Within a beautifully refurbished historic building in Montrose, Bar Boheme offers an intriguing blend of casual bar vibes, international-style cuisine and exciting entertainment. Upon entering Bar Boheme, I was immediately struck by the question of identity: is it a bar with delectable bites or a restaurant that transforms into a vivacious bar come 9pm? This dichotomy sets the stage for an intriguing culinary journey.
Viewed through the lens of a bar, the menu impresses with an array of options that cater to international tastes. However, if judged solely as a restaurant, the selection feels somewhat limited. The food offerings feel more like bar bites although they showcase the chef’s culinary diversity.
On the Friday night that we visited Bar Boheme for a late dinner, we arrived early enough to beat the crowds, although since we had neglected to secure a table, we found ourselves standing at the bar to eat. The alternative was to be seated in the charming outdoor garden in the back which is tranquil but removed from the excitement of the entertainment. But more on that in a moment.
A promising start to our meal came in the form of Ground Beef Empanadas with crispy, golden shells embracing a generous and flawlessly seasoned beef filling. We continued with two types of Street Tacos, the barbacoa and the beef. Both showcase exceptional seasoning that elevates the flavor profile. The beef was undoubtedly the standout between the two with succulent beef chunks served topped with crunchy white onions and cilantro. Regrettably, the barbacoa version falls short due to its excessive greasiness which was a detraction from an otherwise flavorful experience.
Our final bite was the creative Bangkok Fries—crispy fries crowned with smoked pork shoulder, curry mayo, sriracha, cilantro, and crushed sesame sticks. While the delectable smoked pork adds depth, the accompanying sauce’s sweetness left me noncommittal. It takes the perfectly thin and crispy fries slightly off-balance, tempering the overall synergy.
The wine list boasts an eclectic assortment by the glass and by the bottle. Ranging between $36 and $200 per bottle, the list offers something for everyone. The innovative cocktail menu showcases the creativity of their mixologists. A standout is the Hawaiian Beach cocktail, a spicy twist on the classic Paloma, expertly combining tequila, pineapple juice, jalapeno syrup, and grapefruit soda—a refreshing and impressive concoction. Julieta’s Lavender Haze is another inventive cocktail combining gin, lavender bitters, cucumber lime juice, and mint simple syrup.
Unfortunately, inconsistency surfaces within the service realm. Early in the evening, when the establishment’s atmosphere leans more toward dining, the waitstaff and bar service is attentive and efficient. However, as the night progresses and the transition to a more energetic bar atmosphere occurs, service wanes, culminating in moments where securing attention becomes challenging.
The true gem in Bar Boheme’s crown is in its entertainment offerings, particularly on Friday nights when Grupo Kache, under the direction of Rudy Rincon, takes the stage with live Latin music that infuses the air with an infectious energy. Rudy’s ability to engage the audience makes you want to dance the night away. This was the best part of the captivating evening. Boheme has certainly created a spicy experience not to be missed!
Overall, Bar Boheme earns 3.5 out of 5 crowns. The creativity showcased in their bar and their mesmerizing entertainment make it a memorable experience.
Details
Bar Boheme, 307 Fairview, Houston. www.barboheme.com 832-462-7455
Type of Food: International – Bar Bites
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 4pm to 12am; Thursday 4pm – 2am; Friday 12pm – 2am, Saturday 11am – 2am; Sunday 11am – 2am
Reservations: Recommended via Open Table
Prices: $$ = Ranges from $10 – $25
Noise Level: Loud – especially after 9PM
Parking: Available on the street – if you are lucky. I prefer Uber.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 crowns
The Queen's Critique 