The cheese plate at AVIA's bar.
In the big, bad city, hotel bars are a great place to stop for an after-work cocktail or a quick late night bite. But in the suburbs? Well, it’s hard to even find a hotel period–let alone one that has a bar. Luckily, residents of the Woodlands, Texas don’t have to make the long trek downtown to find a great hotel bar. There’s one sitting on Market Street, near other fantastic bars and eateries (like Cru and Grotto).
Walk inside, up the stairs (and past the large, gorgeous crystal chandelier) and you’ll find yourself in AVIA’s small and cozy lounge. Several nights a week there is live music playing. Most nights you’ll see lots of traffic heading in and out from the small infinity pool adjacent to the lounge. But every night you’ll find an upscale yet casual environment where you can find great drinks and some fantastic small plates.
The bar menu is somewhat limited–but what is there is quite good. The lounge offers a small bites/tapas type menu that has a little something for everyone.
In the mood for some empanadas? You’ll get to try a few small bites with a Texas twist. Want some pretzels with your beer? The homemade pretzel twists with jalapeno cheese sauce will hit the spot. But I’m quite keen on the cheese plate. You can pick three or five cheeses (and add in charcuterie if you are feeling quite cheeky). Those cheeses are served with fresh-made breads, breadsticks and flatbread type crackers. Super yum–and fantastic with a good glass of wine or the incredible pear cider on the bar menu.
While the lounge can get a little crazy on weekend nights, you’ll always find a seat during the week. Which means it’s the perfect spot to start or end your night.
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AVIA The Woodlands Lounge
9595 Six Pines Drive, #1100
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Tel.: 281.203.5005
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Photo courtesy of Kayt Sukel.
