Let’s toast to the nominees for Bar of the Yr within the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. These Houston bars, which vary from longtime favorites to fresh-to-the-scene bars, caught the eye of our panel of native restaurant business consultants in 2025.
Every is exclusive in its personal proper, however their dedication to impeccable elements, ingenious cocktails, and real hospitality has led to their inclusion within the Tastemaker Awards.
Which bar will win? Discover out April 3 on the Tastemaker Awards celebration at Silver Avenue Studios. We’ll dine on bites from this 12 months’s nominated eating places and sip cocktails from our sponsors earlier than revealing the winners in our brief and candy ceremony.
Purchase your tickets now earlier than they promote out.
Listed here are the nominees for Bar of the Yr:
Bandista
It won’t be probably the most clandestine speakeasy (you will need to reserve by way of OpenTable, in spite of everything), nevertheless it nonetheless delivers the exclusivity and theatrical aptitude of one thing forbidden. Tucked behind a bookshelf within the 4 Seasons Houston, this Latin-influenced bar solely seats 20. Intricate drinks that includes premium liquors are the main target at Bandista, such because the Ménage à Trois: a three-part expertise that begins with a fog of cognac fragrance, continues with a made-to-order Brandy Alexander ice cream, and ends with a neat pour of cognac. Bandista additionally frequently hosts visitor bartenders from a few of the world’s prime bars.
Catbirds
This Montrose dive bar has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood hold scene since 1995. Bobby Heugel (Higher Luck Tomorrow, Refuge, Anvil) and enterprise associate Peter Jahnke swooped in to avoid wasting the beloved spot in 2023. They’ve saved it near the unique vibe, from throwback blissful hour costs of $3.50 or much less for beer and wells to remaining open 12 months a 12 months.
Clarkwood
Housed within the historic Star Engraving Constructing, this intimate wine and cocktail bar is understood for its Outdated World attraction, earthy class, and luxurious greenery. Dressed-to-impress patrons collect across the horseshoe-shaped bar to sip on artfully introduced, handcrafted cocktails, together with the signature espresso martini with a toasted marshmallow. A 1,500-square-foot courtyard bar was added this previous fall, that means much more trendy people can delight in Clarkwood’s elegant environment.
Double Hassle
High-notch espressos and elegantly crafted cocktails share equal billing at Double Hassle. The bar is devoted to welcoming all, whether or not to its patio overlooking Most important Avenue or inside for tiki-inspired drinks. Patrons can jump-start the day with espresso or cocktails, with the bar serving signatures just like the frozen Struggling Bastard with bourbon and gin starting at 11 am. Double Hassle is celebrating its thirteenth anniversary in 2025, displaying that its playful vitality and unwavering hospitality proceed to attraction.
EZ’s Liquor Lounge
EZ’s Liquor Lounge goals for the welcoming really feel of a retro Texas bar full with classic neon indicators, a pool desk, Formica-topped tables, and quirky taxidermy that recollects the smoke-filled dens of many years previous with pleasant nostalgia. This isn’t a dive bar, with the well-crafted cocktails, spirits listing, and a spotlight to service elevating it above the typical hole-in-the-wall. Reasonably, contemplate it a tribute to the easygoing, no-frills bars of the previous.
Johnny’s Gold Brick
Each vacation season, this inviting Heights neighborhood bar transforms into the last word Christmas pop-up, decked out in tinsel galore. Even with out the festive decor, Johnny’s Gold Brick retains a loyal following with $9.99 home cocktails and a menu that bartenders refresh month-to-month with new creations. For 10 years, the relaxed locale has earned followers due to its expert bartenders and weekly specials — like Tuesday’s $9.99 bundle of a burger, tater tots, and an Outdated Usual.
Lee’s
Previously Lees Den, this intimate cocktail lounge underwent a refresh, rising initially of 2025 as an eclectic haven that mixes consideration to element with a willpower to be slightly completely different. Helmed by Máté Hartai of Native Meals Group, Lee’s menu options fascinating libations just like the Black Hat — a combination of kombu, nori, rye, vermouth, and cuttlefish ink — in addition to “the smalls,” miniature cocktails for lighter sipping or sampling. Patrons can wander in from its sister restaurant, Milton’s (a Tastemakers Finest New Restaurant nominee), to find this moody, barely hidden gem.
The Library
A spot providing wine, books, and cheese is perhaps thought-about heaven on earth for some, and The Library has all three. As CultureMap wine columnist Chris Shepherd wrote final 12 months, “This place is about as legit as a wine bar will get — the listing is superior. The depth of varietals, producers, and vintages is sort of spectacular, and the workers is about as good and educated as they arrive.” He additionally wrote, “Worth factors are actually implausible — you possibly can go in and spend wherever from $35 to no matter your coronary heart and finances need.”
Melrose
Newly opened however already making waves, Melrose blends sophistication with a relaxed environment. The drinks are a draw, as is the small bites menu developed by chef Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó for these feeling peckish. Co-owner Military Sadeghi (of Clarkwood) joins Brandon Duliakas and Dan Wierck (the duo behind Clutch and Concrete Cowboy) to create a modern, up to date inside, a lush outside courtyard, and an intimate upstairs lounge that accommodates simply 12 seats.
Nickel Metropolis
A favourite import from Austin, Nickel Metropolis prides itself on good-natured hospitality and an unpretentious vibe. Anticipate a no-fuss environment that delivers a “beer and a shot” combo alongside specialty cocktails and a strong vary of spirits — particularly whiskey. Coming quickly, rum lovers will be capable of discover heaven at Nickel Metropolis’s Florida Room, a devoted rum bar that is been within the works for a 12 months. The bar’s every day specials, fun-themed nights, and reasonably priced costs draw a various crowd of locals and business people, a transparent indication that one thing particular is unfolding in EaDo.
Reserve 101
Whiskey takes middle stage at this bar that underwent a complete inside renovation in 2024. Whether or not patrons are stopping by after catching a recreation at both Daikin Park or Toyota Middle or beginning the night time with a meticulously poured dram, Reserve 101’s assortment of 1,000 bottles from 14 nations ensures one thing for each palate. Each whiskey connoisseurs and newbies can savor classic pours or indulge within the bar’s most reordered cocktail: the New York Bitter, a clarified tackle the traditional.
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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is dropped at you by Stella Artois, Chardon, PicMe Occasions, and extra to be introduced. A portion of proceeds will profit our nonprofit associate, the Southern Smoke Basis.
