Bill Olive : For the Chronicle
Folks at Club Ice can relax on big comfy chairs on the patio or dance to the music. Look at more photos of the club.
Club Ice & Mantra Lounge
Type: Dance, Lounge
711 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 225-3500
Area: Downtown
Maps & directions
Hours:
Closed -- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday
Thursday-Saturday -- 9:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Payment types accepted: Cash, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Web site
Outdoor seating: Yes
Food: No
Cover charge: Varies
Ages: 21 and older

 
THE SCENE:

Crowd: Hip, urban and mostly beautiful.

Dress code: Hot, hot, hot.

Music: DJs spin a cross section of genres throughout the week.

Noise level: Moderate.

Cover: $5 or $10, depending on the night.

Smoke factor: Low.

Signature drink: Chocolate martini.

Parking: Valet and street parking.

Even if you're not on Club Ice's exclusive, elusive VIP list, chances are you'll still feel like a superstar inside this elegant downtown hot spot.

From the moment you step onto the shimmering white floor of this second-story establishment, the atmosphere somehow feels more important. It's a total see-and-be-seen vibe, and everyone — from the perky female bartenders to the gyrating couples on the dance floor — knows how to work it.

The crowd here is dressed to impress, and even the occasional pair of jeans sparkles with attitude. You won't see any sneakers or baseball caps here.

A substantial outdoor balcony looks out onto Main Street, and it's decorated with twinkling lights and plush, oversize chairs. Couples canoodle here and there; large groups of friends chat excitedly over drinks.

But despite an amassing of local beauties — male and female — Club Ice is refreshingly free of pretense or attitude. People are there simply to have a good time and dance to the music, which ranges from Top 40 hits to hip-hop and underground house music.

Club Ice features a pair of bars and a sizable VIP area that accommodates about 30-35 people, but there's enough room for everyone else to get around without much fuss. The restrooms are small but surprisingly comfortable for their size.

While you're there, make it a point to try a chocolate martini, which comes complete with sprinkles. It's light and frothy and tastes exactly like a piece of cake. No kidding — it's pure heaven on earth.

If you're not in the mood for so much fabulousness, relax in the Mantra Lounge downstairs, which features comfy seats and cozy lighting. (Sadly, the sushi and tapas offerings are now gone.)

But if you're in the mood to dance, get there early. A long line is common, especially on Saturday nights.

— JOEY GUERRA

Reader rating averages:
Overall: .
Drinks: 3.9 | Atmosphere: 4.1 | Service: 3.8 | Value: 3.7

Rating Rated by Date Review
Kelli Henderson
Houston, TX
05/13/2005 I was at Mantra this past Saturday with a group of friends and we had a blast! Our group was invited to cut the line, and my girlfriends and I were let in w/o cover--although, our guy friends were charged $10 (they didnt mind). Once inside we couldn't have asked for better music, service or drinks. We really felt like "superstars"! LOL ;)
Christophe Davidson
Houston, TX
05/13/2005 My friends and I went to Mantra last weekend & met some hot chics. I was impressed to see that the girls working there were hot too. Guys, this is the place to see exotic women and not have to pay for it! Mantra keeps getting better every time we go...
Belinda Sustaita
Houston, TX
04/26/2005 I have stopped going to the clubs in Downtown Houston because they tend to have a rowdy, underage crowd that I choose not to associate with. But when I walked into Club Ice, my whole opinion of Downtown has changed. Definately a place to see and be seen. The music was just the right mix and the drinks were great. The bartenders were not rude like in most places. I cannot wait to go back!
Michael Leverman
Houston, TX
04/15/2005 My fiance and I love the music on Saturday nights!!!!
Luciano Rod
Houston, TX
03/27/2005 Mantra is a very unique place, it has two clubs in one, yet they are very different from each other. The first floor takes a middle eastern laid back approach.It plays techno tracks, while the second floor is a "cool" spot that attracts alot of "hot" girls! There (ice) they play top 40. So weather you're into meloing out and having a drink, or bumping and grinding and having a shot Mantra is 4 ya.
Greg S
Houston, TX
03/26/2005 WOW!!! This place is the place to be on a Sat. night. The ratio is incredible which explains the long line. If you take a look at the line you will see nothing but dudes, so bring women if you want to get in. The promoters are doing a hell of a job, this is the only non-ghetto club in houston on a sat. night in downtown. The service is prompt and I can't get enough of the women here, so hot!!
L. S.
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 If your looking for a nice place to meet people this is the place to go. Upstairs has great music and a hot crowd while downstairs is a great place to talk to the people you meet. The bartenders are always friendly and prompt. I started going there when I moved here and have been going there ever since.
Gwen V
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 I love Mantra on Saturday nights! Recently, many downtown venues have been highly dissapointing...but Mantra has had the ability to bring the beautiful, upscale crowd back to downtown! My girlfriends and I have the best time dancing away our Saturday nights at Mantra. We miss the sushi very much though! :(
Ray Mora
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 Upon arriving at the club I was very surprised to see that they have valet practically at the front door. The wait was not long because I know the promoter and he takes care of us everytime. I love the ambience of the lower level though they could play the music a bit lower to make it easier to speak to someone, after all it is more of a lounge downstairs. Oh the scenery is always nice!!
Rik Pimp
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 wow !!!!!!!!!!! The babes are 10 to one guy, were can find that in houston? The women here are the finest i thought was in la . u better dress to impress and have some money to meet these hotties .. anyways i will be backkkkkkk !!
Chris T
Sugar Land, TX
03/25/2005 Went there on a Sat night and loved it! Sure i waited about 30mins to get in but as soon as i walked in it was all worth it! Ive been to alot of clubs none of them compare! Which probably explains the wait. The girl/guy ratio was prefect. Everyone was well dressed and the crowd was very diverse. Music was bangin upstairs and downstairs was a good place to chill! Club Ice is on top of there game!
Stefanie J.
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 Went to Club Ice for the first time when it opened and trust me I have been going back ever since! From the music to the awesome staff I was truley blown away. It is a great place to mingle (HOT CROWD), hang out with close friends, and dance until the lights come up. Thanks for the great times and great drinks!!!
Dave Meola
Sugar Land, TX
03/25/2005 I had a great time at Club Ice over the weekend. I love the setup of the club. You can go upstairs to dance and go downstairs to sit back and chat. Both floors offer full bars, and is one of the few clubs in Houston that I actually seen as many (beautiful) women as guys. Had a great time and will be there tomorrow.
Ricky Derkowski
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 If you've been downtown and love to shake-it or chill theres no better place.. this dj gets down to all the latest and greatest music and you may even hear a few from back in the day.. overall great times with a friendly atmosphere.. can't beat it!!
Elle K
Houston, TX
03/25/2005 Mantra is always so packed. My friends and I never have to wait in line. Downstairs is mystical & exotic. A DJ plays good dance music while you can lay on beds, or dance underneath colorful lights. Silver steps take you to the 2nd level where another DJ plays popular music for dancing. Upstairs is sexy & slick just like the crowd. We will be there every weekend!
Jenni R
Houston, TX
03/24/2005 Great place, Hot Guys, and the music keeps me dancing. Miss the buffet that it had when it first opened and stayed open till 3, but cool anyways.
K Nguyen
Houston, TX
03/24/2005 I must agree with the first comment, good looking females have a greater chance of getting in anywhere....GIVEN!Sad but true. I however happen to be there Sat. night also and had a fabulous time only because I came with the right people. I must say I would probably be back! Thanks.
C J
Houston, TX
03/24/2005 No Hoods, Very nice.