Anvil Bar & Refuge

It didn’t take long for Anvil Bar & Refuge to make an impression on the Houston nightlife scene. Set on the eclectic Westheimer Curve, the biz is known for its top-shelf sips made with hand-pressed juices, house-made bitters, simple syrups, ginger beer and herbal infusions. The bar also gets kudos for presentation, serving up perfectly-prepared concoctions in vintage glassware scored from several local thrift stores, and its hand-selected craft brews.  Opened in 2009 by managing partners Bobby Heugel [the cocktail guy] and Kevin Floyd [the beer guru], Anvil was named one of the “Top Ten Best New Cocktail Bars in America” by Bon Appétit magazine and was included in GQ magazines 2010 list “25 Best Cocktail Bars in America.”

Have a question about the adventuresome menu of classic and modern cocktails? Just ask your bartender. They’ll be happy to explain why the egg white that’s dropped into the shaker is the classic preparation of any good “Fizz” cocktail, as well as the history of the bourbon they’re pouring or the story behind a drink’s origin.

The décor and atmosphere? Modern industrial, with a laid back Texan vibe. The bar is a converted 1950s-era Firestone tire store, which they revamped using recycled materials, vintage fixtures and found items. The end product is an inviting space and atmosphere that appeals to clients of all ages.