Sugarhill Bar & Lounge

I like Sugarhill for two good reasons! I think the D.J. knows what he’s doing and there is room to dance. Parking is a beast, but not overly expensive if you pay to park in an adjacent lot. A couple of friends ordered food and they were content with the clam plates stuffed with dirty rice and whatever else they ordered. The patio scene is also decent when you need some fresh air. This was my second time in here and I doubt it will be my last. My only wish is that they would keep the restrooms tidy throughout the night.

Been here a few times. It’s a decent spot for the 25&up crowd. No cover charge and the dj’s are always on point. Valet or street parking only (ladies make sure you park in a well-​lit area if choosing street parking).
It really has the setting for more of a lounge with a small dance floor but once it gets packed it turns into a club scene. I came here for one of my cousin’s birthday party a while back. She paid for a section with bottle service and everything and they shut the club down about an hour early because it was over capacity. So much for getting her money’s worth. I would suggest coming early for drinks and then go elsewhere.

I use to come to this place off and on between late 2012 – 2014 and it was always a fun, descent time.
It’s a small lounge located off 288. The best time to go is usually on the weekends, preferably on Friday. It gets crowded quickly, so don’t be alarmed if you find yourself shoulder to shoulder with somebody. There are sections available. But usually on Friday’s they are sold out. I’ve been here on more
mellow days and I enjoyed those nights as well.
Valet parking and free parking on the street where you can find it.
The last time I was here was Christmas 2014 and it was nice. One of the more mellow days, mentioned before. Came here with one of my girlfriends, sat down and ordered hookah and some drinks.

My friend and I went here for Poetry on Sunday night. We got there at 11ish so we missed a good amount of poets but we was able to listen to two of them. And THEY WERE GREAT! It’s a nice environment, even though we was there briefly, we really liked this spot. I most definitely recommend this spot for anyone who’s looking for something different from the clubs and bars.
They also have a bar but I wasn’t drinking so I can’t give a review on the drinks.

Party during a conference featuring MC Lyte. I wasn’t really feeling it though. The size was decent. We didn’t drink so I’m not sure of prices. They had hookah machines and a guy fixing various flavors I guess. Parking was bad but we valeted ourselves next door for $ 10.

We end up here often for date night. Its a 25 – 30 something crowd which is nice. DJ is usually okay, but als often hit or miss. Drinks are decent. Valet for 10 or 20 dollars. Its a place to go, but nothing to write home about.

Husband and I needed a date night and we’ve always enjoyed the poetry Sundays at Bambou. since they’ve moved to Sugarhill we decided to finally check this place out.
What I can say is… this place, on average, would not be my type of place. I’m very much about décor and glitz. So, I had to adjust my mind to give this place a shot.
I think this place is a great spot for the poetry nights. It truly is a bar /​lounge; which lends itself the perfect spot to chill, smoke a hookah, get a drink and listen to great poets.
We got there early enough to grab some $ 5. U call its.
The bartenders made good, stiff drinks (kudos for that).
We mingled (of course) and got some food from the guy barbecuing on the patio.
The deer sausage was sooooooo good. The cheesy mashed potatoes were killer !
The ribs weren’t bad either.
I was missing myself some poetry, so I’m glad hubby was off for a week and we were able to get down there this Sunday evening.
We really enjoyed ourselves. For what Sugarhill is about… It is doing it’s thing just fine. Off course we shall return !

I used to come here with colleagues after working down the street. That’s when I realized that this place is more than just a hot night spot. From midday to midnight and beyond, this is a great spot to network with people in the 3^rd Ward Community. Also, if you go there on Thursday afternoons there is free food. Did you hear me? FREE FOOD!
If I am not mistaken, there is usually a band performing here on the weekends. When there is no band, you can dance with friends, family, and meet new friends (or family?) with great enjoyment. There is a patio area where they also serve drinks. Personally, I don’t usually go out there because I don’t smoke. However, it is a great area if you want to talk to people. The drinks are good and reasonably priced. Parking is another thing though. Most people park all down the street. You can’t miss the cars. There is valet parking for those willing to spend a few bucks.
If you are looking for some of the best R&B/Hip-Hop music where there is both an oldschool soul with a new school vibe, this is the spot.

Nice spot & mature crowd. Great music & variety. Plenty seating and enough space on dance floor. Patio for smoking. Only down-​side, drink prices are ridiculous! $ 12 for a grey goose & cranberry! I will be back but it will be happy hour or drinking somewhere else first!

Went to meetup for a friend birthday, definitely an 80s baby crowd with a sprinkle of you too old to be in here lol… the dj was not a Beyonce fan, I mean this Houston, how u not gonna play at least 2 – 3 King Bey tracks!!! The drinks were not so decent priced, 3 peach ciroc was $ 30.could snuck a perso if I knew they taxed like that! As a single like to mingle kind of gal this place was a dud… the fellas all posted up and just undress you w their eyes, or they slickly pass by to rub up on you. I liked their patio but it was nippy outside. May come again if something going on but not a lounge I would just be going.

Man, this place is full of talent on Wednesday nights. I’m kind of reluctant to exposing this place because I wouldn’t want it to get as crowded as everyone is speaking of. Anyway, the only reason I gave it 4 stars is because how expensive the watered down drinks are… crazy. Nothing like my people getting together and having a good time without all craziness.
Parking situation is horrible but the place is worth it. So if you are a lover of open mic and soul/r&b and without the teenagers, this is definitely a spot to visit. Please don’t let the area scare you away; i guess its easy for me to say because of growing up in similar area. Its worth it.

Saw advertisements and flyers for sunday brunch on various websites… drove 30 mins for unlimited mimosas and brunch at 12pm and to try it out for a change… got to restaurant and place was locked and closed. Additionally there was an extremely large banner on the establishment stating the sunday brunch from 11am-​3pm EVERY sunday and it was closed.
Irritating!

No cover charge, good music. Definitely a place where you can get your party started. We were doing a «cutie run» and this was one of several places we popped in. The parking is sketchy, so valet is a must. I hear it gets crowded & the crowd «changes» the later it gets. I did not witness this but enjoyed the short time we were there, primarily because of the music.

Upside — Free Entry
Downside — Parking and Location
Out of all the places I do or don’t go to. This is probably a go to of mine from time to time. Always free entry which is a plus for most, Bar is stocked nicely, Live music on certain nights, Always a great DJ. Tends to get pretty packed towards 11. But this is not a pretentious atmosphere. that can be good or bad for some of you. Lowkey and filled with people who are just out to have a good time. I think of it as a spot to go to so you can hear some music, have a drink and carry on to the next spot of the night (or stay). What I like to think of as a «STOP & POP» although on occassion I have just Stopped. Either way WORTH trying to see if you like it yourself. don’t let location scare you away.

On the second day of my search for Houston Hip Hop, I found myself at Sugarhill Bar and Lounge. I was tempted by the arrival of Biz Markie, who was hosting that evening, and so came dressed as always, just enough to impress but still casual enough to dance.
Let’s run it down from top to bottom. Sugarhill has limited parking so your first and likely only option will be valet. You can try and park along the street, but that’s a tricky proposition and the line can stretch pretty long when this place gets moving. I went on a Thursday and there was no cover, but cannot speak for other days just yet, although I’m aware they’re advertising free entry for Friday.
Once inside there’s a bar directly ahead, couch seating along the right wall, a dance floor to the left and an exit onto the patio. By 11:30 the inside was moving with the bar packed up and all the seating, which was already reserved, filled. A few tables round out the interior, where people were snacking on food and having drinks. I made a straight line for the patio, which is where I like to start my night and get adjusted to my surroundings.
There’s a stocked bar outside along with some seating, though again it’s limited. A few space heaters helped warm the exterior, and a BBQ truck was posted near the edge of the patio. This is a good thing, as many people will go outside to get some food to along with their beer, have a cigar and enjoy the more relaxed environment. The outside is definitely for chatting and chilling.
A return to the inside brings on the crowd that’s gathered to dance. It gets cramped as the night rolls on, and I’m hoping one day the place can expand. The music is definitely a great mix of hip hop from the old school and new school, and the DJs know how to mix it up. Drink prices are fairly standard for Houston, four dollars for a beer. At nine dollars for a Jack and Coke that’s slightly toward the high side for the city, which I’ve felt has averaged 7 – 8.
Although that’s in keeping with the overall vibe. While you’ll see casual men in plaid shirts and pressed jeans, you won’t see the baseball cap and tank top crowd, so you’re getting a different mix. Sugarhill doesn’t aim to be ultra upscale, but it does ask that you dress nicely for the evening, with a heavier emphasis on the weekend to look nice. The crowd is primarily African American, black, urban. As I said in my review for Gertner’s, if that makes you uncomfortable, this is the wrong city for you to live in.
It’s also on the edge of the Third War, which has a mixed reputation. As someone that lives in the area, let me say you’re missing out if you skip on Sugarhill. Situated alongside a Subway in a strip mall area, it doesn’t easily stand out. Even my taxi driver missed it. However, those who know about it, who go there, love it. It might seem easy to miss, but it gets packed, and the crowd is friendly. Once again I had a great time meeting new people, making business contacts and talking to some lovely women. One guy even bought me a drink just to be friendly.
So what makes Sugarhill stand out? The music is great. The drinks are about what you’d expect. The bartenders were nothing but darlings, very nice women who really went out of their way. Despite the crowd they were patient. At the end of the night, they even tried to help me get a taxi when mine didn’t show. And, when that taxi never showed, I still got a ride home. What better service can I ask for than that?
So much love for Sugarhill. I’m returning tonight to see what their Friday is like, and plan on having a great time once again.
The Final Call:
Facilities: ³⁄₅
Staff: ⁵⁄₅
Service: ⁵⁄₅
Drinks: ⁴⁄₅
Food: ⁴⁄₅
Overall: ⁴⁄₅

Sugar hill can be a really good time but it’s usually way too packed. I always end up sweating but it’s worth it in my opinion. this is the place you come to dance and sweat. the problem is that there’s way too many people in the dance floor and it reminds you of the 18+ club experience when you first started kickin’ it but the crowd in 25+. You come here to listen to loud hip hop music, dance if yo have room and sweet. My kinda place when I’m in the mood.
Its a classy hood spot. the music is great. they play current hip-​hop and trap music and stuff like that. Not top 40 or radio hip hop. Very black crowd. Parking sucks and the neighborhood can be cool and it can also be suspect depending on the night. Valet your car. No cover

I went here on Friday night to hang out with a few friends for a birthday party. I’ve never been to Sugarhill before and wasn’t in any rush to get there because of the side of town that it is on. All in all I had a great time. I am use to the small clubs in Houston so I wasn’t surprised that the club was inside of a shopping center. The parking sucked but I found a spot on the street so I didn’t mind walking. The DJ was on point and so where my drinks. Antanique is an amazing bartender. I adore her and she makes great drinks. The club was pretty packed and with it being rather small moving around was a bit of a problem. There were no fights and the music was great. People all around were enjoying themselves. It was a good night.

I haven’t done the club scene in a while, and Sugarhill let me know that not much has changed. I’m from SoFla, visiting Houston, so it was unusual for me to see the club was in a tiny strip mall in a residential neighborhood. Odd location. Terrible situation for parking, so be prepared to shell out $ 10-​$ 20 for valet on a Saturday night. There’s no cover for the club so it evens out.
Once inside, around 11 p.m., it was already getting crowded. Hard to move, hard to see, music extremely loud. A few good things: Since I was with a private party, I didn’t have to fight at the bar for a drink. The bar was at least four people deep and not moving. The DJ kept it moving with dance music initially, then went straight up «hood» music around midnight. He switched up to reggae/​island around 1:45 p.m., to close things out. Overall, the music mix was strong.
The small dance floor scene was strange. The men, mostly in pressed jeans/​slacks and casual shirts, stood around while a few women danced. A lot of the other women, dressed in minis, leggings and jeans (makeup and hair on point in most cases), sat at the bar, on the many sofas or stood watching others dance. Again, I was with a private party, so I just dragged the men from the party onto the «dance area» when I started getting bored.
Bathroom note for the ladies: Two stalls, relatively clean, no wait. My stall had the last of the toilet paper roll on it by midnight. An attendant is in the bathroom, so be prepared to tip (I did; I always do because it’s literally a crappy job that I hope I never have to do) or for awkward silence as she stares at you reapply your lipstick.
Lastly, by closing time at 2 a.m., which surprised me in Houston, the crowd cleared out easily with police assistance. Outside on the patio area, more men than women took a cigar/​cigarette break and ate food from a omelete bar, which I thought was a nice touch. All in all, I had fun.

This review is for happy hour. So all these great drink specials advertised on
on their flyer. Get there and not quite as advertised. Every spot in the small parking lot is valet (that is assigned to them). Street parking is not easy. Alot of people in the neighborhood have posted no parking next to their house on the street and I chose to respect their wishes. But ended up walking a few blocks for happy hour. Go in, very nice and courteous staff. The buffet was noodles in one container, meat in another, and vegetables. Bout as I expected. Got a glass of wine (cost 5.50 v 4 bucks that was advertised) but still a decent deal. Til you taste it. Ick. Chardonnay had to be a screw off bottle type. Not very good.
Small atmosphere but looked nice til you notice that all the comfortable booth seating and even the single seats in the bar area are reserved. At 500pm during happy hour. I just sat in one that the folks hadn’t arrived yet and had my glass of wine and left. but still it’s awkward when new folk come in, you wonder if you’re in their seat. It was raining out so they had took all the furniture off the patio area (If they have any?) so it’s lean on the bar or sit somewhere til someone tells you to get up. I just wasn’t feeling the vibe and can’t imagine later on when it gets crowded and every single seat there is already reserved. I don’t mind standing but there’s no other option unless you pay for reserved seating. For happy hour Azul Lounge in this area

I did not have the same experience as the previous user.
Sugarhill is Houston’s new urban adult bar & lounge. It’s tucked in the corner of a fairly new strip center off Southmore in 3^rd Ward. The only issue I had with the place is parking. There is a private lot however, only a select number of slots are available for the lounge. The other alternatives is either street parking, which is also limited, or valet for $ 10.00.
Now on to the good stuff. The owners did a FABULOUS job re-​decoring this spot. It’s is one of the few upscale ultra lounges in 3^rd Ward. Entry is complimentary however, they use a bit of discretion to be admitted. Some may have an issue with this, however, I personally think it’s GREAT. Keeps the riff raff out.

Music selections are mostly R&B, hip/​hop with a concentration in the 90’s but a range extended up to date. On certain nights you will find a live band offering some neosoul, jazz, and funk.
Bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. I haven’t had a drink that has disappointed me yet. Ladies will like the Sugarhill Martini, it was quite satisfying.
There is a small patio area, where on some days you may find cigar smokers or just casual conversations.
Friday’s and Saturdays are the signature nights, early arrival is suggested and a heighten dress code is enforced. However, if you’re looking for a less congested experience, the lounge is open every day (except Tuesdays), so there are plenty of options for the see and be seen or the not to be seen crowds.
Here is a line-​up of events I copied from their website.
SUGARHILL EVENT LINEUP
Martini Mondays 4p-​2a
Join Us for Industry Mondays featuring…
½ Price Martinis til 10p
$ 3 Beers + $ 4 Wines + $ 6 Premium U-​Call Its til 9p
Houston’s Hottest DJs
NBA games on the big screens
Sip, Chill + Spill on the Outdoor Patio
Tuesdays CLOSED
Wine Down Wednesdays 4p-​2a
$ 4 Wine til 9pm
Enjoy Complimentary Featured Wine + Cheese Tasting Each Week
Complimentary Buffet 6p-​8p
Live Music feat. The «Unit» Band w/​guest vocalists 8p-​10p
A Select Rotation of Houston’s Hottest DJs 10p-​2a
Steak Night Coming Soon…
Cocktails & Rumors Thursdays 4p-​2a
Tre Sol Happy Hour 4p-​9p
DJ Nimbus rare grooves w/​neosoul, acid jazz + old school R&B
$ 3 Beers + $ 4 Wines + $ 6 Premium U-​Call Its | Outdoor Patio + More
Late Nite Party w/​DJ Skywalker
NBA games on the big screens + Late Night Dining Menu
Dress Code Enforced
Happy Ending Fridays 4p-​2a
Social Therapy Happy Hour 4p-​9p
Buffet + $ 3 Beers + $ 4 Wines + $ 6 Premium U-​Call Its | Outdoor Patio + More
Late Nite Party w/​DJ Lowdown
Houston’s Urban Affluent Party Atmosphere
Bottle Service and Party Booking Available
Heightened Dress Code Enforced
Sugarhill Saturdays Doors at 4p
$ 3 Beers + $ 4 Wines + $ 6 Premium U-​Call Its | Outdoor Patio + More
Late Nite Party w/​Exclusive DJ Showcase
Rocking R&B + Hip Hop + Old School Grooves + More
Bottle Service and Party Booking Available
Heightened Dress Code Enforced
Sunday Ritual @ Sugarhill Matinée Party4p-​1a
Complimentary Crawfish courtesy of Crawfish Gone Wild 5p-​7p
$ 3 Beers + $ 4 Wines + $ 6 Premium U-​Call Its | Outdoor Patio + More
NBA Playoffs on the Big Screens
Def Jam Blaster & DJ Jack Frost InDMix
Casual Daytime Party Attire: Shorts, Caps, Tennis, Sundresses…