AvantGarden

Millions of scenes ago, AvantGarden was called the Mausoleum, and then the converted house went through a variety of structural and aesthetic changes to become the folkie playground it is today. Local singer-songwriters' acoustic jangle routinely packs the house as listeners sip Shiners, Merlot or the venue's trademark fruit-infused homemade concoctions. (Try the sangria.) Many of Houston's best-known troubadors count AvantGarden as the first venue they ever played in front of a large audience, either in the upstairs performance space or downstairs among the fireplace, mirrored walls and European-style divans. Something interesting, if not downright captivating, is happening here most nights of the week - regular tango, jazz, and open-mike nights (both music and comedy), to name just a few.

• Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining