Houston, Texas has an eclectic variety of bars for every kind of drinking experience. From outdoor beer gardens and rooftops to tropical bars and speakeasies, Houston has it all. Use this list as your guide to navigating the HTX bar scene!
Updated July 2022
CLARKWOOD
CLARKWOOD
Elegant and chic with its neutral tones and a moody vibe, Clarkwood is a major Houston hot spot. Whether you choose an espresso martini or a French 75, all of their cocktails are work of art, and go best with a charcuterie board and some quality friends. No reservations are required so pop in for a drink, especially during their social hour on weekdays from 5-7pm!
MONTROSE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of the Clarkwood
TOUGH CUT SPARROW
TOUGH CUT SPARROW
Tough Cut Sparrow is a sophisticated cocktail bar in Montrose that feels like your own private drinking den. With its dark wood, leather couches and mood lighting, it gives off major speakeasy vibes. If you want to sit back and relax by the cozy fireplace with your old fashioned, be sure to make a reservation on Resy before it gets packed!
MONTROSE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Tough Cut Sparrow
IDLE HANDS
IDLE HANDS
Feel like you're on a vacation somewhere between the Caribbean and Latin America at this tropical rooftop bar. Sip on your paloma or piña colada with a plate birria tacos, or opt for a cider or glass of wine for a more casual vibe. Sway with the live music and soak up the sun on your relaxing little escape from the city.
MONTROSE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Idle Hands
ANGEL SHARE
ANGEL SHARE
Angel Share may be a stunning open concept bar with an amazing atmosphere, but they are also a charity bar, where a portion of their profits go towards a different local nonprofit every month. You can sit back and relax with your drink in hand, knowing you're making a difference in the community. Do not leave without trying their famous milk and cookies dessert, you'll thank us later.
DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Angel Share
JULEP
JULEP
As an ode to the South, Julep is a classy cocktail bar with a cozy feel. Just like the name, naturally they have a variety of juleps on the menu along with classic cocktails from sazeracs to whiskey sours. Split a plate of oysters with friends while sitting around the gorgeous curved bar with a touch of true Southern charm!
WASHINGTON | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Julep
Z ON 23
Z ON 23
At the Méridien Hotel in downtown Houston, Z on 23 is an elegant open air rooftop bar right above Zutro. Soak up the sun for sunset happy hour from 4:30-6:30 daily for $7 drinks and half off appetizers. The epic skyline views are just waiting for your Instagrammable photo.
DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Z On 23
MCINTYRE'S
MCINTYRE'S
With locations in the Heights and downtown Houston, McIntyre's is not just a sports bar, but THE neighborhood gathering place. Watch the game with friends on the spacious outdoor patio and be sure to snap a quick photo on the swing set. If you aren't digging the tacos or flaming queso, grab a snack at one of the many fabulous food trucks.
HEIGHTS & DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of McIntyre's
NIGHT SHIFT
NIGHT SHIFT
Night Shift brings the vibrant energy with bright LED lights and techno vibes. If you start to get hangry, snack on some elevated Mexican bites from gourmet tacos and bowls to their captivating churros. Sip on your martini or fun adult capri sun on the roof deck with sick views of downtown Houston.
EAST END | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Night Shift
TRUCK YARD
TRUCK YARD
The best way to describe Truck Yard is as an epic adult playground with fun for every type of person. Providing brews, grub and tunes, from a ferris wheel and games, to live music and food trucks. Chill out on the dog friendly patio with some good grub and an ice cold trash can punch or a margarita in hand!
EAST DOWNTOWN | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Truck Yard
HEIGHTS BEER GARTEN
HEIGHTS BIER GARTEN
In the Heights, this bumpin' beer and wine garden is the ultimate Houston brewpub. With an open courtyard in the middle with fire pits and hammocks, sip on one of the 94 different beers on tap while enjoying the shaded outdoor fun. Munch on a homemade pretzel or bratwurst that will make you feel like you're at an Oktoberfest celebration in Germany!
HEIGHTS | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Heights Bier Garten
MONKEY'S TAIL
MONKEY'S TAIL
This trendy Mexican-American bar means serious monkey business. With an indoor-outdoor setup, you can grab a drink at the beautiful modern bar or venture outside to enjoy your cocktail on the shaded outdoor patio. Dive into some chips and guacamole or their mouthwatering barbacoa pizza to pair perfectly with your margarita.
NORTHSIDE VILLAGE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Monkey's Tail
DIVERSIÓN
DIVERSIÓN
Experience a truly unique night out at this intimate cocktail bar with a latin influence. With its mood lighting and dark interior, Diversión is the perfect romantic date night spot out in Houston. Order some caviar or a charcuterie board to accompany your craft cocktail for some extra pazzazz to bring out the flavors.
SPRING BRANCH | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Diversión