Mango’s

I experienced one of the strangest shows in my life thanks to Mango’s. Don’t ever come here on a whim without knowing who or what’s playing because the shows here are polarizing. You can walk out either completely disgusted by the musk and the health code violations of the restrooms. Or, if you can endure it, you can walk out questioning what you consider «music».
My friend and I were subjected to an experimental noise act here, and at times we wondered whether the Lone Stars we were drinking were laced with acid. There were black lights, body paint, distorted vocals, and a surreal one-​man set on a sampler playing sounds that loosely came together to a single beat.
What the hell, Mango. Thanks for the interesting night out! Glad to have experienced this before your lease expires.

Good time here but the sound guy assassinated my ears so badly… Loud is nice but like… Not like that…

We came here after Avant Garden. We heard live music from outside and had good expectations. I was immediately put off by the place. The entrance had piles of wood sitting there. It smelt like lumbar and looked so run down. There weren’t that many people there that night. The music was alright. People didn’t look excited to be there. We left immediately.

There’s so many code violations at this place. I have no idea how they stay in business. They clearly gutted whatever used to be some sort of restaurant and did the cheapest possible job to turn it in to a «music venue.» Overloaded circuits, false exit signs, playing pirated movies and making profit from it, the list goes on.. I wouldn’t go here again even if my favorite band played here. Any crowd over 20 people and you’d just be asking for a disaster. Terrible sound equipment, literally crappy/​disgusting/​dirty bathrooms. The managers or owners or someone was even there serving themselves from the bar. Never recommending this place, and going to see how to report them on Monday morning.

Looks like they’ve turned this more into a music venue from the last time I came here years ago. Before it was a restaurant with seating. Not sure when they rebuilt the inside, but now it looks like a music venue. Somewhat of a small place. It’s pretty scummy inside. The restroom is the type that you’d piss in while trying not to breath. Haven’t seen any shows here yet since they re-​did the inside, but a lot of underground local and non-​local bands play here.

As far as music venues go, I like Mango’s pretty well. It’s small, but there have been some pretty cool shows that roll through: Widowspeak, Har Mar Superstar, Deafheaven, and Iceage. The first time I went there I saw Second Lovers and The Wheel Workers and that was in like 2011. My friends were complaining that Mango’s was small and the parking sucks, but it didn’t bother me. Personally, I like Mango’s. Their set-​up and sound has improved since like the first time I went there and I like hanging out. The parking situation does blow, that is for sure, definitely read the signs in the area, they’re rather confusing so proceed with caution and park further away. The other negatives are that it’s a really hot venue, and the bathrooms are gross. If you’re going to a show that’s gonna kick ass just get over the negatives and enjoy yourself.

Apparently Mango’s is a Vegan and Vegetarian restaurant. I don’t know anything about that, but what I do know about Mango’s is they have live music. And when it comes to live music Mango’s is doing my favorite, ska/​punk and local. What I used to find at Fitz and Continental Club as far as local punk & ska a couple years back seems to have migrated to Mango’s.
As a music venue Mango’s is probably about a two star, but keeping it local, ska, and punk, I’ll sneak in another star. As you walk into Mango’s, it looks like they’ve started some renovations but have yet to complete. The entry way opens to the venue immediately. The bar will be on the right and the stage to your left. The stage is small, with it raised and a drop ceiling, it’s almost a bit claustrophobic. I am also not a fan of the poles (obstructed view) in the middle of the venue. Across from the entry is an alcove for bands to sell their merchandise with a door to the patio behind it. The sound quality is surprisingly good. I guess walking in I wasn’t expecting much. The cover charge has never been more than $ 10, and it’s always 3 – 4 bands playing that evening. With local acts like The Failed Attempt, Foska, Dead Rabbits, and Always Guilty, and national acts like The Skatalites and The Hub City Stompers I’m looking forward to spending some quality time at Mango’s

A friend of mine has been talking about this place for a while, claiming it the new «it» place, so I decided to give it a shot. We went last Saturday, and I was thoroughly disappointed. Cover was 8 a pop for a few local bands, all punk. Hey, I haven’t gone to a punk show since I was 18, so I was kinda excited. Now, I’m trying to think back to those shows and remember if the bands were as lame as these guys were.
Anywho, we grabbed a couple of beers, and after a couple of out of key songs, headed out to the patio (I know punk’s not exactly operatic, but DAMN…). A broken beer bottle on the table, some «punker» bragging about his Prada shoes, and a couple of folks smoking weed in the middle of the patio (not judging, but I’m allergic; keep that stuff on your patio). I pulled out a smoke, and it must have been dipped in gold, because within seconds, 4 different people asked to bum one. I can’t say no, so my pack was raided. Some guys started arguing, looking like a fight was about to break out, so we head back in, and that’s when I notice all the staring in our direction. See, my friend is Hispanic, and I got the feeling very quickly that we weren’t entirely welcome. Time to scram!

I stopped by on a Tuesday since I was around the area. I was impressed at the great music! Apparently every Tuesday they have dubstep night. The DJ was pretty legit and all the crowd (who seemed extremely young to me btw) seemed to be really into it. There was even one guy doing a cool glove light dance. So I think this is a great place if you like that kind of music. Drinks are pretty cheap too.

Mangos, I have tried so many times to enjoy your company. I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews, but they have had one coming. Parking is horrible except for when the place is empty. I came here for a benefit years ago and HPD raided the place and towed about 10 vehicles, including my own. I should have learned my lesson then.
The second time I came back to this place, it was a Wednesday and they were serving dollar wells. I would never come into this place other than to drink dollar wells. The place straight up smelled like dirty toilets when I walked inside. This is probably because there are no doors to the bathrooms, which are also disgusting even by my standards. and I visit some dirty bars. The customers there are greasy kids that use the place for their hang out. I tried to spark a convo with a group of them and they were super rude and creepy.
All bullshit aside, I decided to give Mangos yet another undeserved visit last night. I read this post on facebook. I’ll copy and paste so you can see for yourself.

«Mangos Montrose
DOLLAR WELLS + Senior Jukebox IN THE MIX TONIGHT !
17 hours ago *Like Unlike»
This was on Wednesday, August 17^th. I drove all the way out there last night to hear some music and drink some dollar wells. The place is pretty much empty. I ordered my drinks and they were $ 3 each, which is totally reasonable if I had not been mislead. The bartender showed up to work at the same time we got there, maybe he wasn’t even an employee. Perhaps I got scammed by some guy who just stepped behind the bar; it’s that kind of place. But in a very guilty manner, he explained that drinks are only on special when there is live music. Well, «Senior Jukebox» was nowhere to be found. This was either a false advertisement or a very misleading one. Either way, I did not appreciate them wasting my time.
This not a case of me going there and being disappointed after one visit. I have been going here for years. I am a really easy-​going person and have a high tolerance for bullshit, but Mango’s… you suck.

Oh man, I haven’t been out here in a few months and things have changed.
They renovated the interior and added some walls so instead of walking directly inside to the action, you have a nice wall blocking you until you round the corner. Traffic jam much? They also have another wall on the opposite end of the cantina blocking the patio door. They painted over all the artwork and graffiti. I liked it much better before.
Wasn’t as crazy packed as it used to be; not entirely sure what that’s about. I know the people who started going here when Texas Dub first started at Mangos have slowly shunned away from here as the scene has changed. But it’s life; things change.
We still managed to have a good time regardless especially when my favorite DJ played, even though his set was quite short.

RUDE BARTENDER.
okay, this place is a pretty tight spot to hang out with friends because of the music and vibe. BUT they’re not so nice at the bar.
Every time I go, I usually get the same thing and dont question the price. The other day, I asked the bartender if they had any specials and his reply was «No» and walked away. WHAT?! okay cool, if you dont have any specials, but I’d STILL like to order a drink. After standing for a long time with my other friends, this other bartender told him why he was not taking our order and he said «because she doesnt have any money» LOL. are you serious?! I simply asked if you had any specials since it was a Wed night and MOST bars do! That doesn’t mean I am not trying to buy anything. Whatever, after I got my drink it was SO watered down. I usually get beer, so this was the first time for a mix drink.
Get drunk before coming here so you dont have to deal with the tools that work here.

I came here for the first time for a Tax the Wolf show. Ironically, the pizza was delicious! Also they had Strongbow which is always a plus.
It was however very very hot inside, more so than I expect even for a bar.
I got a spot by the fan so all ended up being fine, had a good time.

This place is odd. It can’t decide if it wants to be restaurant, bar, or a music venue. Immediately I don’t like the table set up. It just accentuates the identity crisis they seem to be having. My friend and I went for dinner, and as we ordered at the bar, the person working immediately said; «if you want food you are going to have to wait like 20 – 30 minutes, my cook just left to run an errand.» Wow. That was annoying. There wasn’t a show that night, so of course we were there to eat. Why even be open if you can’t cook anything? Anyways, to soothe the situation over, she at least offered us a free margarita-​like frozen drink, till the dude came back.
We ordered the vegan cuban pizza and BBQ tofu sandwich and decided to share. For vegan food, it was pretty good! I was pleasantly surprised. My only complaint was that there was nothing fresh on the plate. For example; the pizza had stuff like cilantro on it, but then they cooked it… whereas I would prefer they just chop and toss some fresh cilantro on top, after the pizza it cooked. There was no appealing texture to the food, it could have really benefited from some fresh element– like diced tomatoes or something. Something that might bite back when I bite into it.
Overall– Odd place, ok food. I would go again, it might be the better choice for vegan food, but it would not be my first choice if I just wanted to go out to eat.

I’ve been here a few times for shows. Someone should take away their live music license. This is the worst venue for a concert. It’s small, crowded, the acoustics are horrible, they don’t turn on the a/​c, it’s hot, it’s muggy, there’s zero air circulation, and the place looks like it’s ready to be torn down.
No comment on the food. I’ve never eaten there (and am a little scared to order anything). The place looks dirty!

I have literally been dreaming of Mango’s for months after reading all the raving reviews about their vegetarian/​vegan fare. But hey, guess what! All they serve now is PIZZA. And it’s NOT VEGAN! The dough has eggs. My life. .. in shambles!
But anyway, I’m over it (so I will tell myself).
I’ve been here twice now for shows and it’s a pretty dingy and intimate type of venue for smaller bands and local bands. Not too bad for that type of thing. The patio area is nice, although weirdly constructed…
The drinks here are a bit weak, so that displeased me. And get this. .. warm beer! I think I just happened to stumble across such bad luck as my friends remained unscathed. But seriously, GROSS.
I suppose I wouldn’t mind coming back here for a show, but I’m taking it quite personally that they discontinued their expansive vegan menu before I ever had a chance to experience it. *tear

Time visited: Wednesday at 8:00 pm
Company: husband
Situation: Have seen this place when prowling around Westheimer and liked the Spanish look to the building. Chanced upon the Houston Press calendar saying that rob ellis and the boys (? country band) play there on Wednesdays at 8 (free). Attempted date night.
Ordered: Greek pizza
Cost: $ 8
Tip: $ 2
Reason for tip: He didn’t have change for a $ 10
Verdict: Soo the place is super sketch when you walk in and there is nothing but an open floor, no lights on, and two people sitting at the bar. Kinda scene (junky), we went to the bar and asked if they had a menu. He said they were only serving pizzas I figured we were safe with Greek. We located the booth in the dark and pizza was brought over by the bar tender. De-​Li-​Cious! One pizza was enough for both of us and the crust was fantastic (thin and flavorful) I’m pretty sure I took some pictures (the three dark ones) so you can reference those.
When it didn’t look like anyone was showing up anytime soon we asked the bartender what the dealio was. He said the band usually didn’t start til about 10 and it usually got pretty busy then.
That was a little too late for my husband’s white collar so we had to check out.
Very unique experience, good food, will come back for one of the shows. We didn’t get to go out to the patio bummer :(

Had a late lunch here a few weeks ago. To be honest, thought this had posted, but it showed in my drafts today. When I walked in I was a little worried because the place was empty. I went ahead and ordered while waiting for my friend. They have about a dozen beers and the food is vegan/​vegetarian. I ordered (and scarfed) a pesto grilled cheese sandwich. It was yummy. This came with fries, that were also quite tasty. My friend ordered one of the vegan sandwiches, and he said it was okay (6 out of 10 to be specific… but he’s über picky).
I gave the place 3 stars for now. The food was great, but the place needs more pizazz. There is a stage for music, but the place was dead while we were there. They also don’t have wi-​fi.
Overall, I’ll gladly return. Great selection of vegetarian food and a full bar to boot.

(updated 10/​04/​2009) I have changed my mind. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was more chill and more relaxed. I suppose it varies from night to night on what kind of crowd you get and what’s going on that night. The food was good. Drinks not so much. But would recommend as a place to «swing by» rather than to «must-​do».
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I’d have to agree with most of the folks here.
At first, I thought I found something legit and somewhere worth hanging out, meeting new people, listening to music and eating at the same time! Wow, what high hopes I had. Don’t get me wrong, the food was delicious, but the atmosphere was not.

I do agree with what Claire S. is saying. The atmosphere still needs to be worked on.
However, I wasn’t disappointing (edit: disappointed — where is the grammar nazi when I need one?) one single bit with what was on my plate. The Veggie (actually Vegan patty, made IN HOUSE) may have been the best I’ve ever had (I make it my job to try every in house veggie burger I can find/​go to veggie restaurants). It was just the right size for me and I didn’t feel like I was going to burst or hungry afterward.
I will def. be going back and in the near future!