Sugarcane

I just feel healthier drinking here :)
This is a really low key bar with fun and fresh drinks. The inside was re-​done after it changed from Corkscrew. Now, when I say low key, I mean low key. Even on Friday and Saturday nights you won’t find a wait. It’s a great place to start out the night before heading down Washington if that’s your aim.
Jessica approved: Salty Dog… fresh grapefruit juice and vodka with a sea salted rim? Yes, please!

Terrible. The thing that makes the skinny margarita «skinny» is it comes in something the size of a shot glass. And for $ 10 it is a complete rip off. The small pizza margarita was a crappy frozen thing that they burned and then had the nerve to charge $ 14 for. It was basically a supermarket frozen 12″ cheese pizza.
The place deserves a quick death. Fail fast and move on. There are plenty of good places on Washington. This isn’t one of them. Avoid. Go further up the street.

Came here again for round 2 earlier this evening. Now THIS is the Sugarcane that everyone’s been raving about. Not the douchey overly-​loud scene with the ass-​in-​the-​face videos playing on a screen scene that I saw last Saturday night. And boy were those some awkward ass-​in-​the-​face videos.
Tonight was MUCH more laid back, and more on the casual loungey side (like it was meant to be) vs. on the clubby side (like it was trying too hard to be on Saturday). And this time I REALLY had a watermelon refresher, in which my friend and I have declared it as one of our favorites out of the 5 different cocktails that we’ve tried so far. Just for comparison:
Saturday night — I walked in fresh to Sugarcane, and since they didn’t have menus, all I was able to ask the bartender for was «a really popular watermelon drink that I’ve heard people talk about». To be fair, this was a pretty vague explanation, but that’s still not much of an excuse for the suckiness of the drink that was handed to me. What I was given was watered down watermelon juice (which was watered down even MORE by all the ice… it ended up tasting like vaguely sweet water), and just a drop of vodka to allow them to call it alcoholic (like omg, it’s an «adult beverage», like srsly!!). In short, it kinda sucked. Refreshing and slightly watermelon-​y, but with all the hype, what the hell was this crap in my martini glass?
Tonight — we had a cool bartender, and my friend ordered it by name as a Watermelon Refresher. Holy crap, this was a MILLION times better. I was presented with a lovely glass filled with a glorious blend of juices that brought out a perfect mix of sweet watermelon with crisp cucumber, and it definitely had enough vodka to make you feel like you were paying for more than just fancy blended fruit juices. It was sweet, it was refreshing (like the name implies), and had enough booze to make you feel happy. :) I’m not even the type to like girly drinks (I’ve got an uncharacteristically «manly» taste for drinks… think beer and irish car bombs), and I loved this drink.
I’ve determined that if I want something sweet and fruity, I go with the watermelon refresher. If I’m feeling something a little «manlier» (for lack of a better way of putting it), I’d go with the Maker’s Mark-​heavy Scarlet Letter. Any bar that can provide me with good quality drinks for different occasions sounds like a winner to me. :) I’m still griping about the lack of drink menus, but that’s just because I hear about so many great drinks here and there on Unilocal/houstonpress/29−95, but I have absolutely no documented reference to order them from. Otherwise, I think I’ve determined that going on weekdays for happy hour brings out a MUCH better vibe (and crowd), and really shows what put Sugarcane on the map to begin with. Dodge the douchey Wash Ave weekend crowd and this place is gold. :)

Loved Sugarcane! Came for the grand opening of Sugarfree Saturdays. The bartenders and staff were super friendly. The deejay, TNT played an amazing set of house, pop, and dance with a live drummer!
The interior is roomy with several tables and couches to lounge and plenty of dance space in front the of the DJ. There is also a small patio for the smokers. I tried the Social Butterfly cocktail which included fresh watermelon juice and vodka and it was very refreshing. I also had their chicken pizza, it was delicious! The crust was crispy and the chicken and cheese was plentiful and very flavorful. Sugarcane is located on the quieter end of Washington so parking is not an issue, which was a huge plus.
Looking forward to going back to Sugarfree Saturday’s soon! Oh, the signature drink for the night is Sugarfree Redbull and vodka… hence the name.

I came here with a friend on a Friday night and it was mostly empty. Cute building on the outside and cute inside. Lots of little tables inside with a candle on each. The outdoor seating isn’t much to look at, but oh well.
My friend and I both tried a watermelon drink (perhaps the watermelon refresher?). I was hoping to have a look at a drink menu to give me some ideas, but wasn’t offered one when I inquired. I was simply told that they were operating a full bar and that the particular watermelon drink was recommended. After reading some of these reviews though I wish I could have asked for another drink or more suggestions. The drink was ok. I didn’t taste the watermelon as much as the cucumber, which was a little disappointing.
The bartender was ok. The only thing that actually sucked was a creeper lurking nearby who pestered us for a bit about where to eat in the area. It didn’t exactly feel safe there since it seemed so separated from the bigger scene on Washington and had such few patrons.
I might come back if I’m wanting a place very laid back and scarcely populated, but I’d get a different drink.

I went here for my first time Saturday night and was disappointed when I learned they have a «new concept». which is to be just a regular bar! They no longer have a drink menu to pick from. They also do not have any scotch. We were all extremely disappointed and left after our first drink.
The place was dead except for one random group of about 5 that had purchased a bottle (lame!). I guarantee this place won’t stay open much longer.

Sugarcane is a win with me. The drinks are tasty and the bartenders although a bit sassy are fun to look at. And if you give them a little sarcastic sass back they sometimes like it!
I was here with a crew of ‘staches and ‘hawks for the recent Unilocal pub crawl and really enjoyed the cocktails had at Sugarcane. Of the two, the Watermelon Refresher was so yummy I didn’t even realize it had liqour in it until I boarded the Wave and found a stripper pole. I digress…
The drinks were tasty, the atmosphere is smooth and relaxing, and I even got hit on by a couple dudes! Score for Holleration!

Service with an attitude. I’m not talking matter of fact, punk rock attitude, I’m referring to chip on your shoulder/​perpetual «bad day» attitude. Just flat out rude for no reason. I would rather deal with Bobby Heugel on a drunken bad day than return here. At least Heugel has great cheese plates and pretty glasses.
I was here recently with a group of friends, and I’ll never go back. Oh, the ghost of Corkscrew must be silently weeping in the corner.
I really don’t have much more to say on the subject. The drink was serviceable, I got tipsy. It tasted fine; the garnish was a bit cumbersome, however. Pretty in a picture, annoying to drink. Did I feel any different from drinking organic? No. Would this be the one thing in the «pro» list to outweigh the «con» list, enticing me to return? No. Would my experience have been 95% better had I not had to interact with this bartender? You bet your patootie.

Great drinks!
The Sugardaddy was the best drink I have ever had.
We also tried the 12 Dozen which was also an exceptional drink.
Great ingredients lead to a great drink.

First impressions: The layout resembles a restaurant more than a bar. The tables and chairs are rigid and uncomfortable. Scattered squeaky and faux leather couches around the room. By the way, you just can’t win with the couches, Sugarcane. Faux leather couches are cold and tacky, and authentic leather is not exactly eco friendly right? Why not explore other seating options?
Blasting loud fans. Unusually bright lighting for a night spot. The patio is a parking lot! It’s not a patio, and basically only exists to appease the smokers. I don’t know who would willingly hang out back there.
Oh and of course, green paint throughout. I mean, «it’s because we’re sooooo eco-​friendly.» They can’t say it enough.
The cocktails: Pretty unremarkable. Not the most impressive herbed martini, to say the very least. There is practically no alcohol in these cocktails.
The pizza: I am pretty sure that they sprinkled it with Kraft mozzarella cheese. It tasted like plastic.
The service: Attentive, but obnoxious. It was not very full on the Wednesday night that we got around to trying this bar, but let us just chill out !
Of course, the waitress was stammering out pre-​prepared statements sprinkled with buzzwords. «farmer’s market» «organic» «local».
I absolutely support local and organic endeavors, but it seems to me that Sugarcane is a forced gimmick that is trying to cash in on a trend.
Will not return, obviously. If you would like to support a local small business (that earnestly practices eco friendly standards), visit Buffalo at Mélange Creperie.
That’s my rant.

I checked out SugarCane’s in the name of following my favorite bartender in Houston, which is Nell R. (formerly of The Flat)…
I won’t lie, I hate driving down Washington and any bar close to it, but I really liked SugarCane’s!
We actually found a parking space up front and once we got inside the crowd was cool and so was the inside décor of the bar… Everything was was lit and and modern. They put some fresh organic water melon juice with my vodka, yum yum! Alcohol and organic goodness never tasted so sweet ;)
We will be adopting this place as our new hang out! Look out SugarCane’s here we come!!! :)

I met a couple coworkers at Sugarcane for their Grand Opening Night. We waited in the sweltering heat for a while before we were actually let in, but when we finally got in it was awesome!
The atmosphere was very green and spiritual, and their drinks were absolutely delicious. The only problem I had was their bartenders. They weren’t very nice or energetic, and it took forever to get a drink. Maybe it was because it was their first night on the job or the fact that most of the drinks were free? Not sure.
Besides that, I definitely need to go back and get one of those extremely refreshing cocktails!

As much as I miss the Corkcrew, Sugarcane is a nice replacement for it. Lots of places to sit down and chat. My favorite is the comfy couches. I love the drinks here as I feel like I’m cheating myself that perhaps a drink could be healthy. Got the cucumber and watermelon cocktail and it was very light and refreshing.
My friends and I had a celebrity sighting here too! We saw this really tall guy walk out of the bar with an entourage of women. He had to duck his head in order to get out of the place. Then we (or rather my friends as I’m clueless) realized it was Luis Scola from the Houston Rockets!
I’m glad there’s places like this on Washington that aren’t uppity and more chill.

Ended up going to Sugarcane on a Friday night. I’ve been wanting to check it out for a while as I found the concept really intriguing and I like the fact that the bar is further away from all the craziness on Washington Ave. While I waited for my girlfriend to use the restroom one of the bartenders approached me and just gave me a quick intro on the concept and gave a couple of recommendations. My girlfriend got a Watermelon Refresher and I got something made with Makers Mark and hibiscus liqueur. The Watermelon drink is their most popular according to the bartender and I can see why, since it was pretty smooth and easy to drink. My drink was pretty strong so I’m surprised people complained about the drinks being weak or sugary. I then ordered a drink with acai-​infused vodka, coconut, and passionfruit. This one felt a bit weaker because the coconut water was pretty overpowering.
As luck would have it we ended up meeting a friend for a pre-​game drink there on Saturday as well. We scored a table and one of the owners, Tony, came over to chat with us. Very friendly dude and he asked some opinions on the beer menu in specific. We had a round of Sugardaddies which are made with tequila and crème de violet
I really enjoyed the drinks and the ambiance. One of my new favorite places in Houston. The drink prices are a bit steep but they’re well worth it.

So still playing tour guide with my friend from Dallas and wanted to show her and check out a new bar at the same time that I had heard good things about.
I figured being from Dallas she might enjoy the whole Washington uppity scene. Well before I had to deal with fist pumping and dbags galoore I had to check out a more chilled bar.
I was able to meet the owner, Brian, immediately as he is the guy who welcomes you from behind the bar as you enter the door.
He’s very willing to talk to you and make you drinks off the menu. We started out with a sugar daddy and sugar momma. Both drinks were great. We looked at what other people were ordering and saw a strawberry mojito that looked great so my friend got one of those next and I asked Brian for one of his recommendations which he created a capital tea, which was his version of a long island.
The drinks were very smooth. I love their whole concept. Local ingredients, local liquors, biodegradeable everything including the straws. The owners are willing to work the floor and talk to you instead of being «too cool» to get to know their customers.
This bar is located on east washington so you get to avoid most of the dbags and there is actually places to park.
The best thing about this place is the music. They just play music off an ipod but their music selection was awesome. I caught a song by Lights! I never hear her stuff.
2 Thumbs up in my book!

I am super conflicted about this bar. On the one hand I love the concept, the space, and the free parking. The ECOcktail menu was interesting and enticing.
The drinks taste good, but is organic slang for «no alcohol»? My friend and I decided to switch off choosing drinks for the two of us. We were free of responsibilities, no work the next day, cab number at the ready, so it was on (or so we thought)! I tried the cucumber mint, the peach bellini, something with coconut in it, a mojito, and a watermelon one. Now, I am not a petite lady, but I don’t drink very often so I should have been rockin’ a pretty sweet drunk after 5 drinks in about 2 hours. But alas, I was only mildly, very mildly buzzed. I am happy to pay for quality cocktails, but I want them to be cocktails not fruit smoothies! The bellini was yucky. I think it was just ice and peach juice. My favorite was the cucumber mint drink, it was very refreshing, but again a little weak on the sauce.
If you are a single dude wondering where all of the pretty professional, non-​ho bag Houstonians are; they are all at Sugarcane. I liked that it was lady heavy and it didn’t seem like the typical douchey Wash Ave crowd. I am willing to go back to Sugarcane, but I think I will stick with their beer and wine selections.

I never thought about being eco-​friendly after getting sloshed on tequila and gin inspired drinks drinks until I made it here… Great idea! I can feel better about the environment and support my local spirit-​makers (most of the selections are from Texas manufacturers as far as I saw) !
I give pluses for the creative drinks as well as the classics. The décor is minimal but funky and it seems like a great place for the girls to go and grab a drink or 3 before wandering about on Washington Ave. It’s NOT a place for the dudes to go with the homeboys and chat it up about the NBA finals, but I ain’t stoppin’ dudes who wanna swing thru with a wingman, the eye candy there was kinda nice!

I worried all day that I would be the first to review this amazing bar… glad the word is getting out! Sugarcane gets my vote for best bar in Houston after the killer cocktails I had there yesterday evening.
Drinks are fresh, delicious, and inventive: they only use Texas alcohol (e.g. Tito’s Vodka) for the cocktails, with the exception of tequila, because that has to come from Mexico. They fresh-​squeeze all the juice, locally source the produce, and get creative with the combinations. Heck, they even make their own sweet and sour!
The vibe of Sugarcane’s is artsy & inviting, and it’s on the area of Washington that will (hopefully) not be invaded by the typical Washington scene.
What makes me like this place most is the welcoming, friendly atmosphere created by the GM, Bryan. He talked with us enthuiastically about the eco-​friendly concept of the place, and we were lucky enough to be the recipients of some experimental drink samples.
And did I mention that these drinks don’t give you a hangover? That’s the claim… you’ll have to test that one out for yourself.

I think I’ve found my new favorite bar in Houston and the name of the place is Sugarcane in the 6^th word. Right now you might be saying, «dude, its the old corkscrew.» I know that and I still like it even though the redesign isn’t that much different
Let me tell you about this awesome little place although I feel like I’m sharing my new found secret and letting the cat out of the bag.
First of all, the concept of using all organic drinks, sustainable environment, supporting local businesses, eco-​conscious, and finally, drinking includes some of my favorite things all together in one place.
Now let me continue with some awesome-​ness in a list format as I am too lazy to type out long drawn out sentences:
1. plenty of parking — free parking that is in the lot
2. awesome drink menu with specialty drinks
3. awesome space with plenty of quiet spots to sit and drink and hear each other in conversation
4. live dj on friday nights
5. classy
6. friendly and attentive bartenders
7. Awesome (just because I like saying awesome)
The drinks are all made fresh and take some time (think Anvil but less extensive of a menu). There are some old favorites like an old fashioned, manhattan, etc, but also specialty drinks like a 6^th ward (which i loved), cucumber mint, and a watermelon sour. The drinks are so fresh and tasty. Drink prices range from $ 5 — $ 12. come thirsty.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating as well and no tvs so don’t come here for sporting events, come here for good conversation. I could see this also being a great first date spot if your date is going well after dinner.
I can see myself going back to this place over and over again. A great place to start your night, or a great place to catch up with friends over a few QUALITY drinks.

Is Houston, and more specifically Washington Ave., ready for an «organic» bar? If it takes the form of Sugarcane, I think so.
Sugarcane is the new bar on Washington offering organic cocktails, wine and local beers. My friends and I visited last night, a Saturday night and their third night of business. We arrived early and I was a little stunned at the age of the crowd — most were 50 +.
They have really opened up the space from the Corkscrew days. Gone is the dark paint and heavy wood wine shelves. The new décor is open, bright, and lots of green. It’s kind of a «Eco-​Décor» mallet… hitting you over the head with the concept. The only things in the décor that don’t jibe are the dark brown «leather» couches and heavy wood chairs left over from Corkscrew. There is a decent mural of a tree on on wall that got more interesting when they turned the lights down.
The drink menu is full of very well described «Eco-​drinks.» They use organic liquors and mixers. We sampled their version of a blood orange margarita, the La Brea (an acai and vodka drink), the 6^th ward, and another Acai drink with coconut. They were all delicious and «clean.» The drinks do not leave that gross, syrupy, smack your gums feeling or taste that a lot of sugary drinks leave.
They don’t have any food on the menu, but a staff member shared that a taco truck will be parked outside for Asian influenced tacos and the like.
Sugarcane is a welcomed addition to Wash. Ave. This place is a winner and will be packed this summer.