Anvil Bar & Refuge Now Open

Anvil Bar & Refuge is open for business pouring old-fashioned cocktails and refreshing libations. Houstonist has been anticipating the opening of Anvil since the Poison Girl Classic American Cocktail Gathering back in December, which featured the former Beaver’s team, now Anvil owners/bartenders, manning the bar and promoting some classic favorites.

After much time spent (shamefully) in the dregs of Midtown and Washington Ave. area, it is incredibly refreshing to go to a bar with attentive service, outstanding drinks, and extensive knowledge. Houstonist was growing weary; some of us were flat out exhausted of trying to explain an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan at virtually every bar in town. We knew the situation was bad when once we requested the latter and the response was, “Why didn’t you just ask for vodka and cranberry juice?” Yikes! We ordered a beer promptly instead.

Houstonist scoped out Anvil twice last week to give a full review. Anvil, located in the curve of Westheimer across from Boondocks, has a nostalgic and rustic feel inside. The drinks are equally inviting and unique. They do not yet have a complete list of cocktails, but do have a menu which features cheese plates, beer and wine (sandwiches and pizzas soon to come). Featured drinks of the day are written on a large chalkboard at the end of the bar. We tried such concoctions as the Monkey Gland with gin, orange juice, absinthe and grenadine and the Mexican Fizz with tequila, lime, cointreau and an egg white. Of course, cocktails are not limited to this daily menu, but any requests can be made. Trust us, we tested the knowledge of our bartenders and were pleasantly surprised.

With that being said, Anvil is a place where the bartenders take pride and time in hand-crafting each drink. Do not be surprised to find a metered line at peak hours to ensure quality. We encountered this Saturday night, but the wait was very brief. Wednesday, in contrast, had no line and we walked right up to seats at the bar. Anvil is absolutely NOT the kind of place where you will be pressed against throngs of drunk masses throwing back Jägerbombs. If that is your forte, please consume your alcoholic beverages elsewhere.

Anvil Bar & Refuge is open from 5:00pm-2:00am daily and is located at 1424 Westheimer, 77006.

photo by eric@darnart.com