Bars in Houston are abundant and offer a diverse range of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re searching for a lively atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, or a cozy spot to unwind, Houston has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From trendy rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies, the city’s bar scene has something for everyone.
When it comes to finding the best bars in Houston, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices. With so many establishments to choose from, it’s important to know which ones truly stand out. Addressing this challenge, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the finest bars in Houston, making it easier for you to decide where to spend your evenings.
One of the top-rated bars in Houston is Grand Prize Bar, located in the heart of downtown. The bar boasts a stylish and modern ambiance, with a wide selection of both classic and innovative cocktails.
Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to recommend the perfect drink to suit your taste. Another noteworthy establishment is The Dirt Bar, situated in the bustling Midtown area. This hidden gem offers a cozy and intimate setting, perfect for enjoying a quiet drink with friends or loved ones.
With our list of recommendations about bars in Houston, you can confidently explore the city’s vibrant bar scene and discover the perfect spot that matches your preferences. Whether you’re in search of a lively atmosphere, expertly crafted cocktails, or a cozy hideaway, Houston’s bars have it all. So, grab your friends and embark on a memorable night out in this dynamic city. We have a list of recommendations about bars in Houston.
Grand Prize
| Address | 1010 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006, USA |
| Phone Number | |
| Operating Hour | Monday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at Grand Prize:
Joey Valle17:27 06/27/23We meet here for happy hour occasionally. Their drink prices are moderate, and the atmosphere is friendly and upbeat. The bartenders get busy but do a good job paying attention to their patrons waiting for a drink. The last time I was there, the upstairs was really hot until they turned the air down later in the evening. Not sure if that is normal, but we managed to still hang out up there and avoid a heatstroke. April Ford19:03 06/19/23So glad we found this hole in the wall Style bar! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and very comfortable to just hang out and have drinks and talk, pool table available. Not too crowded, no problem getting a seat at the bar on a Friday night around 9:00. They have hot dogs that you can order at a window. Very inexpensive beers and lots of local beers. All around 110% good time. Highly recommended. Go out of your way to find this one. Jess O18:37 06/16/23Really nice place with a lot of food/drink options. The bartenders were all very friendly and enthusiastic with all of the guests, they made us feel welcome and at home I was very impressed! I love the lights in the windows it really complimented the vibe of the bar! I hope to come back for another visit! Cesar Barrera04:55 05/06/23Great bar with a spacious patio and a nice dance floor. It a great place to bring friends and enjoy the night out. Only downside is the limited parking, but the experience here makes the parking hassle worth the wait. The interior is nice and dark with a mix of lighting. Ashlie Diego16:03 05/02/23Good spot on a Sunday night! The patio was packed but lots of space upstairs. The first floor was busy and had a dj. Bartenders are attentive and they have a lot of variety. I love the decor and murals. There are some areas that are great for photos.The parking isn't great, street parking only in a residential area. There is also a sign in the front reminding people to be mindful of residences. The Dirt Bar
| Address | 1209 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002, USA |
| Phone Number | +1 832-623-6506 |
| Operating Hour | Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at The Dirt Bar:
Miggs Salazar23:37 08/07/23Best Rock bar in town... nothing clever or extraordinary about it, just a room with an oval concrete bar in the middle but yet something about it keeps you coming back. Great staff from the regulars to the guest bartenders always quick and friendly. Atmosphere is a rock vibe! The place to go after a downtown concert. Get the jack and coke from one of the Veronicas and take a picture with Ace costume Jack himself.Just a cool and chill hangout and a must visit during their halfway to Halloween yearly event. Dillon Campbell14:57 06/20/23Totally what I expected from the reviews and this is my kind of place as I am a rocker and a Halloween queen. So if you like that you're going to love this place April Ford19:05 06/19/23Interesting bar for downtown. Very comfortable atmosphere but pretty dead for 8:00 on a friday. I would imagine it gets busier when there are concerts and things going on downtown. Service was quick and we were able to sit at the bar. Gothic style atmosphere and decent metal Style music. I would go again. David Lowry03:23 06/11/23Absolutely had an incredible time tonight! Taylor was great but she should try and smile more. Music was perfect, lighting created a very sinister ambience that I felt was well suited to the dive bar vibe. Definitely will remain a regular here.If you are in the market for THE BEST Long Island ice tea, Taylor is your girl! She makes the best I’ve ever had. She was also great with her layered shots that she handcrafted for us!Thanks dirt bar fam, 222 for life.Don’t tell your friends. Jessica Allyn00:16 05/04/23Wild bar with nice loud music.I came here with two European men on a whim - it was open and everything else was closing.It was a Sunday night approaching Monday morning, music blasting in there. Scene is more like a club, minus the dancing.Love it. Not an experience I expected, but it was the experience I needed 💗 Anvil
| Address | 1424 Westheimer Rd STE B, Houston, TX 77006, USA |
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| Operating Hour | Monday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at Anvil:
Scott Sulik15:45 07/26/23Checked out this small, cozy bar for a drink before dinner. Came in the early afternoon on a Saturday and it was absolutely packed.Kudos to the staff and bartenders who were working incredibly hard to serve a crowd. Only had time for one drink, and it was great. Would definitely recommend coming outside of peak dinner hours to stay for longer. Hope to try some food as well next time. Andrew Johnson22:06 06/19/23So let me start this review off by mentioning that I'm a VERY casual drinker. But I know enough to tell if I'm getting a good drink. AND THIS PLACE HAS GOOD DRINKS!It's a very dark and intimate setting when you go in. There are an immediate flight of stairs to walk up before approaching the bar. We were seated right away. Our bartender's name was Josh. This guy rocks!The staff were all very friendly, kind with great attitudes. Josh provided us some recommendations on drinks and he was a wizard at making them! He kept us stocked on their little pretzel bites too. Super inviting personality and he just made you realize it was a good decision coming to the bar. That's how bartending is done. They also have small bites for purchase like a charcuterie, etc.The drinks were outstanding but unfortunately I don't remember the names of the unique ones I have pictured. But believe me, they were delicious. And the music playlist was LIT! ☺️I HIGHLY recommend this bar to legal drinking folks of all ages. You will love the service, staff and drinks! We will be back! Matthew Jung14:16 04/28/23Came for cocktails with friends. Their charcuterie was great to snack. We tried few of their cocktails and we all loved them all! They get pretty packed at night time. Be prepared to stand drinking. If you want to get a table, go early. A Garcia16:58 04/26/23Wish I remembered our bartenders name, but she was the sweetest. We were recommended this lounge by our server at Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette. So happy we listened. The drinks were more than amazing!!!!!! Staff friendly. And patrons were a lovely mix of ages and backgrounds. Very romantic, dim lighting and easy listening to music. Frank de Jong01:13 04/15/23If I could give 6 stars, I would. I was just in town for a day and found this cocktail bar, and definitely one of my favorites - not just in Houston. I love places where you just walk in and tell them your taste, and they’ll whip something up off-menu, and Lily did just that. Cool modern diner-esque interior, met a bunch of interesting people, very good staff and delicious cocktails. Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge
| Address | 308 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA |
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| Operating Hour | Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge:
Yunior Lucero03:09 08/06/23I've been here 3 times now and I have not had a single bad experience. People claiming this place is racist are full of it. I'm Hispanic and every bartender has treated me with the upmost respect and ALWAYS make sure I'm taken care of no matter how busy the night is. The bar can't help but get rid of already drunken and belligerent patrons that just cause trouble and are quick to come here and blame the establishment for their stupid behavior that can't remember because of their drunken stupor. LaVincia Barnett15:51 06/03/23This place is tucked away in an old law office downtown, but I think that’s what makes it so special. It has a speakeasy vibe with great drinks and awesome service. I went with a group of friends for happy hour (this was my first visit) and had a great time. They don’t serve food but there are plenty of places near to patronize. Paul Townsend Lamb14:24 12/19/22Tucked away behind a not so obvious door is this gem. Some of the best cocktails in Houston are served up here in a true speakeasy. Friendly and knowledgeable staff keep this small space running smoothly. Unique drinks are always on hand as well as a selection of higher end liquors. One of my favorite places in Houston. T B13:39 07/27/22Came on a Sunday evening. So glad this place was open. Very small group of individuals which made it more enjoyable. The bartender was amazing and put up with us 😂. If you get a chance after a long weekend of meetings you have to visit this location. You will not be disappointed. What’s cool is the balcony allows you to hear music from across the street minus the huge crowd. Peavy Resale21:12 12/05/21If you’re looking for a speakeasy in Houston with attentive bartenders who make great drinks, in a dark, intimate, classy atmosphere, look no further. Located on the second floor, in between two bustling bars on main street. The establishment offers an extensive selection of spirits with a balcony patio that seats about 15. The bar itself holds around 60 people comfortably. The service was top notch, the drinks were as good as the service. Great place to meet up with friends and drink the night away. The Cellar Bar
| Address | 3140 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098, USA |
| Phone Number | +1 713-528-6435 |
| Operating Hour | Monday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at The Cellar Bar:
Caitlyn Nguyen02:33 07/06/23I love this bar! I go here every chance I get 11/10 service Brian Shoppell02:25 07/06/23We moved into the neighborhood several years back and stumbled upon this hidden gem. This place is awesome and has a really legit local craft beer selection. Also the weekly specials are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Fridays all the games are free and they have pool..hoops..punch bag..pacman jumbo..darts..just a good time. Draft beers are COLD and the can selection is legit! If you are hungry and smell food while you are there, they have a pizza oven behind the bar and it's good stuff. They have plenty of TVs for all your sports needs. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable...Just don't wave a dollar bill while whistling to get the bartenders attention...(you will be waiting a loooong time). Good times! Oscar and the boys Rock! Lala Sidiq23:19 04/29/23Off the beaten path, quiet, but close to a lot of everything else. Patio is small but lots of space inside. Drinks were average but good. Understaffed when there is a lot of people but they were friendly. It was my first time. The patrons were also cool, different and seem free minded. Will return. Jorge Martinez04:02 04/21/23Awesome bar!Friendly staffGreat prices! Amit Jain04:41 12/23/22We were looking for a different place to hangout and stumbled upon the Cellar… it’s a nice little neighborhood bar on the Richmond road. They have got decent varieties of beer and other spirits. Their food is good as well we ordered 4 cheese pizza and it was good. They have got a pool table, a dart board, few arcade games as well. The Garden HTX
| Address | 1011 McGowen St, Houston, TX 77002, USA |
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| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at The Garden HTX:
Ar Monsanto16:24 03/09/23I went here for brunch. There’s free parking next to the building but not a ton. This place is a bar and there’s a food truck outside. The food is extremely good however, you have to stand in line to order then wait for the meal; then pick it up and use plastic cutlery. I don’t have a problem with this but wanted to share that it’s not a traditional brunch experience. For drinks, there good. We started w the mimosos flights and got a tower. The tower is expensive but can be shared with many friends. We didn’t finish it. The DJ is a vibe. I do recommend this place and the food truck. Carrie Broussard19:56 07/12/22Such a cute spot! It’s really one of those places you just have to go experience. They have food (we did not try) and drinks- we had mimosas and one of their specialty drinks. I’m glad we stopped and hopefully next time we can try the food. ishmeleita “ItsMzIsh2u” hughes13:20 06/06/22Super chic bar lounge. Great vibes, great service, and baby those drinks are to die for. Kind of pricey but strong enough for the price. QueenJaZy UpLifted01:26 05/26/22Love love love this place! The drinks were amazing! The ambiance is also nice. Our waitress was super friendly! Will be visiting again soon! Anama Ko18:11 07/07/17So many beers to choose from. Great place to make interesting beer discoveries. The food is also delicious. The pretzels are phenomenal, specially the all dressed ones (not in the menu but still available on demand). Fridays there's usually a live show. SOHO Garden HTX
| Address | 408 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA |
| Phone Number | +1 832-998-9042 |
| Operating Hour | Monday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM, Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM, Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM, Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Google Maps | Open Maps |
Real Customer Reviews at SOHO Garden HTX:
Stacey Cee14:43 07/21/23Super cute garden style bar and chill spot. The girls and I absolutely loved our ladies Sunday brunch (just drinks) there. Their cocktails are not only visually appealing, but are also very tasty. Service was great and they even have fans and ACs circulating cool air. We will definitely be back! Fei Yu02:43 06/29/23Went for Friday happy hour but the place was empty? TheHH drinks were cheap - but very bare bones vs their crafted ones in the photos here. Got a lemon drop and it was too watery to be memorable. The huge fans in the garden helps but the heat was a lot. Richard White04:12 06/18/23I was there on Friday night and had a great time! I returned on Saturday night 6/17 @ 11 pm with my lady and were insulted by the door security. I had on a very expensive pair of leather sandals, white shorts and a black knit shirt. I was not only not allowed to enter but asked why a grown man would come out on Saturday with sandals on!! Totally out of line when he was dressed in unprofessional attire SNEAKERS!!This was very upsetting especially because of the great time we had the previous night. We were even given a complimentary drink the prior night because we were considerate when the bartender asked could he share the floor fan with others.Compliments to the establishment however security guard will cause you to lose business.We went to another establishment down the street that welcomed us. Melissa F12:04 05/27/23First visit Friday night. Parking is $20 unless you find a spot on the street. Located on Main St. A hidden treasure, once you enter, you're greeted with flowers and colors on a patio(great for photos & selfies). Adequate seating outdoor seating. The bar is central and serves the cutest refreshing drinks starting at $14 and up. Nice 🎶 🎵 playing. In the back of the patio, you can find a restaurant serving oysters, the best chowder and fish n chips (fish was under cooked🤨😖) overall 5 🌟 for atmosphere, decorative & drinks! Yes, I would visit again. Ms Benz20:40 03/17/23I’ve been coming to Soho Garden formally known as Secret Garden for a couple years. I cannot say enough good things about this amazing bar. The drinks have been the most consistent out of any bar in Houston and they always have a new menu with fun drinks that taste amazing. They can make anything you want. They have great mixologists! This ambience is phenomenal, it’s always well-maintained and the staff is quick to service and help any customers. It feels like you’re in a garden with all the flowers and beautiful decor. I recently had an event at this location and couldn’t have asked for a better venue to have my wedding at. Thank you Soho Garden! Definitely coming back and referring friends and others to host events here! They can easily fit 80 people comfortably for private events. 
