Scott Gertner’s At Houston Pavilions

I will never come to this pretentious 1990’s themed bar again. I wrote this review so others won’t waste their time, money, and energy to come here. There are no places to sit and the dinner menu is limited to chicken fingers, fries, etc.
I don’t know who Scott Gertner is, because I didn’t stay long enough to hear his performance. But judging from the service at this place, I’m sure I wasn’t missing much. Don’t waste your time, unless you want to be treated like a second class citizen.

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this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website
this place has closed down update you website

Come dressed to impress cool summery breezy colors expect to dance the night away to an incredible band playing all the top 70, 80, 90 funk soul hits crisp sound system plenty of big screens to watch the games, excellent AC for those hot nights. Check out their website for salsa nights and get on the VIP list for free entry. If you are in downtown Houston looking to listen to great live music then this is the place.

Hubby and I came here last Friday night to enjoy a nice night out together and was thoroughly impressed with the setup of this place. Located in downtown Houston, it was easy to find. No parking was available that we could find, so we had to valet ($ 10), which was not a big deal. The actual club itself is located on the 3^rd floor in what looks like an open mall with the roof missing, and bc it was warm outside that was not a problem, in fact it was quiet pretty being able to see the stars. To get it in, was $ 20 a piece; not sure if it was bc Slick Rick was there that night or if that was the going rate, either way we paid. Once inside, the place was packed. There are sitting area’s but if you don’t get there early or you didn’t pay for a table you will be standing. The dance floor is a nice size though and if there is an act there, no matte where you stand you should get a good view. The few people we met were very friendly, which made it more pleasant, however my problem is with the bar, bartenders. First off the drinks were soooooooooooo weak, for the price they were selling them for (i.e. cranerry/​vodka, $ 10, shot of vodka, $ 9). Now my drink tab, which I still have the receipt for, came to $ 35and I paid with my card, but when I checked my account, they, meaning the bartender/​establishment or whoever, charged my account $ 75, so now I am having to dispute the charges with my bank to get the money refunded. No needless to say what started out as an enjoyable night has turned me sour on this place. So word to the wise, if you go, pay only with cash!!!

The live band is always on point. Nice venue in a nice area. I only come on special occasions like Birthdays & Girls night out. The entertainment sets this place apart. There is usally a nice crowd of people especially on the weekends.

Very racist bouncers… if you are white you won’t get in.

This place was a BLAST on Latin Thursday. If you’re a salsa/​cumbia/​bachata dancer, or want to try to be, come here and cut a rug. There are obviously the regulars who have paired up and know what’s up, but there are also the girls that come in groups and the guys who come to ask them to dance. It is also a more diverse crowd than I expected — in age and in race — which I like a lot.
Ladies (21+) are free all night on Thursday and guys (25+) have a $ 10 cover. There are 3 $ 5 drink specials all night long: Rum punch (strong), apple martini (for the ladiessss), and a house margarita.
However, Latin night gets started LATE. We arrived at 10:30 and there was 1 or 2 couples dancing. I wish it started earlier, because Thursday is a work night, and I need a good 6 hours of sleep to even function. The live band (not sure if it is the same every week) are VERY good. They play an excellent mix of songs and the singing and sound is quite impressive in the space.
I don’t remember the space itself being particularly impressive — it just looks like a dance club to me. The stage is nice, but really the only focal point. The main bar didn’t have cool lighting or displays — it was just a bar. There is no theme or consistent design style here, IMO. The only other thing I remember about the space is that there are elevated tables that are roped off and reserved for bottle service. That’s fine and all if there was anyone who had bottle reservations that night. As it was, there were no rezzies, and there weren’t nearly enough chairs or seating areas for those of us that were there. Since mostly you’re on your feet dancing, this isn’t a BIG deal, but since it was cold outside, everyone needed somewhere to lay their coat for safekeeping, and this table area would have been convenient. This knocks of one star.
Great for Latin night because the band and the crowd is right. I wouldn’t come to this bar any other night of the week though.
ALSO, ANSWER THE FREAKING PHONE. OR EMAIL. OR FACEBOOK. I tried to communicate with these people in every way I could think of before going to the club so I could confirm pricing and age limit details. The phone system is an abomination. It’s a series of prerecorded crap where I never even was able to leave a message (box full) or speak with a real person. They replied, eventually, via Facebook at 9:30 PM after I had already headed out for the night. This knocks off another star.
OH, and pay for drinks with cash! I’ve known of people with billing discrepancies here, and with how they never answer phone or email, you’ll never get anything cleared up.

Date night with my boo on Saturday night. Fabulous crowd, stiff drinks, mature but fun atmosphere and the best part is the live music.

My experience, or lack there of, rather, was terrible. We waited in line to get in, our group being stared at the entire time for some reason. At least twice I heard us talked about as «those white people». Annoying. I obviously am not racist, and the old Sky Bar was «known» by some as a «black club» and being the feisty gay man I am, that only drew me there more, as I find that the African American community (especially women) to be more laid back and accepting than «other» establishments. Disclaimer over, I just wanted it to be clear. Well, still waiting in line we hear and see the bouncers looking at us and talking about us, and one of them even pointed and said «the white people over there.» Again, annoying Well, after letting in one guy with pants down past his butt and in a tshirt, a few ladies with skirts so high I’m not sure they weren’t just wearing shirts, and flip flops, we get to the front so they can tell us we couldn’t come in because of our clothes. I asked specifically what it was that I was wearing, and they said it was my shoes. They are brand new suede vans. Very clean, and not unlike what you would see many celebs and what not wearing around, and obviously MUCH nicer than the flip flops or saran wrap tube tops the girls were wearing before us. Once again, disclaimer, I am NOT racist, but I feel as though I was racially profiled. It was embarrassing and I will never go back there. Later on I found out the cover was $ 20… $ 20??? Who are you even kidding? You’re in Houston for Christ’s sake. Also, the «men must be 25+ to enter and the ladies only 21+» policy? That’s disgusting. Way to encourage gross older men to hit on young women. Ew. Never. Again.

If you were to ask me «Where can I go to get jazzy/​dapper, let loose, mingle, and have a good time?» I would say Scott Gertner’s at Houston Pavilions! Its classy, upscale atmosphere along with the mature, adult crowd that it attracts definitely sets it apart from any other club in the city! I was so excited when the new location opened downtown as the old location, formerly known as «The Sky Bar» closed down a few years ago. I’ve kicked it at the Pavilions a few times now and I’ve enjoyed myself each time!
The club itself is very luxurious on the inside! That alone sets the tone for the type of crowd Scott Gertner’s attracts. Please believe before you set foot in this place, you better come correct because if not, you will be turned around at the door. The dress code is strictly enforced (at least on the weekends it is) especially for guys! One time I went and one of my guy friends wasn’t allowed entry because of his shoes. Luckily he had a dressier pair in his car and was able to get in after changing into them. So fellas– baggy jeans, t-​shirts, tennis shoes and athletic gear are no-go’s! Try it, and I guarantee you will be walking back to your car like «what in the entire hell just happened here???» Ladies, as long as you’re looking fab in some cute and classy club attire, you’ll be good to go! Unless they’ve changed the age limits, it’s 25 and up for guys and 21 and up for ladies. Strictly for the grown & sexy!
Another reason I heart this place is for the live music! I live for a LIVE band! I’ve come here on a Friday and Saturday night and the music has been awesome. The band usually plays from 9 – 11 and the DJ set goes from 11 – 2. Sometimes the band will play throughout the night every now and then. To hear them sing R & B hits and oldies from Luther Vandross, Earth Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder etc. is the absolute best! OMG, can we get an encore? If you’re lucky enough to catch Scott Gertner himself get on stage and sing (yes, he sings!), then you are definitely in for a treat! His voice is sooo soulful! The first time I heard him rock the stage, which was at the old Montrose location, I was amazed! I seriously was thinking «Does this man have a cd??? And where can I purchase it cause I need that in my life!»
Adding to my experiences here, I recently celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago and reserved a section which includes bottle service. It was a freaking blast! The VIP area is nice, but the only downfall is it’s not very big, so you are only allowed to have so many guests per bottle per section.1 bottle per 6 people per section is what they require. For example, if your section has 12 people, you have to buy 2 bottles, 18 people– 3 botles, etc. Get it? Also, your guests get in free before 11 as long as you provide the staff with an official guest list. Just to give you the heads up, pricing for bottle service is a bit pricey. $ 250.00 per bottle + 18% gratuity. But on the flipside, they have great servers. The night I had my section, the waitresses were quick and made sure me and my guests had everything we needed!
So whether you’re a local or an out of towner and are looking to have a good time in a diverse, upscale, atmosphere, then you definitely need to come here! If you love all of the above, then you’ll enjoy yourself for sure!

Saturday night. good live music. $ 20 was unexpected esp. in Houston. nice atmosphere. nice grown sexy crowd, mostly african american. they switch between live music and a DJ about every hour

I was there last night and I must say that I really enjoyed myself. The people was well dressed and very nice. Lots of fun to be around! I am currently searching for a location to have my book releast signing April 5, 2013. At this time I am thinking about having it there.

This review relates to their Thursday nights (salsa nights). When the old Sky Bar closed down, I was very upset. I loved it’s quirky demeanor, including its outdated 90s styling, it’s long lines at the elevator, and its breathtaking balcony and view. When this new one opened, I was skeptical. I have never been a fan of the Pavilions as it has issues with crime, transients, crowds with no class, and ridiculously high prices. Sky bar has changed all that an I will definitely be visiting the Pavilions on Thursday night.
The 25+ policy still applies for men, which I actually like as it keeps out some of the crazy youngins. Ladies are free Thursday night which makes it easier to convince my female friends to show up and dance. Parking is pricy but at least its in a large garage with ample room vs the Krogers parking lot in Montrose. The bouncers are classy. They are a bit firm on dress code, but they approach you in a nice manner and are not at all condescending. Service is great, bartenders are sharp, and drinks well priced if you get their specials.
What really makes me want to give this place 5 stars is the ambiance. Holy cow, I feel like I walked into the nightclub in the Mask. This place is first rate all the way. I love the lighting, the dance floor, the seating, and the general mood. Their stage is top notch, and Salmerun looks amazing playing on it. The sound was intense. I love new clubs because they tend to purchase new speakers and so you only get nice clean notes banging your ear drums and not scratchy garbage. You could dance right next to the band and still not have your ears blown off.
You really do feel like your part of a scene and this is exactly what Houston needs to compete with America’s more well known metropolitans like Chicago and New York.

I visited on a Thursday night for the EnHouston networking event. it was my first time there, and had a great time. The décor is very airy and i especially loved the wide open layout. 2 large bars inside, some seating outside (patio tables) stage for a live band, elevated seating indoors as well for food/​drinks. They also had an appetizer happy hour menu, and later in the evening switch to a dinner menu. The bartenders were pretty friendly, and our server was as well. I’ll probably be back on a Friday, when I’ve heard the band and music is pretty good.

Went for Happy Hour on a Thursday and I was NOT disappointed. The happy hour consists of a free buffet style appetizer table, which includes chicken, egg rolls, salads etc. I thought the food was actually very decent. They had awesome drink specials. The place is quite nicely decorated (in a sports bar kind of way) and a little dim. There is not a lot of indoor seating during HH, but you could also go and seat outside (weather permitting). I had an awesome time and definitely recommend. The crowd seemed to be older, late thirties maybe? If you go with a group, you would probably enjoy it more.

Remember when you would drive down Montrose and see all those crazy flashing lights coming from the top floor of a dingy office building? That was the old Sky Bar, which was a staple in the landscape of Houston’s salsa scene. It was a sad day when Sky Bar closed its doors for the last time.
Now, Scott Gertner’s has opened at the Houston Pavilions downtown. and it is NICE. As Belly G. put it, people still call it «sky bar» but that is not the official name.
Finding parking on the streets wasn’t too difficult, and the location is only one block away from the light rail. Ladies may have to brave some catcalls while walking on downtown streets at night, so try to go in a group.
The Houston Pavilions can be hard to navigate sometimes. Scott Gertner’s is on the 3^rd floor right next door to Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. Don’t worry, you’ll see the familiar flashing lights from at least two blocks down. Guys, be careful about what shoes you wear– but otherwise, it looked like the dress code was not too strict. I saw guys in nice jeans and nice t-​shirts. Ladies, I was fine walking in with my flip-​flops (I brought dance shoes to change into).
The dance floor stretches across almost the entire bar, and it practically sparkles with newness. It is FANTASTIC to spin on. Just sayin’, because not all dance floors are created equal. The stage is impressive as well. There are two seating sections, one right when you walk in, and one towards the back windows. There are two restrooms located conveniently next to each seating area. They are very clean and well-​stocked.
They have various different types of live music on different nights, but Thursday nights are the incumbent latin nights. Currently, Grupo Kache is the band that plays on Thursday nights. While both the Horn and Scott Gertner’s compete for the crowd on Thursdays, I would say that Scott Gertner’s offers a slightly more upscale atmosphere. Plus, ladies are in free before 11pm. The band is lively and fun, but for the seasoned Houston salseros I guess it would have to be a question of whether you prefer Salmarum (at the Horn) vs. Grupo Kache (at Scott Gertner’s). Grupo Kache played a pretty balanced mix of salsa and bachata, but very few merengue songs. I also didn’t hear any cumbia at all, and they played one samba song and also threw in some Shakira shake-​your-​ass type of music. They played a birthday song for my friend while he was in the restroom, and yelled at him (jokingly) to hurry up.
The culture of the place seems to be: if you’re sitting down behind the railing, no one is going to ask you to dance– but the second you stand up, you’re available. So ladies, if you want to be asked, go stand by the bar.
and… I looked down at the time, and it was 2AM. and they were still playing SALSA music, no reggaeton in sight yet. That’s a huge difference, because many other salsa clubs feature the 1:30AM reggaeton let’s-get-the-salseros-to-leave-now tradition. So, if you’re not into the reggaeton, maybe this is important to you.
I would say that the level of dance is pretty good, but I would agree that there are more people at Scott Gertner’s just to «hang out and have a good time» rather than show off– and I really like that people are just there to have fun!
Overall, I think this is one of the best places to take a mixed group of friends who dance and don’t dance. It’s a great place to hang out, watch the dancing, and only dance when you feel like it. Bring it.

I don’t drink, so I have no way to judge pricing or strength of their bar. I just know that the one time I visited this place, the DJ was awesome, and the crowd and energy was awesome. Lots of people dancing, and it was not a bunch of young hooligans causing a ruckus! Besides the great party atmosphere, which included live singing by Scott Gertner at some points, I do not have anything else to judge this place by.

Ok, first of all I’m going to have make this statement. This place is NOT called the sky bar! The sky bar was located on Montrose and that place was a closed a looong time ago. Yes, this new place was dubbed the «new» sky bar, but the official name is Scott Gertner’s at Houston Pavilions. Nowhere in the vicinity of this establishment will you see anything that says «Sky Bar». Okay, I got that out of the way, let’s get to the actual review. And as usual, my review will only be for Thursday Latin night.
As the name implies, this place is located at the Houston Pavilions in downtown which means parking will suck unless you’re willing to pay $ 5 to park in the garage. But trying to find parking on the street with plenty of other bars and restaurant around, and the House of blues being in the same complex, and oh, a bowling alley. Good luck! Also, it costs you $ 10 to get in. Okay fine, it’s free for the ladies up until 11 PM. But for us guys, it will cost you at least $ 15 before your night is even started. That kind of blows because $ 15 could get me ALMOST two mixed drinks here.
Yes, even after paying a fee of $ 10 to get in, drinks are expensive! I guess they have Shots/​drinks are $ 8 — $ 10. I’m not sure how much beers are because I haven’t bought beer there.
Dance floor = HUGE compared to other latin places such as The Horn or Fox Hollow or Tropicana. But then again, this place gets packed. And I mean REALLY packed so huge floor turns into barely enough space anyway. But you’ll still have plenty of space to dance. Also, since this is kind of a hip place where people come just to come and not necessarily dance salsa (correctly) but just to dance and have fun, and there are a lot of people on the floor who are having too much fun. What I mean with that is this: they dance ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! Come on, people! In Salsa, we try to dance in a slot and not jump all over the place bumping to other people. That’s kind of rude. But whatever, they have their fun and I guess that’s all that matters. Not a big deal.
As for the band. They’re not too shabby. However, stop playing songs that are like 10 minutes long! Trying to dance salsa past 5 minutes is already really tiring. Trying to dance through 10 minutes of song? That’s just exhausting. Usually I come here wanting to dance, have fun, enjoy the music, yada, yada, yada. But by the end of the night, I won’t feel like dancing anymore because when I do, I feel like I’d have to stop dancing in the middle of the song or start dancing in the middle of the song just so I won’t have to try to dance through 10 minutes of song. Cut down on the length, people. Really. And please, play more bachata!!! EVERYBODY loves bachata. I’d rather hear more bachata and salsa instead of cumbia. Seriously.
People are fun. There are nice people here. I think I’ve talked to more random people at this place compared to other latin places that I’ve been to. Also one of the bartenders is SUPER nice and she makes awesome drinks! I will be coming here for the near (or far) future for salsa dancing
PS: Oh I forgot to mention that they also offer free salsa class at 9 PM. I think. I’m usually here past 10 PM but a friend of mine who came around 9:30 told me that when he came, salsa class was still going on. Sooo yeah, you might want to call and confirm that if you’re planning on taking the class.

Great place for the mature crowd! Joined a friend for her birthday and we had a blast. Can’t wait until the entire place opens up.
location: downtown, love since its close to me
place: beautiful, nice set up so far, lets see when they have the full venue ready
atmosphere: mature crowd that still likes to party
music: dj/​band love the mix
drinks: standard pricing
Over all the place will be on my top list for having fun.

The Sky Bar is BACK! Oh how Houston has missed you! Visited on its sneak preview night on a Sunday for the Houston Texans playoff party. I’m too excited about this oldie but goodie! As many patrons know the original Sky Bar abruptly closed its doors in 2010 due to leasing discrepancies with the building owners. Now the bar has a more attractive facility and location.
The 3 level of downtown Houston Pavilion is now the new home for this bar.
On most nights from happy hour til about 10 you’ll hear a live band playing a mixture of funk and r&b. Then from 10 til closing a DJ spinning most rap/​hip hop. The old location had Latino nights on Thursday so I’m hoping they will resume this night for all the salsa lovers.
The drinks have not changed! Ordered a Grey Goose Le Orange with a slash of sprite and it came served in a tall glass for only $ 8!
The sky bar has been meeting the nightlife needs of the professional urban crowd for decades. It is certain not to disappoint with its new location.