OTC Patio Bar

The OTC has a nice patio. The oversied connect four and bean bag toss can be fun for ten or fifteen minutes – but after that the bar quickly loses its charm.
A seedy element is present in this bar. Yes, it can be disguised by busty blondes, buf after ten or fiteen mintes, this bar is obviously the less charming step-​sister to the rice village crowd.
If you are looking for a laid back atmosphere with a little bit of charm, sitck to the bars located in nearby rice village.

LOVE this patio bar! Bartenders are always fast and drinks are great. STEAK night on wednesdays rock! Great neighborhood bar and perfect for game nights/​days. Parking is easy too.

This place left me with mixed feelings… I can’t say I loved it or hated it. It’s a pretty huge place, pool tables and all. The night I went it was pretty dead, which really surprised me after being right next door at a very busy bar. I drank shots and had a few beers, and the bartenders are pretty cool, except here’s where it got a bit hairy. I couldn’t quite tell if a couple of them were high or wasted, because I was drinking myself, but something was definitely off. My friend was double charged for drinks for five people. Yikes. I’m glad I didn’t open a tab. Just be careful as it gets closer to closing time…

Great selection of beer + corn hole + ping pong + air hockey. Sounds great to me. It’s best though if you come when it’s not so crowded. Don’t expect to come here to meet people. It’s best just to come with your friends to hang out.

Came here with a group of friends after brunch on a Sunday, around 1pm. No one was there. It was cool, since we had the whole patio area to ourselves. The bar selection wasn’t too extensive… pretty basic, and they were out of ‘carbonation’. So any mixers like soda, tonic, etc were flat. Kinda yuck.
There’s no sign for this place, so you kinda have to know it. Nothing fancy and no frills. Maybe a little more lively for happy hour I would guess.

Great place to hang out to watch sports. Good food and Generous portions from restaurant next door. Burger and fries were way above average. Recommend.

This is a pretty cool spot along Kirby to have a drink or two. Main reason I come is for the ping pong table, even if it’s situated in a terrible spot with people constantly walking behind you going to the restrooms or the janitors closet, all of which are about 8 feet away. You will likely nail a patron with the ball if you play long enough and you can’t keep it on the table. Drink prices are about what I would expect from this area, not midtown or downtown prices, but not dive bar either. I’ve never had a problem with parking and the place has never been super packed anytime I’ve come. Bartenders are usually pretty friendly. On my most recent visit, I ended up striking up a conversation with several people that had came earlier in the day for an international meet-​up and they were all friendly as well. Unless you know where the place is, you would probably just drive right by it. The signage is definitely lacking.

chill bar with ping pong table, pool table, and more.
drinks are on the pricier side though but a great place to start out the night.

Very cool and low key place. Great drinks and service with a much more relaxing atmosphere than other bars in the area. Will definitely go back!

I always have a really good time here, which is why I would rate it a 3 star, but there are some things that have me really hot and cold. The place is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it because its somewhat tucked between two other buildings with no real distinct parking lot. I have never had issues, but could see where someone might have issues with parking. I’ve been here twice, and once I had to walk around the side of the bar to get in, and once I walked in right through the patio… I’m not really sure which was the entrance.
My friends and I didn’t have a problem finding a place to sit, which was nice considering we were there for football and service was quick. We did have one waitress at one point that just wasn’t good at all but I think those exist everywhere. They have lots of TVs for your football watching pleasure and they are trying to become one of the Texas Tech Alum game watching spots. Our time was made even better by being able to play pool, or bags during half time. Another strange thing is that you have to go outside, then back inside to go to the bathroom. I’m not really sure who thought out this floor plan… actually, I’m pretty sure nobody did. But once you realize that and get past it, its really not a big deal.
Cool bar, some not so hot points about it, but overall will defintely be back for more football game watch parties and for the occasional chill night on the town.

Ok, I may be a little overly critical since I’ve worked in the service industry, but I still cannot stand this place. I’ve been twice and, barring some crazy extenuating circumstance, I don’t foresee myself ever returning. Here’s why:
— Music: Yea there’s a jukebox where you can play your own selections but when nobody’s playing their own music, the house «track» is electronic dance music. Doesn’t even remotely jive with the rest of the ambiance. This place has the feel of an ice house, they’ve got patio games set up and all that… so club music? Really?
— The only redeeming quality of this place is that you can smoke outside or «inside», since the seating «indoors» is effectively just covered. No walls (Think a car port with liquor service)
— Staffing: They SERIOUSLY need to work on their employee training. I’d expect this level of service and expertise at a college dive in New Orleans, not a bar on Kirby. Last time I went was this last Saturday, and you’d assume they’d have their A-​Squad working. If that was the case, then I’m speechless.
First Offense: When we arrived on Saturday, it was around 10 PM, and your typical hot Houston summer evening. I ordered my girlfriend her usual, and then asked the waitress for a cocktail appropriate for the heat, something refreshing. I was expecting something with gin and citrus… I got a freaking Sex on the Beach –_​-​. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for fruity rum drinks. That time and place is generally when I’m in the Caribbean, wearing board shorts and so hammered that I’m not worried about the impending sunburn. Anyways, I took away her decision making privileges, and drank Tom Collins for the rest of the night. They were mediocre.
Second Offense: Another member of our party wanted some obscure drink with «Blue» in the name. The waitress suggested something she was familiar with, because it had Blue Curaçao in it. That wasn’t the aggravating part… she couldn’t even pronounce «Curaçao» correctly. «ker-​AH-​co»? Really? I know it seems petty and trivial, but it speaks to the knowledge and experience of the staff. If you can’t get something that basic right, it’s an indicator of your professionalism.
Third Offense: (This is from my first visit, not last Saturday). The bartender didn’t even know the drink menu. I saw a cocktail on the list that struck my interest, and ordered it. He had to read the ingredients off the menu to figure out what was in it… and then after 5 minutes of looking realized they didn’t have what he needed. This happened twice before I got fed up and just ordered a beer.
— The parking is kinda tight too, there’s maybe 2 dozen spots for the whole bar.
The drinks were a little on the weak side, but for $ 6/​glass it was acceptable. It’s unfortunate, because this place has real potential to be a great laid-​back hangout. If they staffed better people, not just eye candy, and changed up their playlist, it would be a place I’d love to spend time at.

I really liked this bar until I got my bill. I paid 10.00 a drink for a single of three olives and soda. That makes no sense what so ever. Great staff and cool games but way overpriced.

We went to watch the Texans play the Patriots and had a table reserved. It was freezing at the table when we first got there because they don’t close the front door and the wind was blowing right on us. There were heaters but not helping too much. I can’t wait to check out this place in the spring/​summer time. There is an outdoor area with games and the waitstaff was very attentive. It was packed when we were there and still our waitress made sure we never had an empty drink. Food is priced ok, typical bar food.

A friend invited me here to play ping pong (table tennis). It was a lot of fun! I think they were hosting a charity event when we were there so we had the whole area to ourselves. We played for about 2 hours… what a work-​out!
I noticed that they were grilling steaks outside also. Food looked pretty good but we went to Hendrick’s (next door) for dinner instead.
There are other games outside like life-​size four square and washers.
Will be coming back for more fun!

This was not the first time we had been to OTC. Our first two experiences there were good, but it also was on slow nights.
We tried it on a Saturday… mistake! There were no seats at the bar or any tables on the «smoking side», so we had to sit by the restrooms on the «non-​smoking side». Apparently the bartenders do not like to serve those people.
After ordering and finishing our first drink, the bartenders never came back to check on us or ask if we needed anything else. We eventually had to flag one of them down, which I hate to do. When they did serve us, it seemed like we had inconvenienced them.
Finally, because of the poor service and attitudes behind the bar, we left to find a friendlier place.

Went here for Cinco De Mayo and it wasn’t too pack which was nice. However for not being to pack, the bar was a bit slow though. It did eventually get better throughout the night.
We parked next door by Café Express for $ 10. I hate paying for parking, but it seems like there is no getting around it these days. It was better then the $ 20 Valet I supposed.
The crowd is a mix of people and since it’s a fairly big place you aren’t on top of people. I could imagine even when it’s busier you wouldn’t feel crowded. Plenty of tables and chairs to sit down and relax with friends.
I was a bit apprehensive when we drove up since there was a bit of traffic and everyone was dress like it was a cheap wannabe Vegas night. But luckily for us, there were all heading over to Roak.
Decent price, good pours, and nice patio so I wouldn’t mind coming back to grab a few drinks with friends.

First of all, I am a white guy.
I randomly stopped here with a couple of friends last night… after missing it and having to U-​turn because there isn’t much of a sign, just lights.
The place was packed on a Thursday/​College night. I have never seen so many Caucasians in one place… Only The Caucasians Patio Bar? You have to fight through the crowd to get around and you could lose track of your friends in the process.
The music was a mix of rap and dance/​electronic which is perfect for that environment. They had a huge bar that is in the middle of the place and drinks can be ordered from any side. The drink prices were decent but I’m a beer fan so I was disappointed with their selection.
People were dressed all sorts of ways. I wore shorts, a hat, and flip flops. At the same time I saw guys in suits and girls is dresses/​heels walking around. It was a very mixed crowd… of white people.
Overall a fun place to hang out and I’ll definitely be back.

The good:
When the weather is cooperating in Houston this is THE place to be! WOW… it was sunny but breezy (Spring) and this bar is completely open on all sides. Reminds me of being in a bar in Mexico or something. It just felt awesome.
The crowd seemed cool. Sort of an after work crowd but I was there in flip flops and jeans and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. It’s a sports bar afterall! But there were a few men there in suits. Out in the patio area there are bean toss games set up and a GIANT Four Square game! HOW FUN!!!
The people watching rocked :)
The bad: The service!
I sat at the bar and the bartender ignored me forever. He finally came to get my order and I’m asking him about HH specials and in the middle of placing my order he starts to talk to someone else on the other side of the bar. I just sat there and waiting a minute or two before he came back. WTH? Then when my friend showed up he couldn’t get the attention of either bartender forever! Mind you… there were only 5 other people sitting around the bar. They weren’t busy they were just not paying attention or didn’t care or who knows!
I ordered a margarita and it was frozen (I’m not used to even asking anymore as most places I go to now only serve them up on the rocks). I wasn’t a fan but at least it tasted pretty good. And they are HUGE for only $ 7.
Food for the entire bar comes from next door so everything comes in To Go containers. At first I was very confused thinking I’d ordered the food To Go (which doesn’t really make sense since I had just ordered a drink, LOL).
Chips and Salsa were very good. Later in the night we ordered the Chicken tacos and got beef tacos instead (the service really could use some work here). Nachos were okay. Typical nacho mistake though… all the toppings on top. There were dry chips underneath and all the cheese had fallen to the bottom so then we were left with goop with no chips! The waitress was nice enough to bring us more chips (after I asked) though so it’s all good.
OH…you have to get your own napkins from the bar (even if you sit outside).
IN summary — I’d go back for HH on a beautiful sunny (not too hot) in Houston but my expectations of good or prompt service would be very very low :-).

Out of the 4 new spots on Upper Kirby, this may be my favorite. Why? It’s super chilled, casual dress code, has lots of activities.
What such activities are there?
Corn hole! That is my favorite game to play while drinking. This one the backside is the parking lot so if you’re really drunk you might have some bean bags end up over the fence.
Ping Pong/​Table Tennis, I’m not sure if these are for the actual sport or for beer pong, but the night I went it was not being used.
Pool Tables — again this night no one was playing on it.
Huge patio area, with mosquitos out I wouldn’t dare be over here, but with the weather cooling down and the mosquitos dying off, this is a great place to chill.

Love that I’m the first reviewer! Woot woot! This place sucks but I’m the first reviewer, therefore I’ll give them a 5 star anyways. Ha! Jk! Don’t freak! I have only good things to say about this place~~~
First impression when I stopped by was «man I feel like we’re chillin’ beachside in San Diego» (minus the off– the– clock business professionals, and us not in a polka dot bikini). It’s basically a huge modern day tiki hut with swag and multiple tv screens.
Been there twice, and the second time it was slammed! They have pretty good amount of seating, but that place fills up fast. We were lucky enough to find a spot at the bar.
Overall. This is an upscale pub vibe that everyone should check out, especially because it’s the perfect venue to enjoy the good weather we’ve been having. Another reason I love this place is because of the music genre they played… those days I visited at least. Not going to mention it, because you will soon venture out their direction and find out on your own. ;) Extremely friendly staff, and did I mentioned how good there micheladas were???
Also I think they mentioned an happy hour pricing. I think. $ 1 off a drink??? Whatever u can find out yourself.
Thumbs up to these guys!