Buddy's

Buddy’s is THE most friendly neighborhood bar serving all of Houston’s diverse community of queers where everyone is welcome! I’ve made some really great friends here and been served some very delicious drinks and fantastic food! It’s the happening spot for RPDR watching. And Kiki’s the attached Dance Club has awesome beats and an exceptional Dance floor. Always the best time!

Awesome vibe any day of the week. Good drinks and great bartenders plus some really fun performances and events. Even when I just pop in by myself and don't know anyone there, I never feel awkward or unwelcome. Much love.

Buddy's was so much fun! My friend and I went here on my second trip to Houston, it was the owner's birthday and it was a blast! The owner and his friends were all super friendly, we felt welcome and had a great night. I can't wait to go back.

Great space and fantastic atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and go the extra mile for customers. Big dance floor and the bathrooms are gorgeous--a rarity in gay bars. The patio is spacious and covered. You can even talk without having to scream at each other. It will be one of my first stops when I'm in Houston from now on.

Great place to hear good music and a great show! They have Bingo and all types of events. I had a great time. My favorite drink is the frozen beverage.

Had an excellent time with friends at Buddy’s this week. Heard the location from a friend of mine and got the chance to check it out. Bartenders were quick to serve me and all were very friendly. They all seemed to enjoy what they did and it showed in their speedy and efficient service. Loved the design of the bar. Had a open concept that allowed to be served on the patio or inside. Good drinks and fun atmosphere. Going to for sure add this as a go to stop.

Probably the best bar, ever, in my opinion. It is more than a bar it is a mini community center. I love how depending on the time of day the mood and culture change. I have stuck around and enjoyed all sorts of events. Vaccinations, voting, charity auctions, drag shows, trivia night, steak night and the list goes on! I have met the greatest people here, and the bar service is excellent. The food is really good. People recognize me here and take time to say hello. It is too bad that the specialty coffee and tea did not take off; but it was a great idea to try! The funny thing was, I never in the begining expected to like this place so much.

Steak night was fantastic! Marion, the bartender, was friendly and makes the best Bloody Mary's in town! I cannot recommend this place enough! Should be voted Best Gay Bar in Houston for 2020. Cleanest, friendliest bar that I have ever visited. Great drink prices. #1 in my opinion! Don't miss it!

Zachary Garcia

Went for a trivia night and absolutely loved my time here!

Jevon Martin

Great place to hear good music and a great show! They have Bingo and all types of events. I had a great time. My favorite drink is the frozen beverage.

Amanda Wolfe

Awesome vibe any day of the week. Good drinks and great bartenders plus some really fun performances and events. Even when I just pop in by myself and don't know anyone there, I never feel awkward or unwelcome. Much love.

Tom Kirk

Buddy’s is THE most friendly neighborhood bar serving all of Houston’s diverse community of queers where everyone is welcome! I’ve made some really great friends here and been served some very delicious drinks and fantastic food! It’s the happening spot for RPDR watching. And Kiki’s the attached Dance Club has awesome beats and an exceptional Dance floor. Always the best time!

Recess Games

After Bayou City closed I was scared that the next establishment might not be to friendly to the Black community. Chris and his crew at Buddy’s surpassed my expectations and I love it. My friends and family love Wednesday Steak Night the most. Overall this is a all inclusive space and it’s definitely what the Montrose area needed.

Jennifer Watson

Buddy's was so much fun! My friend and I went here on my second trip to Houston, it was the owner's birthday and it was a blast! The owner and his friends were all super friendly, we felt welcome and had a great night. I can't wait to go back.

Robert Munoz

Probably the best bar, ever, in my opinion. It is more than a bar it is a mini community center. I love how depending on the time of day the mood and culture change. I have stuck around and enjoyed all sorts of events. Vaccinations, voting, charity auctions, drag shows, trivia night, steak night and the list goes on! I have met the greatest people here, and the bar service is excellent. The food is really good. People recognize me here and take time to say hello. It is too bad that the specialty coffee and tea did not take off; but it was a great idea to try! The funny thing was, I never in the begining expected to like this place so much.

Edward Thomas

Steak night was fantastic! Marion, the bartender, was friendly and makes the best Bloody Mary's in town! I cannot recommend this place enough! Should be voted Best Gay Bar in Houston for 2020. Cleanest, friendliest bar that I have ever visited. Great drink prices. #1 in my opinion! Don't miss it!

Drew Brandt

Great space and fantastic atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and go the extra mile for customers. Big dance floor and the bathrooms are gorgeous--a rarity in gay bars. The patio is spacious and covered. You can even talk without having to scream at each other. It will be one of my first stops when I'm in Houston from now on.

Anthony Nieves

Had an excellent time with friends at Buddy’s this week. Heard the location from a friend of mine and got the chance to check it out. Bartenders were quick to serve me and all were very friendly. They all seemed to enjoy what they did and it showed in their speedy and efficient service. Loved the design of the bar. Had a open concept that allowed to be served on the patio or inside. Good drinks and fun atmosphere. Going to for sure add this as a go to stop.

I recently checked out Pause (the new identity of the former Buddy’s), and it is a much-improved experience. While the physical layout remains familiar, the change in ownership has clearly breathed new life into the space. What I Liked: The Atmosphere: They’ve hit the sweet spot with the music—it’s at the right volume where you can actually enjoy the vibe without screaming over your friends. The Layout: There are large TVs everywhere and plenty of table seating, making it a great spot to actually hang out. The covered outdoor space is also a huge plus for Houston weather. Cleanliness & Convenience: The restrooms were clean (always a win), and I love the connecting hallway that leads directly to the neighboring bar, Play. Value: The drink prices are very reasonable for the area. Events: During my visit, there was a fundraiser with drag bingo. While that isn’t personally my scene, it was well-organized and the crowd seemed to be having fun. If you enjoy themed events and drag performances, definitely check their calendar. Overall: Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or headed out for a full night in Montrose, Pause is a solid choice. It keeps the best parts of the old space while fixing the service and vibe.

Steve Kleihege

I recently checked out Pause (the new identity of the former Buddy’s), and it is a much-improved experience. While the physical layout remains familiar, the change in ownership has clearly breathed new life into the space. What I Liked: The Atmosphere: They’ve hit the sweet spot with the music—it’s at the right volume where you can actually enjoy the vibe without screaming over your friends. The Layout: There are large TVs everywhere and plenty of table seating, making it a great spot to actually hang out. The covered outdoor space is also a huge plus for Houston weather. Cleanliness & Convenience: The restrooms were clean (always a win), and I love the connecting hallway that leads directly to the neighboring bar, Play. Value: The drink prices are very reasonable for the area. Events: During my visit, there was a fundraiser with drag bingo. While that isn’t personally my scene, it was well-organized and the crowd seemed to be having fun. If you enjoy themed events and drag performances, definitely check their calendar. Overall: Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink or headed out for a full night in Montrose, Pause is a solid choice. It keeps the best parts of the old space while fixing the service and vibe.

Great venue but on 2/14, there was a short security guard outside of the venue near the outdoor area who was quite homophobic. I would not recommend keeping people like that around given the venue.

30$ and no bbq sauce …. Gtf outta here, Arby’s has better food for less money. Only reason for 2 stars was the fries. First and last time buddy

Justin Withrow

30$ and no bbq sauce …. Gtf outta here, Arby’s has better food for less money. Only reason for 2 stars was the fries. First and last time buddy

I must preface this with the fact that I am a neurodivergent individual and I have been going to this establishment for the past 5 years, with no issues, but my experience tonight was ATROCIOUS. First, I will start with, the security guard (a tall, wide white man, with tattoos up & down both arms and a few face piercings and tats) who initiated the issue and made sure it persisted, even after I was leaving with people who were diffusing the situation of him yelling at me for NO REASON. I have worked at bars/restaurants for a long time and at no point would my manager encourage us to call the police on people who are nonviolent and clearly not drunk. I also happened to speak with the manager about my business and how he runs his own business, before my encounter with the security guard, and it was a very cordial conversation. Because I am a woman who has dealt with drunk men before, I purposely stayed in view of a security guard because of a man who was a bit pushy and was clearly drunk when I met him. Yet 3 hours later, his bartender friend was still serving him drinks while I was behind the guy giving the bartender the "cut him off signal". The bartender kept the drinks flowing for his friend and then kicked the dude AND ME out of the bar. I was so confused, as far as I was concerned, I was doing both of them a favor. But the arrogant security guard was not listening to me and asking me a bunch of questions yet not interested in engaging with the answers or answering my questions. I had NO desire to be outside with the dude, but the security guard kept insisting I leave with him because he saw us together, even though he also saw me refusing the dude's advances. THIS IS A DANGEROUS MINDSET FOR A SECURITY GUARD WORKING IN A BAR. He (AND the bartender) certainly should have some training and understanding of what drunk behavior is and how to interact with males vs. females, because yes, it is different especially when liquor is involved. As a female & mother, it is important for me to spend my time & money in places that I feel safe in, spaces that will look out for me & protect me against drunks, bullies, & power-stricken people the same way I would do for anyone I witnessed experiencing this madness. Certainly not a "buddy" of mine.

I had a very disappointing experience at this club. I was sitting with my date when a young Black male with short hair, who claimed to be the owner, approached me and told me I had to leave my seat. He was extremely rude and unprofessional, and when I questioned him, he escalated the situation by calling over a bouncer to have me removed from the seat — and this was all while I was with my date! This type of treatment is completely unacceptable, and I would expect better from a place that claims to offer a welcoming environment. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a respectful atmosphere. This happened at club Play a club that constantly changes their Name. The table didn’t have a reserve sign on it. So we sit there. Not on that we were paying customers. We were not standing up on the furniture like some of the other unruly guests. And to make matters worse he wasn’t part owner!!! He was a freaking Club promoter!!!! Do not waste your money with at this establishment!!!! If you have class don’t go here!!!

Horrible establishment - while I understand having third party contractors and/or private property, it is unreasonable to expect someone with a disability placard / plates to pay to park to enter a business to spend money. The African American lot attendant was rude demanding a $10 fee to park in a handicap spot (please note a cone was not in front of spot as the other spots in the lot), and the doorman was rude by trying to demand that I speak to the parking lot attendant. The majority of my visits here are negative, however after my experience tonight I had to ensure it was appropriately captured.

I’m not surprised to see someone else having the same experience I did. I frequented this bar multiple nights throughout the week. Lucid is amazing. Karaoke Tuesdays is starting to take a downwards turn. I use to enjoy going but my experience was similar to Mickey. My name on the list was shuffled around with newer people being add and then completely removed. I haven’t been back! If you like to sing karaoke there several other bar in Montrose that offer it on the same night. I’ve found a new karaoke spot.

Tonya Flowers

I had a very disappointing experience at this club. I was sitting with my date when a young Black male with short hair, who claimed to be the owner, approached me and told me I had to leave my seat. He was extremely rude and unprofessional, and when I questioned him, he escalated the situation by calling over a bouncer to have me removed from the seat — and this was all while I was with my date! This type of treatment is completely unacceptable, and I would expect better from a place that claims to offer a welcoming environment. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a respectful atmosphere. This happened at club Play a club that constantly changes their Name. The table didn’t have a reserve sign on it. So we sit there. Not on that we were paying customers. We were not standing up on the furniture like some of the other unruly guests. And to make matters worse he wasn’t part owner!!! He was a freaking Club promoter!!!! Do not waste your money with at this establishment!!!! If you have class don’t go here!!!

RJ Johnson

Horrible establishment - while I understand having third party contractors and/or private property, it is unreasonable to expect someone with a disability placard / plates to pay to park to enter a business to spend money. The African American lot attendant was rude demanding a $10 fee to park in a handicap spot (please note a cone was not in front of spot as the other spots in the lot), and the doorman was rude by trying to demand that I speak to the parking lot attendant. The majority of my visits here are negative, however after my experience tonight I had to ensure it was appropriately captured.

James Buggs

I’m not surprised to see someone else having the same experience I did. I frequented this bar multiple nights throughout the week. Lucid is amazing. Karaoke Tuesdays is starting to take a downwards turn. I use to enjoy going but my experience was similar to Mickey. My name on the list was shuffled around with newer people being add and then completely removed. I haven’t been back! If you like to sing karaoke there several other bar in Montrose that offer it on the same night. I’ve found a new karaoke spot.