a great crowd and drinks are pretty good and decently priced. There’s an actual alley that you can chill in or a back patio area as well. This place is actually a good size. It’s connected to another section where there is a dj upstairs and also a dj in the front entrance that starts at 10pm Friday’s/Saturday’s. I was first introduced to this place when my friend suggested we go here and now it’s a spot that I must hit up when I’m running these Htown streetz. Always a good crowd and great time. They have a kitchen but I’ve never had any of their food tho.

Nice little spot to chill… I would go again.

This spot had SO MUCH potential. The original bar staff that made this place great is all gone. The owner is a rude drunk who hangs around and makes people uncomfortable. The sound is garbage, and there’s an issue with the sewer line and you can smell it in the back alley /​patio. Thursdays are good but I can’t imagine that’ll last long. Parking sucks cause of the gauntlet of panhandlers you need to survive just to get to the bar.
I miss The Mink. The cat needs to be put to sleep.

Every Tuesday The Alley Kat has the Karaōke night and it is the best one that I have ever been to in my Life! The KJ Joel is great at getting people involved without ever feeling too embarrassed. He even lends some background vocals to anyone that struggles a little with getting use to singing in front of people which is cool and makes you sound better. I haven’t ever seen a KJ sing a long with those that were struggling before, he will even get your friends to be background dancers for you too. Over all it is a Blast and I have been getting on to people for going anywhere else. Go Joel! The Alley Kat is such a great venue. It has a cool feel to it because it has a rock look to it, but the crowd ranges in ages, all races and it is really cool going somewhere that is diverse instead of being locked in a socio-​eco-​suit bubble. See ya Tuesday

Drinks were greats and reasonable priced. This is place has a good vibe. Chill, relax, and listen to some good music. Will definitely visit this lounge again.

LOVE EVERYTHING about this spot… Enough said
If U have never been, U NEED TO…

Im chilling on a Thursday real casual at this place. The djs ate using real vinyl records and for me that’s awesome. Seriously nothing beats real vinyl records.
I think I found a dope spot in the city. Drinks are cool bit not amazing.

My idea of a good time is a lot different than what it used to be. Miss me with all the mainstream ish– been there, done that. I’ll gladly take a more laid back spot that has a cool vibe where I can duck off, grab a drink and chill. THIS my friends is exactly why I love me some Alley Kat!
This place is just different, in it’s own unique way. It has multiple rooms and each one makes you feel like you’re in a total different setting. The front entrance leads to the bar area. This is where the DJ spins, as there is a small space up front for entertainment and maybe a little dancing if the crowd is light. The first time I came here I felt like I was in somebody’s living room at a house party, straight chillin! And the way that 90’s music was blastin, you would’ve thought it was an actual scene from House Party– all we needed was Kid, Play, Sidney, and Sharane! (lol) They have couches for lounging towards the front and beside the bar area if you want to get comfy. They also have tables for two near the bar against the wall. I like to chill at the bar but the couches are cool too, especially if you’re there with a boo or a group of people. The bartenders are super cool and friendly. They have a food and drink menu and although I haven’t had a chance to sample any of their food, the drinks are decent and inexpensive.
The night should not stop at the front room though! Do get up and explore this place because there is so much more to see. For instance, the actual alley! This is definitely one of the coolest parts in my opinion as it separates the front part of the building from the back. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the tables in the alley area, cool. Duck off and enjoy! If not, snap some selfies and keep it moving– i’m sure your photo will turn out pretty dope! From the alley you can head out to the back patio to socialize, smoke cigars, or just do what you do. There’s another bar near the patio where they have a separate room and DJ, so if you’re not feeling the vibe up front, the back room may be a second option. Upstairs there’s a stage area where they feature bands and artists. I’ve gone up there a couple times but only to dip my head in and out real fast. Once you get back downstairs, they have some rooms that are secluded and are quite spacious. Perfect for small gatherings or celebrations if you desire a private area. Each day of the week will be a little different, but still very chill and laid back. I once came to grab a drink on a Tuesday night solo dolo and it was very slow. Thursday nights are usually poppin as they have the old school hip hop blastin in the back area. Any other night, you can expect different types of music with a diverse crowd depending on what day of the week it is. I’ve come on Friday and Saturday nights and they usually have a good mix of house music and hip hop. I think it’s safe to say Wednesday-​Sundays are your best bet.
Alley Kat is definitely a place that has a personality of its own (if that makes sense) — certainly different from any other spot in the city! The whole old school bar feel mixed in with the house party type atmosphere– I totally dig that. Of course this spot won’t appeal to everybody and that’s fine and dandy too. But if you don’t fall in that category, then you are probably one helluva cool kat!

If you are looking for a low key spot with good music, drinks and bar food then come here. I came here on a Thursday when it was karaōke night.

Alley Kat is my new favorite spot in Houston. There are about 5 different sections to this venue. There are two buildings separated by an alley. The main building has 1 room and bar and the other building has 3 rooms with 1 bar. Both buildings have restrooms. There is also a patio with seating as well.
I visited on Thursday for the vinyl night and on Sunday for a private birthday party. It’s a late 20’s mid 30’s crowd, very chill and mature. I saw many people from college there so it must be a regular spot for certain circles.
It took a little while to get a drink from the bar on Thursday, but in the bars defense it was super busy. On Sunday, the bar wasn’t nearly as crowded so there was no wait.
To my understanding, there are many different types of events held here. I’m sure the crowd varies depending on the night, but if you’re looking for a cool place to chill with good music, this is your place. I’ll be back again.

Whaaaa??? I can’t believe this is my first review of this spot! I’ve come here far too many times for this to be the case. Let me tell you the negatives first then. None. On to the positives!
First off, if you’re headed to midtown, this is a perfect spot to start as your appetizer for the night. However, it may be so filling that you’ll stay for the whole night. My friends did this last night, actually. I’ve been coming here for over two years, but I didn’t take full advantage of what they had to offer until recently. This place has EVERYTHING! Looking for a spot to dance to some old school hip-​hop music on a Thursday night? Hit them up Thursdays where the Waxahokics will be spinning some old school, golden age era of rap tunes. That same night you prefer a more hipster crowd? Head upstairs! They’ll be playing great house music the same night. Looking for some live music? Check their website for live band nights. Looking for more of a quiet, romantic evening out with your beau on that same night? Alley Kat has the couches for you to have the mood set for such a night. Wind up here with a romantic night the same night your friends text you that they’re getting out of a movie and heading your way while seeking an intellectual conversation with you and your company? There are chairs in the same area allowing you such an environment. Plus, there are several places to choose from in this room, so no need to bother or be bothered by other groups of people and their crews.
Are you the type who enjoys good drinks for good, decent prices but know that’s hard to find in midtown? Look no more! Alley Kat has you covered! Looking for a spot where you can be treated with respect rather than folks who try to front like they’re better than you (at least most of the time), this is a good place if you bring that positive energy with you. Don’t hesitate to ask your bartenders in at least three bars in this spot for drink suggestions. They are super nice and look out for you if you look out for them, hear me?
While I could go on about so many marvelous things about Alley Kat, I must end this by letting you know that they’ve even got food! They’ll even honor the coupon you bring them. I’ve come here in chill nights, busy nights, work nights, holiday weekends, TGIF’s, by myself, with a date, with friends, with the guys, etc. All a great way to get you great night with great people at Alley Kat. See you soon!

This is a cool little spot that I will definitely be back to enjoy soon. We came on a Saturday night & it was cozy, not super packed but a nice crowd. Perfect spot for our date night. It’s not a big space, but I liked the décor and the bartenders were friendly and attentive to us. The DJ was spinning some nice music. They have a small patio in the rear. This place is near several other bars/​lounges. They have food, but I did not get to indulge, but I definitely will next time.

Came here after dinner around the corner. It was a great bar that doesn’t serve the fancy craft cocktails, but a good regular old bar that plays fantastic music you can dance to, or enjoy your drink and people watch. I want to call it dive bar, but it’s nicer than that.

First time here in a long time. Aurora took great care of us.
Very relaxed environment, good music, friendly peeps.
New favorite spot.