Bandista on the 4 Seasons pulls out all of the stops.
Houston could also be finest identified for its meals scene, however the bars listed here are equally deserving of reward. Whether or not you’re within the temper for essentially the most subtle of sazeracs from a craft cocktail bar or just thirsting for a Lone Star and a shot of whiskey at a neighborhood dive, there are many watering holes in Houston the place you’ll be able to stomach up, moist your whistle, and luxuriate in a drink or two. Behold: our 50 favourite bars within the metropolis.
13 Celsius
When so many new thrilling ideas open in Houston on a regular basis, it’s simple to neglect the OG: 13 Celsius. And it’s pleasant to find that it hasn’t misplaced any of its sparkle through the years. Houston’s wine scene was a really totally different place when 13 Celsius opened in 2006. It’s saved up with the instances with an inventory that gives approachable in addition to of-the-moment choices (hi there, “super-natty pink wines”), whereas nonetheless catering to those that may admire—and have the pockets for—a premier cru Burgundy or classic Champagne. The bar additionally makes a imply cheese and charcuterie plate.
Angel Share
Want a spot to pregame earlier than an Astros sport? Cease by Angel Share for a drink (or two, since Daikin Park is costly) and a few bites, then hop on a free shuttle to the stadium. However that’s not all—this bar is about giving again. A number of the earnings are donated to native organizations, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in some authentic cocktails, nonalcoholic creations, and extra whereas doing all your half in supporting the bar’s bigger mission.
Anvil
Opened by cocktail professional Bobby Heugel in 2009, Anvil started “The 100 Record” as a coaching software for all of the basic cocktails each bartender ought to know easy methods to make, but it surely’s now a public-facing menu any Anvil visitor can order. The bar additionally has a two-page listing of home cocktails, every attributed to the bartender who created it. Anvil can get raucous, particularly at completely happy hour—when you’re on the lookout for a extra intimate and upscale expertise, head to Refuge, the speakeasy upstairs.
Lodge Saint Augustine’s bar acts as Houston’s swanky new lounge.
Augustine Lounge
When Bunkhouse opened the Lodge Saint Augustine throughout from the Menil campus in late 2024, it was clear they needed to draw locals in addition to guests. The lounge throughout from the foyer efficiently accomplishes being Houstonians’ fancy lounge away from dwelling, full with listening experiences curated by Cactus Music. The bar counter is small, however you’ll discover ample tables and haute-design chairs and couches all through the three-room area. Order a easy Level of Origin (blanco tequila, smoked sage agave, and lime with a “stardust” rim) and a few bites courtesy of the Bludorn staff.
Axelrad Beer Backyard
Beer? Verify. Reside music? Verify. Hammocks? Double test. Is there wherever higher to sit back and keep some time than Axelrad, Midtown’s reigning beer backyard? We don’t assume so. The bar, housed in a 100-year-old constructing, is dwelling to an expansive beer menu and one of many largest patios in Houston, making it one in all our absolute favourite spots within the neighborhood.
Bandista is a speakeasy behind a bookcase on the 4 Seasons in downtown Houston.
Bandista
Relive the times of Prohibition (with out all the pesky temperance pushers) at Bandista, a Twenties-inspired speakeasy inside 4 Seasons Lodge Houston. With its entrance hidden behind a bookcase and dim lighting all through, Bandista is a protected spot to lie low whereas having fun with the excessive life. The reservation-only bar is dwelling to a number of the most revolutionary cocktails within the metropolis, typically served to you in very dramatic displays. Be able to drop some critical money.
Bar No. 3
The historic mansion that homes the lodge La Colombe d’Or was utterly refurbished a number of years in the past, and the tip result’s a bar so refined in its aesthetic that it may grace the covers of any design journal. Whereas the emerald-hued room makes fairly a press release, so do the bar’s cocktails—particularly when paired with small plates from the kitchen.
Bayou Heights Bier Garten has the most effective patios on the town.
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
This relative newcomer to Washington Avenue feels extra like a posh than a bar. From the staff behind Heights Bier Garten, the Bayou Heights location has a number of areas inside it, with a separate bar serving beer and wine on faucet and one other one serving cocktails. There’s additionally a espresso store that gives espresso and baked items all day. Similar to the unique outpost, Bayou Heights Bier Garten has an in depth patio.
Higher Luck Tomorrow
Higher Luck Tomorrow’s wraparound patio and comfy inside area have been a hip refuge for hip Heights folks since 2017. Within the mildew of Anvil, which is owned by the identical of us, BLT’s cocktail menu credit every authentic drink to the bartender who created it. We love Adam Wiley’s Everlasting Sunshine, made with gins infused with prickly pear, orange blossom, and lemon, plus yuzu curaçao and clementine. The meals is hit and miss, however sister idea Squable close by makes for a superb meal when you’re hungry after a cocktail or two.
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Massive Star Bar
Massive Star Bar could also be onerous to seek out between the not too long ago developed get together bars surrounding the area, however when you can spot the twinkling lights and tiny blue construction, you’re in the appropriate place. This low-key watering gap is stuffed with tales, options eclectic dive bar decor, and has loads of out of doors area.
Captain Foxheart’s Dangerous Information Bar and Spirit Lodge
This bar is the place to be for all followers of speakeasies who need to overlook the craziness of Predominant Avenue from a protected distance. Discover the door that seems to result in a regulation workplace and head upstairs to the moody, dimly lit Dangerous Information Bar. The bartenders know their stuff, providing by far the very best cocktails in downtown Houston. Slide right into a sales space or sit out on the small mezzanine patio exterior.
Catbirds
Bobby Heugel purchased dive bar Catbirds in the summertime of 2023, and fortunately, didn’t actually change a lot save for a recent lick of paint and a brand new pool desk. The completely happy hour is likely one of the most cost-effective and finest within the metropolis: $3.50 wells and $3.50-or-less beers weekdays till 6:30pm. Even after completely happy hour, the restricted choice of basic cocktails value solely $10.
Cidercade
This bar is dwelling to greater than 275 arcade video games in addition to 48 faucets of assorted onerous ciders, onerous kombuchas, onerous seltzers, and extra. Admission is $10 for a day cross or $15 for a recurring month-to-month membership. For the reason that arcade bar doesn’t have a kitchen, Cidercade permits avid gamers to herald their very own meals from native eating places within the space. Meals vans additionally arrange store proper exterior the power.
Dean’s
If lounges are your scene, the previous Dean’s Credit score Clothes—now simply Dean’s—serves nice cocktails (attempt The Wall and The Home Shot) and hosts film nights, open mic comedy, karaoke, and different occasions. And even when there’s nothing else occurring, you’ll be able to snuggle down within the plush couches and chairs whereas having fun with time with buddies.
Double Bother Caffeine and Cocktails
This informal, tropical-themed spot is a espresso store by day and a cocktail bar by evening. It’s additionally dwelling to one of many largest espresso cocktail menus in your entire metropolis, which suggests it’s a good way to begin an evening out in town. Ensure you attempt the bar’s frozen Struggling Bastard cocktail, however watch out: because the identify suggests, it packs fairly a punch.
East Finish {Hardware}
Sipping on a drink whereas searching at a horse’s pasture and new townhomes within the background is a novel Houston expertise. East Finish {Hardware}’s out of doors area can also be nice when you’re on the lookout for picnic tables and garden video games like cornhole. The bar’s cocktails lean on classics like Aperol spritzes and Pimm’s cups, but it surely’s additionally well-known for its boozy snowballs in flavors like piña colada and strawberry pisco.
Eight Row Flint (Heights)
This cute neighborhood hangout brings all the nice vibes with its out of doors patio, pool desk, and spectacular choice of cocktails. In case you want slightly increase, order a espresso daiquiri bitter or an espresso martini, or combine it up and take a look at a batanga, a drink that consists of blanco tequila, lime juice, Mexican Coke, and salt—simply belief us on that one. Then seize a chunk on the taco truck; our private favourite is the meat barbacoa taco. Eight Row Flint now has a second location in Second Ward.
EZ’s Liquor Lounge
In search of a brand new dive bar to take a look at? Make your option to EZ’s Liquor Lounge on White Oak Drive, the newest idea by the staff behind Eight Row Flint and Coltivare. Seize a chilly one or order one of many bar’s very moderately priced cocktails and frozen drinks. In case you’re the kind of one who will get the drunk munchies, EZ’s shall be able to curb your starvation with one in all its many meals objects. Decide from a Texas Chili Co. brisket sizzling canine, a chili pie, crunchy tacos, and extra.
George Nation Sports activities Bar
Montrose’s pleasant neighborhood homosexual bar, George, provides true Southern hospitality with out the “bless your coronary heart” passive-aggression. In case you’re a fan of sports activities and nation music—neither of which have the very best historical past of welcoming the queer neighborhood—that is the place to go to take pleasure in your favourite groups and tunes, possibly even shoot some pool or throw darts.
Grand Prize Bar
Given its location proper on the border between neighborhoods, Grand Prize Bar blends Montrose’s laid-back cool with the Museum District’s glorious style. The kitchen rotates meals distributors frequently and the bar has the most effective (learn: most cost-effective) completely happy hours on the town. On a pleasant evening, sit out on the again patio or the second-floor mini rooftop.
Heights & Co.
Heights & Co. has a dog-friendly patio and loads of massive umbrellas for shade—even within the milder seasons, Texas is gonna Texas. Cocktails are the best way to go right here, together with the Salted Watermelon with rum, watermelon, coconut, and salt, or the bar’s signature H&C Spritz, mixing Aperol and glowing rosé with a pineapple-guava syrup and Topo Chico. Fancy bar bites embrace a spinach and artichoke dip with truffle oil, herb toast with peach butter and prosciutto, and cheese and charcuterie boards.
Johnny’s Goldbrick
Open since 2015, Johnny’s Goldbrick is virtually a Heights basic at this level. Come right here to rub elbows (actually) with a bustling crowd of locals and luxuriate in easy, basic cocktails for less than $9.99—assume Tom Collins and Cuba libre.
JR’s Bar and Grill
Typically touted as Houston’s best homosexual bar, JR’s provides you an opportunity to impress a brand new potential accomplice or spend some high quality time along with your lengthy hauler. Take pleasure in a cocktail on the sultry New Orleans–impressed patio, absorb a drag present, or attempt to one-up one another at karaoke evening. Verify the calendar earlier than you go.
Julep
The identify might conjure pictures of fancy derby hats and Benoit Blanc drawls, however Julep celebrates greater than only a Deep South palate. This 2022 James Beard Award winner and Washington Avenue mainstay is the place proprietor Alba Huerta and her staff pump out a few of Houston’s best cocktails, frequently revamping the menu and developing with enjoyable seasonals. Julep can also be the most effective locations on the town for nonalcoholic cocktails.
Kanpai Membership
With seating for less than about 10 folks and a slender alley-like area, Kanpai Membership is an intimate speakeasy you’ll be able to entry through hand roll restaurant Hando. Come right here to seize an revolutionary cocktail in wacky glassware—the blowfish and carp mugs are significantly Instagrammable—and a small chunk. Our favorites are the Wagyu gyoza and Brussels sprouts paired with a Tokyo Layover, a mix of Bruxo mezcal, Aperol, Vecchio, lemon, and yuzu kosho.
La Carafe
In case you’re a fan of historical past and haunts, that is the spot for you. Now a two-story bar, La Carafe was initially in-built 1847 and is listed on the Nationwide Register for Historic Locations. It started as a bakery and have become a bar within the Fifties. With its dimly lit ambiance, cash-only register, and jukebox, you’ll really feel as when you’ve walked straight right into a time machine. Some even say it’s haunted.
Lee’s, previously Lees Den, has change into Houston’s hottest new bar after a revamp.
Lee’s
Lees Den is now Lee’s (and in case you missed this too: Eau Tour is now Milton’s). Native Meals proprietor Benjy Levit has been busy these previous couple years, hiring famed native chef Seth Siegel-Gardner to move up all his ideas. Situated above the Native Meals in Rice Village, Lee’s remains to be a speakeasy with a colourful retro vibe, however the food and drinks menus have been revamped. Strive the refreshingly bitter King in Yellow made with Suze, quinquina, and bubbly. Feeling daring? The Black Hat blends rye and amaro vermouth with kombu, nori, and cuttlefish ink. There’s even a separate menu of tiny cocktails when you simply need a number of sips. The bites are additionally stellar—we cherished the cheese-stuffed banana pepper wrapped in speck.
Lei Low
At first look, Lei Low appears like some random place in a parking zone, however when you step inside, you’ll really feel such as you’ve entered a brand new world with its tiki vibes and tropical decor. Take the sting off of the workweek with the Painkiller cocktail and neglect you’re within the metropolis for a few hours.
The Library
The Library is undoubtedly the very best new wine bar you’ve by no means heard of—except you reside in Spring Department, wherein case, simply know that we envy you. Fittingly, there are books in all places: on bookshelves on each wall and even displayed within the bar’s glass countertop. Look slightly nearer and also you’ll notice each single guide is wine-related. The employees is attentive and educated concerning the well-curated choice that features the whole lot from esoteric Savoie and Jura wines to cult-favorite Italian and Spanish producers. There’s a “Head Librarian’s Most popular Ingesting Record” part for individuals who need to order a bottle however need assistance selecting. Oh, and the meals right here is stellar, too. Go for a smoked salmon flatbread and finish with an affogato.
Mild Years
In case you don’t worry the funk, this spot is for you. Mild Years rode the pure wine wave shortly after it arrived (fashionably late) in Houston, turning into the primary bar within the metropolis devoted to the stuff when it opened in 2018. Come right here for all kinds of natural, biodynamic, low-intervention, insert-buzzword-here juice, none of that are written down on an inventory, encouraging a dialog along with your bartender. There’s loads of room to take a seat inside the lovable transformed bungalow, both on the bar or a desk, or sit exterior on the patio.
Lil Danny Speedo’s Go Fly a Kite Lounge
This dive bar staple has a pool desk, arcade video games, nightly meals pop-ups, and a number of the friendliest bartenders in Houston. We love coming right here when “Pupusa Mami” is slinging her Salvadoran treats.
Little Woodrow’s (Rice Village)
With places throughout Houston and an enormous number of particular and seasonal occasions (together with film trivia in addition to wiener canine and turtle races—though fortunately, not on the similar time), there’s at all times one thing occurring at Little Woodrow’s. Catch each College of Houston school soccer sport of the season there whilst you (and your pup) hang around on the patio with a ranch water and a slice of pizza. You may get your identify on the wall on the Rice Village location for becoming a member of the Massive 50 Membership by ingesting each beer on the bar’s listing, or attempt your hand at some duckpin bowling on the Shepherd location.
Go away it as much as the late-night joint Cantina Barba to create a aspect quest, Mijo’s Mezcal Bar.
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Mijo’s Mezcal Bar
Go away it as much as the late-night joint Cantina Barba to create a enjoyable aspect quest in your already debaucherous night. After devouring some tacos and a spicy margarita or michelada, stroll out to the again patio and also you’ll discover Mijo’s Mezcal Bar in a transformed delivery container. Inside this dimly lit eight-seater, partitions are lined in black skulls, inexperienced LEDs brighten the again of the bar, and mezcal choices appear infinite.
Monkey’s Tail sports activities the laid-back vibe of your favourite neighborhood cantina and slings strong frozens.
Monkey’s Tail
This colourful bar sports activities the laid-back vibe of your favourite neighborhood cantina whereas additionally boasting a craft cocktail program you’d anticipate finding at a fancier spot. The drink menu right here is tequila- and mezcal-heavy, which is simply how we like them. There’s additionally a killer lineup of frozen cocktails, together with a riff on a piña colada that goals are product of. Equally compelling is the bar’s meals menu, which incorporates the whole lot from build-your-own pizzas to fajita tacos, wings, burgers, and aguachiles—sufficient selection to fulfill even essentially the most eclectic of tastes.
Moon Tower Inn
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This vibrant all-outdoor watering gap options an infinite choice of beers on faucet in addition to a number of the finest burgers and sizzling canines in Houston. Moon Tower is especially identified for its uncommon meats, akin to deer, elk, pheasant, rabbit, and wild boar. The graffiti wall right here can also be fairly cool.
Nickel Metropolis
It’s attainable we groaned slightly after listening to information of one other Austin import coming to city. However Nickel Metropolis is legit, and the staff’s first Houston location within the East Finish is properly price a go to. The bar strikes a pleasant stability between super-chill neighborhood hangout and the type of bar program that features glorious cocktails and a deep whiskey listing. We’re not mad on the $12–$13 cocktail value level, both. Hungry? Sandwiches, sizzling canines, tots, mozzarella sticks, and extra drunk meals will soak all of it up.
The award for weirdest bar in Houston (complimentary) goes to…Notsuoh!
Notsuoh
In case you want proof that Houston is weirder than Austin, head straight to Notsuoh, a Predominant Avenue staple since 1996. This dive is extra like a residing museum of oddities than a conventional bar, and also you type of must go there to see what we imply. The three-story constructing reveals Notsuoh’s dedication to all issues experimental and eccentric with its unusual artwork, graffitied partitions, taxidermy, mannequins, cabinets of outdated books and footwear, chess board…there’s even a trippy dome in the midst of the second ground with bean bag chairs. Notsuoh is the whole lot aficionados of all issues curious admire in a watering gap. Preserve Houston bizarre, buddies.
Poison Woman
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This beloved Westheimer dive rightfully prides itself on its beneficiant choice of whiskeys and Texas beers. Share a spherical or two with the large Kool-Help Man statue within the again patio or put in a few rounds of pinball—if the machines are even working that evening. In the event that they had been, then it wouldn’t be a correct dive, now wouldn’t it?
Pur Noire City Wineries
Pur Noire house owners Carissa and Kenneth Stephens seen that there have been not many wineries owned by folks of colour, so that they began their very own, whose identify interprets to “pure black” as a nod to Carissa’s Creole roots and their id as BIPOC enterprise house owners within the wine business. Collect your pals and colleagues for a wine tasting and sport evening, hosted each Wednesday from 5 to 9pm, no reservations required.
Rabbit’s Acquired the Gun
You’d be forgiven for lacking the doorway to this relaxed, Chicano-owned craft cocktail bar since its graffiti-painted doorways have been made to appear like an extension of the tire store subsequent door. As soon as inside, nevertheless, you’re in for a deal with as its low-key, dive bar exterior provides option to a brilliant and colourful area good for having fun with the bar’s inventive cocktails—all that includes housemade syrups, premium spirits, and freshly squeezed juices.
Refuge
Situated above Anvil, the darkly lit Refuge offers a extra intimate and quiet area to take pleasure in a drink away from Montrose’s vivacious nightlife. There are greater than 200 spirits to pattern and the identical dedication to glorious cocktails as at Anvil, with slightly extra sophistication. Order a basic (that sazerac!) or one thing extra experimental. Present up early, although—seating could be very restricted.
Rudyard’s
Recognized affectionately as Rudz, this dive-meets-pub has a strong listing of rotating native beers and first rate drunk meals. Head to the again and play some darts, come for Wednesday trivia, or go upstairs for normal comedy nights. The comedians are usually embarrassingly unhealthy on free open mic nights, however when you’re keen to pay a small cowl, some fairly nice acts come by right here too.
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Saint Arnold Brewing Firm
Texas’s oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold, celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in June 2024. Its digs in Northside aren’t that unhealthy both. The power features a 25,000-square-foot beer backyard and restaurant in addition to an indoor beer corridor and tasting room—making it the right area to stretch out whereas sipping signature brews just like the Artwork Automotive IPA, Lawnmower, or H-City Pils, with legit pizza to pair.
Sunny’s Bar
This beachy dive appears plucked straight from the center of Midtown or Washington Avenue and proper into the center of downtown’s skyscrapers. In case you’re thirsty after an evening of theater, dance, or reside music and need one thing exuberant and unfussy to cap off your time downtown, head to Sunny’s for a number of rounds of pool, darts, and foosball. You could even luck into some check tube or Jell-O shot specials.
Toasted Coconut
From the oldsters behind Nobie’s, this tropical-inspired bar is at all times a very good time, and one of many few watering holes the place the meals is simply nearly as good because the drinks. We like to put up up right here for the namesake Toasted Coconut (over-proof rum, toasted coconut, lime), then a Vamos a la Playa (mezcal, Mexican rum, pineapple shrub, lime), and maybe a Rings of Saturn (gin, cachaca, mango, chile salt). You’ll positively want the lamb flatbread or the popcorn hen or the Unsolicited Noodz with ginger, scallions, and butter sauce—or all the above.
Trash Panda Ingesting Membership
As Houston’s solely raccoon-themed cocktail bar (there can solely be one), Trash Panda Ingesting Membership holds a particular place in our hearts. The eclectic bar is embellished with work and murals that pay homage to its nocturnal namesake, together with an enormous light-up signal proclaiming “Dying is coming. Eat trash, be free.” The bar’s stellar cocktail program contains drinks like a pho-inspired martini with rye, Thai chile, and star anise. Trash Panda additionally has a full meals menu accessible till 2am that includes the whole lot from pizzas and burgers to churros and birria ramen, that means there’s no must go dumpster diving when you begin feeling a bit peckish.
Two Headed Canine
Because it’s named after a music by psychedelic rock pioneer Roky Erickson, it goes with out saying that this Midtown bar has a little bit of a free-spirited vibe. Owned by former Grand Prize bartenders Lindsay Rae and Billy Boyd, this little tucked-away bar is as divey as they arrive, with a frequently up to date cocktail menu, together with a slew of inventive frozen drinks. Divey design touches like decoupaged classic Playboy magazines on the toilet partitions and a colourful, eclectically embellished out of doors patio add to the place’s distinctive character.
Voodoo Queen Daiquiri Dive
You’d by no means guess it from the intimidating and eerie mural on its exterior, however there’s an extremely hospitable Second Ward bar on the opposite aspect of the wall. Lately it’s run by the identical staff that introduced Moon Tower Inn to the East Finish. This hip dive has the whole lot: frozen daiquiri machines, tiki boat drinks, pool and air hockey, vibey neon lights, and a number of the most eclectic crowds on the town. Don’t neglect an order of jalapeño hush puppies or a po’ boy to sop up the robust cocktails.
West Alabama Ice Home will perpetually be Houston’s favourite hangout.
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West Alabama Ice Home
There may be arguably no place extra cherished by Houstonians than the Ice Home (sure, we stated “the”—the remaining are posers). West Alabama has been round since 1928, when it was an precise enterprise that bought ice earlier than the times of refrigeration. Immediately, the shack-like construction and its many pink picnic tables are a daily gathering area for locals. Seize a Lone Star and order from the Tacos Tierra Caliente truck throughout the road, or look ahead to the tamale man to come back by and order a dozen—the venison doesn’t disappoint.
Winnie’s
Winnie’s, housed within the Mid Predominant portion of Midtown, options fancy sandwiches, cocktails, and a number of the finest vibes within the neighborhood. Cease by for a po’boy, burger, or a bowl of gumbo, and sip on one of many restaurant’s stellar frozen cocktails. And even higher, convey a gaggle of buddies on choose Sundays to benefit from the restaurant’s drag brunches.
