Drinks, Anyone? Best Bars in Houston, Texas
The best bars in Houston, TX are nothing to scoff at. After all, Houston’s bar scene is as diverse as its history and cultural makeup, making it an exciting city in which to experience all of the local nightlife. Whether you're looking for a tried-and-true Texas dive bar, a posh European-inspired wine bar, a sprawling beer garden or a cozy drinking den with craft cocktails, there’s a bar for you. For business travelers in the city who are looking to kick back, let loose, and/or wine and dine colleagues, here are the 10 best bars in Houston to check out the next time that you’re in town.
5015 Kirby Drive
This honky-tonk bar and restaurant is unmistakable thanks to a giant stainless steel armadillo statue out front and all kinds of Texas memorabilia dating the 1860s throughout. It serves beer, BBQ, Tex Mex and a whole lot of fun. The massive ranch house (with more than 15,000 square feet) includes a dance hall and an outside stage for live music performances. Don’t leave without checking out Orange Blossom -- a whiskey bar inside the bar.
544 Yale St
This modern Heights bar serves craft cocktails and seasonal bites. Brought to you by Justin Yu, this laid-back spot features a vibrant neon backlit area and a covered patio. Try The Long Story Short made with gin, Americano and passionfruit, or the Against All Odds featuring scotch, sherry, Amaro and cacao nibs.
310 Main St
Bobby Heugel’s small, stylish Downtown cocktail bar, located toward the rear stairway above The Pastry War mezcal bar, only holds about 25 people, yet serves as a perfect reprieve from the always crowded bar downstairs. Choose among beer, wine and 16 classic cocktails. Reservations are encouraged, but half of the room is reserved for walk-ins.
813 Congress Ave
Nestled inside Houston's oldest building, the charming and storied bar is rife with history. The dimly lit bar is smattered with dried candle drippings, black and white photos, antique mementos and stained glass windows. The bar serves only beer and wine and accepts only cash.
1424 Westheimer Rd
There are 100 classic and eight seasonal cocktails crafted with homemade ingredients at this swanky Montrose bar. Since opening in mid-2009, the brass-accented bar, outfitted with dark wood and leather accents, has become the standard by which most other craft bars define themselves. Grab a seat at the bar or table to order a cheese and charcuterie plate and an expertly crafted cocktail like The Brave, a house specialty made with mezcal, blanco tequila, Italian amaro, orange-flavored liqueur and Angostura Bitters.
3000 Caroline St
This moody, dimly-lit, European-style wine bar in Midtown offers 100+ wines, hand-selected from all over the world and kept at the optimal temperature of 13 degrees Celsisus -- hence its name. Sample a wine flight with a cheese plate and pick up your favorite bottle to go. All the wines are available for retail purchase.
1517 Alabama St
From vibrantly hued chairs to fun-shaped bar tap handles, a laid-back South American theme flows through this charming craft beer bar in Midtown. Set in a century-old renovated building that was once a grocery store, Axelrad boasts an expansive garden patio with hammocks where they serve more than 30 different beers on tap and 50 more in bottles, and hosts nightly movies and live music.
1919 W Alabama St
A beloved Houston institution, this neighborhood outdoor bar has been standing since the 1920s with very few changes. With TVs, yard games and picnic tables, West Alabama Ice House is always packed with friendly regulars. Grab a beer at the bar and a taco from the neighboring food truck and relax with friends.
307 Fairview St
The cozy, eclectic bar and restaurant set inside a refurbished historical building from the 1920s, boasts exposed brick walls, worn velvet couches, antique light fixtures and a large garden with stone sculptures as well as a wooden wrap-around bar and seating for up to 40 people. Frosés, frozen Palomas, and frozen mojitos and their signature sangria are popular here, as well their Vietnamese-inspired fries and Korean-Middle Eastern fusion flatbreads. This Montrose patio hangout is dog-friendly too.
CHEAT SHEET
For more on the best bars in Houston, TX, also see:
· Thrillist – The Best Bars in Houston Right Now
· Eater Houston – 9 of Houston’s Hottest Cocktail Bars