The Living Room

The Living Room
2670 Sage Rd
Houston, TX 77056
Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown

I needed a break from the club scene I'd been doing the last two weeks. When you back to back Empire and Gatsby, it gets a bit overwhelming. Everybody's on top of everyone, it's hot and crowded, and the dress code seems to basically just "be dressed". There's nothing wrong with that of course. That scene is good from time to time, but sometimes you want something with a bit more of an upscale vibe.

That's what brought me out to the Living Room. It was a hell of a time finding the place, first of all. The exterior is unmarked, it's in a plaza area in the Galleria, and it's hard to tell where the parking is. I was almost deterred, but my love of a good drink and good music kept me going. Glad I did, too.

Because alcohol.

I managed to get parking in the lot next door, and I didn't have to pay, but only because I arrived around 9:45. Parking attendants don't seem to arrive to start charging until 10:00, when the lounge itself opens up. There's also a valet parking option, though I'm sure the charge is higher. There's no cover at the door, so that's a plus, just know up front you'll likely have to pay around ten dollars for a spot. When you consider some of the other clubs and lounges in Houston charge both parking and door cover, the Living Room isn't a bad deal.

Boost Mobile is promoting everywhere in Houston.

Inside, the Living Room seems fairly small, at least while you're on ground level. There are two floors, so we'll start from the bottom. The lighting subdued, a mix of blue and purple, with soft lit candles within the purchased seating along the right wall. Because of space restrictions, seating is restricted to those purchasing bottle service. However, throughout the night, I didn't see too much trouble with the ground floor. People were mingling, enjoying themselves, and never seemed to lack space to get around. At least, I never did.

There is a fee to move to the second level, which I believe is twenty dollars, but I can't say for sure. After all, yours truly did not have to pay. Many of the patrons I saw on the first floor seemed to eventually make their way upstairs, at least at some point. I need to emphasize this: You really don't need to. There's plenty of fun to be had on the first level. There are pretty people, the music is the same upstairs and downstairs, there's no difference in the drinks or prices. Think of the second floor as just one more perk, if you're willing to pay the charge.

Plus you get nice views like this.

Half of the second level is reserved for parties and VIP celebrations, roped off from the main section. This is where the bottle drinks are served, and a few scattered balloons marked a birthday party. It's also where the DJ booth is located. DJ Good Grief was on the deck, and the music was fantastic. Early in the night, the music went between R&B, soul, and a mix of modern and classic hip hop tracks. Shortly after midnight, the party goes into full effect, and the mix skews toward hip hop club tracks, with a few breaks of dance tracks and popular hits, such as "Blurred Lines".  Also a plus? The music was going strong, but never so loud that you couldn't talk to the person next to you. Some places have trouble finding the right balance.

I dare not.

The crowd was well dressed, both men and women were looking sharp, the music was great and the staff was incredibly friendly. Early on in the evening, they kept me good company as I awaited the crowd, which tends to start filing in around eleven. By midnight, the lounge is packed, and people are making their way upstairs. As far as pricing, a beer went for five dollars, a Jack and Coke for eight, and a glass of wine for fifteen. I'm not a huge fan of the wine price, but then again, I'm a Jack and Coke man. These prices are competitive with all the upscale locations in Houston, and are equal to, or better than, some spots that maintain a much more relaxed dress code or rougher crowd. The pours are strong, too, so that's a plus.

I want to fall asleep in that chair.

So what's the final verdict? Overall, I had a blast. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. It was never so crowded I felt suffocated, I didn't feel out of place in a suit, though a simple button up shirt would have been sufficient as well, the decor and ambiance are trendy, and the staff is incredibly helpful and inviting. Despite reservations about the size of the place, I had one of the best times I've had at any location in Houston. Best of all, it was easy to conversate with people around you, striking up conversations with others at the bar or watching the dance floor. The Living Room is definitely a top spot to visit and I will make it a regular location to return to.


The Final Call:
Facilities: 5/5
Staff: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Drinks: 5/5
Food: N/A

Overall: 5/5