Houston's Best Margarita - Installment #6 - Kobain - Houstonist: Houston News, Food, Arts & Events

You're probably wondering why we stopped at Kobain during the "Great Margarita Search of 2008," seeing as how the bar snuggled in the revitalized area off of Washington is not a Mexican restaurant. Well, as you may be aware we ran into a bit of a problem several weeks back, which resulted in an evening of "delightful" conversation at Kobain. Rather than gulping down whatever beer was on tap, we decided to be adventurous and ordered a margarita. The reason? To determine if a random bar, not affiliated with Mexican dining in any way, might actually be a hidden treasure chest of margarita goodness. What did we learn? This chest is about as lacking as Keira Knightley's.

Taste

Now we obviously knew that Kobain isn't well regarded for its margaritas. However, what we weren't ready for was the quizzical look that the bartender gave us after ordering a 'rita - which would prove to be an ominous sign. Subsequent to taking the first sip of our drink, the only thing we wanted to do was return to the bartender and shoot back the same quizzical look while asking if the beverage in our glass was a margarita or putrid water. Sure, that may sound unjustly harsh given the fact that Kobain is not known for its margaritas. However, we're left to ponder just how difficult it is to mix ingredients in a proper fashion to hasten a drinkable marg? Especially by a certified bartender?

Our beverage had very little trace of tequila while the plastic cup was doused in salt, a very troubling combination to say the least. Nevertheless, we wanted to increase our sample size before dismissing Kobain's margaritas altogether. We mustered up the courage to order a second drink, and to say it was as poorly concocted as the first would be a severe understatement. Kobain is many things. A great bar to spend time with friends. A casual environment that encourages groups to mingle with each other. The place to be to hear legendary rock tunes from the end of the last century. But what it is not is a place to order a margarita.

Taste - Score: 9 of 25 points

Restaurant Ambiance

The covered outdoor patio at Kobain is one of our favorite locations in Houston to sit back and consume alcoholic beverages. Adding to the pleasant environment are the corners of the patio, which are decorated with couch-like seats that just scream comfort. Should the margaritas have any merit whatsoever, this patio would be one of the more ideal locations in Houston to enjoy a 'rita. Nevertheless, if you're in search of a great outdoor drinking establishment (without the need for a margarita), Kobain would be the place for you.

In addition to the stellar exterior, the walls of the interior bar, which feature a painting of its namesake, are also garnished with plasma televisions, thereby allowing patrons to watch sporting events. Sports, alcohol, and a patio. Is there anything more to life? We think not.

Restaurant Ambiance - Score: 6 of 15 points

Miscellaneous

The "Miscellaneous" factors mean very little for Kobain when judging the margaritas because of the poor taste. Nevertheless, we feel it is our duty to report our findings. Price? We paid an arm and a leg (and a tastebud or two) for our margaritas (if you can even call them that). Obviously because there was very little alcohol in our beverages, we experienced nary a trace of a hangover the next morning.

Rather than continue to pile on, we'll end it with this. If you're strictly looking for a tasty margarita then Kobain is not the place to be. But if you're interested in having a jovial time in a fun atmosphere, then check out the outdoor patio at this hidden little haunt on Waugh.

Miscellaneous - Score: 7 of 15 points

Kobain earned a final score of 22 out of a possible 55 points.

Kobain
33 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77007

And herein ends our journey for the "Best Margarita in Houston". After two months of guzzling down every variation of 'rita in sight, our livers have finally cried "uncle!" Below you will find our Houston's Best Margarita Archive - which provides our insight into the Bayou City's margarita offerings. Now obviously we've missed several hundred, if not thousand places. If you find a margarita worth its weight in gold, drop us a line. We'll be more than happy to set foot on this adventure once more in the near future. But for now, we'll be relaxing with some antacids and several glasses of water.

As always, please use a designated driver or “cab it.” Stay safe and smart out there, Houston.