Houston, Texas – Jeff Harmon is the entrepreneur behind the vibrant new hot spot in Houston — the Montrose Country Club. Jeff’s vision was clear from the start: to create an elevated yet approachable experience in the heart of Montrose.
Montrose Country Club is a refreshing oasis where Houstonians can come together to enjoy good food, cocktails, and service without feeling uptight or breaking the bank.
MCC opened its doors in mid-March, is designed with Houston’s unpredictable weather in mind, featuring three distinct environments: an indoor dining room, an open-air patio, a courtyard, and a poolside area. While the concept of a poolside venue often conjures images of exclusive, pricey clubs, Jeff aimed to defy that notion. “We want you to feel like you’re poolside in Las Vegas, but it’s not going to cost you $100 just to get in the door or $20 for a drink,” he explains. The goal was to bring a Palm Springs meets Palm Beach vibe to Houston — elevated but accessible.
Despite investing millions into the project, Jeff emphasizes affordability and inclusivity. Although the name “Country Club” might suggest members-only exclusivity, Montrose Country Club operates differently. No membership is required to visit; guests can purchase a day pass for pool access or opt for an annual membership with discounted rates and additional benefits if they plan to visit frequently.
The culinary experience at Montrose Country Club is a flavorful blend, reflecting Jeff’s New Orleans roots and the Italian heritage of head chef Diego Chiarello. The menu blends Louisiana, Italian, and Hispanic influences, offering diverse options including house-made giant macarons. Jeff’s 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry shine through in the consistency of the food, service, and atmosphere.
Jeff is candid about the realities of owning and operating such a business. While many dream of owning a bar or special venue, “it’s not as glamorous as people think,” he admits. There are many stresses including financial uncertainty, unpredictable reservations, and even the weather which can make or break a pool day. Through it all, Jeff embraces the challenges and enjoys what he does, rolling with the punches while taking pride in what the Montrose Country Club has become.
The journey to opening Montrose Country Club was long and costly, and the delays brought by the COVID pandemic added extra hurdles. But Jeff’s enduring passion for this project made it all worthwhile. Now, Montrose Country Club stands as a proud accomplishment — a place where hard work and vision have paid off.
More than just a stylish pool lounge and restaurant, Montrose Country Club is a welcoming oasis where diversity thrives. As Pride Month draws to a close, Jeff highlights that MCC as a place where everyone feels comfortable, a true reflection of Houston’s inclusive spirit. “Regardless of where you live or who you love, we’ve created a place for you to come and relax,” he says.
After all, in Houston, “y’all still means all.”