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Four cocktails atop Angel Share’s bar.
Cheers to Houston’s best watering holes.
Claudia Casbarian

17 Essential Houston Cocktail Bars

Fancy lounges, laid-back bars, dives, and everything in between

by Katie Holtman and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
View as Map
Cheers to Houston’s best watering holes.
| Claudia Casbarian
by Katie Holtman and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

Houston is a drinker’s paradise, and with a bar scene as diverse as its citizens, Bayou City offers everything from top-quality margaritas, fancy Old Fashioneds, and an assortment of G&T’s and Ranch Waters, to craft beers and carefully selected wines.

But where does one find the finest drinks in town? Use this map as a guide to Houston’s 17 essential bars, ranging from revered cocktail haunts to casual, laid-back dives with quality libations.

This list has been refreshed to make room for bars like Permission, the Ready Room, Angel Share, and Johnny’s Gold Brick.

Is your favorite cocktail bar missing from this map? Shout it out in the comments.

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Monkey's Tail

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Get tropical with one of Lindale Park’s brightest stars, which offers festive cocktails like the Fresca Cantarito, made with blanco tequila, rum, tamarindo, strawberry, and ginger beer, served in a clay pot; or their tequila-based It’s Not Easy Being Green, made with Midori, kiwi, coco cream, and manzanilla sherry. The cantina-like vibe is rounded out with a great selection of bar food, including pizza by the slice and the famous Chango burger served with Valentina mayo. 

5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
(713) 842-7188
(713) 842-7188

Also featured in:

Johnny's Gold Brick

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With an inviting mid-century vibe, great music, and $10 classic cocktails, Johnny’s Gold Brick is a no-brainer when it comes to grabbing a cocktail. Plus, the bar gets into the Christmas spirit, transforming into Santa’s Wonderland when the holiday rolls around. Be sure to grab a reservation early as spaces fill up quickly during the holly jolly festivities.

2518 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 582-5454
(832) 582-5454

Also featured in:

Lei Low

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Known proudly as one of the best tiki bars in the country, Lei Low takes its reputation very seriously. With no shortage of rum, paper umbrellas, and giant tiki drinking vessels, their perfectly playful cocktails never miss.

6412 N Main St Ste C, Houston, TX
(713) 380-2968
(713) 380-2968

Also featured in:

Eight Row Flint

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Credited with being one of the first bars in the country to serve the Ranch Water cocktail, Eight Row Flint has a monopoly on Houston’s drinking game with whiskey, beer, and tacos being just some of their specialties. Their frozen Negronis, though, are an unsung hero, as are their well-placed fans, which come in clutch with Houston’s abundant patio weather, making this Heights bar the perfect spot to grab a cold one outside.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463
A spread of hot dogs, wings, sliders, shots, cocktails, and beers at Eight Row Flint.
Going beyond drinks, Eight Row Flint and offers some pretty stellar bar food, too.
Agricole Hospitality

Also featured in:

Kanpai Club

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Modeled after a Japanese alley bar, Hando’s little sister serves up sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails, like a rotating list of “frozakes” and matcha highballs. Looking to try out some drinks for less? Stop by after 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday for half off all cocktails.

518 W 11th St Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 393-7425
(713) 393-7425
an array of tropical cocktails sitting on a bar, including a drink served in a coconut-shaped mug with a tiny umbrella
Kanpai Club’s cocktails offer a fun way to unwind.
Kanpai Club

Also featured in:

Permission

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This luxurious bar is a whiskey lover’s dream. Featuring whiskeys from across the globe, Permission makes finding that elusive bottle of Weller, Blanton’s, or E.H. Taylor a little easier. Offering delightful espresso martinis and a bespoke gin and tonic, options for folks who might not be keen on brown liquor are plentiful.

2920 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 696-9883
(713) 696-9883

The Ready Room

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This Heights lounge keeps a low profile with minimal signage while letting its ambiance and classy cocktails do the talking. Fun Houston-inspired drinks like the Continental Zydeco, a mixture of gin, Pineau de Charentes, Raspberry Eau-de-vie, and orange bitters, and “house classics” like the espresso martini are bound to make you feel right at home. Love live music? Vibe out to jazz Thursday through Saturday (Note: the cover charge will run you $5 or $10 depending on the night). 

2626 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77009

Also featured in:

Better Luck Tomorrow

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It’s safe to say that everything this bar does, it does it well. Helmed by Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu, BLT brings fresh and thoughtful cocktails to the Heights with charming specials that often change with the weather. Find half-off daiquiris when it’s over 100 degrees, half-off Irish coffees when it’s under 40, and weekly food offerings like pasta and steak nights.

544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-0845
(713) 802-0845

Also featured in:

Julep

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Houston’s newest James Beard Award winner has been one of the crown jewels of the Houston cocktail scene for a hot minute. Try elegant riffs on their namesake cocktail like the Tepache julep, featuring fermented pineapple beverage and mezcal, or spring for the $20 Ramos gin fizz, which is shaken vigorously to frothy perfection.

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX
(832) 831-2068
(832) 831-2068

Also featured in:

Angel Share

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Specializing in local beer and classic cocktails, this feel-good bar has a lot to offer, with all-day happy hours on Mondays, a wide assortment of whiskeys, bar bites, shuffleboard, and a pool table. The biggest win, though, is its philanthropic mission. Order from its lengthy charity menu, with items like boozy popsicles, espresso martini shots, or its signature Drink Yo Face egg-white cocktail, then cast your vote for one of the four featured local charities. At the end of each month, Angel Share gives the winning charity with the most votes 100 percent of the proceeds from the menu. Now, who says drinking can’t make the world a better place?

924 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 237-8828
(713) 237-8828
Located in a historic building from 1882, Angel Share features the original barrel vault ceiling and 19th-century brick walls, plus newer details like a neon sign that says “This Must Be the Place.”
Getaway for a fun time, classic cocktails, and a feel-good mission at Angel Share.
Claudia Casbarian

Also featured in:

Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirits Lodge

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With an impressive whiskey selection and a patio overlooking Downtown’s Main Street, Captain Foxheart’s feels like a cozy neighborhood bar in the city’s center. Be sure to indulge at its long dark bar— a  great place to belly up and converse.

308 1/2 Main St, Houston, TX

Also featured in:

Miss Carousel

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With the vibe of your friend’s super cool industrial loft, but with cocktails, this local hangout spot offers an extensive spirits list and an adventurous plethora of house cocktails that appeal to just about anyone. Try the Birds & the Bees, featuring gin, Italicus bergamotto, yellow chartreuse, honey, and egg white.

1201 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003
(832) 582-7330
(832) 582-7330

Also featured in:

The Lounge at March

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Nestled inside Goodnight Hospitality’s March, The Lounge is the perfect place to sample seasonal house-made vermouth and take in the gorgeous interiors. You don’t need to have a reservation for the restaurant, though — the Lounge takes bookings for just drinks.

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 380-2481
(832) 380-2481

Anvil Bar & Refuge

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The patron saint of Houston’s cocktail scene, Bobby Heugel’s Anvil continues to deliver expertly crafted cocktails in one of Houston’s best bars. Perfect for a first date or a quick drink with friends, this Montrose powerhouse showcases some of the city’s best vibes and bartenders. Whether you opt for something from their ever-changing list of eight original cocktails or a classic like a French 75, rest assured it will be made to perfection.

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622

Also featured in:

Poison Girl

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Whiskey with a side of pinball only means one thing: a great night. However you prefer your spirits — whether straight up, on the rocks, or dressed up pretty in one of H-Town’s best Old-Fashioneds, Poison Girl is bound to serve it up right.

1641 Westheimer Rd Ste B, Houston, TX
(713) 527-9929
(713) 527-9929

Also featured in:

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Grand Prize Bar

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Since 2010, Grand Prize has delivered Montrose grunge and sharp cocktails south of I-59. Don’t bother driving and trying to park. A rideshare service or designated DD is the best way to ensure you can stay and enjoy all this bar has to offer.

1010 Banks St, Houston, TX
(713) 526-4566
(713) 526-4566

Also featured in:

Under the Volcano

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Long before the craft cocktail movement hit Houston, The Volcano was one of the few bars making every drink with hand-squeezed juice, including basic mixed drinks like the greyhound to more complicated cocktails like Green or Red, a tequila and rum drink mixed with muddled bell peppers and basil. The decidedly laid-back bar is also known for its frozen screwdrivers and Cuba Libres.

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-5282
(713) 526-5282

Also featured in:

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Monkey's Tail

5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009

Get tropical with one of Lindale Park’s brightest stars, which offers festive cocktails like the Fresca Cantarito, made with blanco tequila, rum, tamarindo, strawberry, and ginger beer, served in a clay pot; or their tequila-based It’s Not Easy Being Green, made with Midori, kiwi, coco cream, and manzanilla sherry. The cantina-like vibe is rounded out with a great selection of bar food, including pizza by the slice and the famous Chango burger served with Valentina mayo. 

5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
(713) 842-7188
(713) 842-7188

Johnny's Gold Brick

2518 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

With an inviting mid-century vibe, great music, and $10 classic cocktails, Johnny’s Gold Brick is a no-brainer when it comes to grabbing a cocktail. Plus, the bar gets into the Christmas spirit, transforming into Santa’s Wonderland when the holiday rolls around. Be sure to grab a reservation early as spaces fill up quickly during the holly jolly festivities.

2518 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(832) 582-5454
(832) 582-5454

Lei Low

6412 N Main St Ste C, Houston, TX

Known proudly as one of the best tiki bars in the country, Lei Low takes its reputation very seriously. With no shortage of rum, paper umbrellas, and giant tiki drinking vessels, their perfectly playful cocktails never miss.

6412 N Main St Ste C, Houston, TX
(713) 380-2968
(713) 380-2968

Eight Row Flint

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX

Credited with being one of the first bars in the country to serve the Ranch Water cocktail, Eight Row Flint has a monopoly on Houston’s drinking game with whiskey, beer, and tacos being just some of their specialties. Their frozen Negronis, though, are an unsung hero, as are their well-placed fans, which come in clutch with Houston’s abundant patio weather, making this Heights bar the perfect spot to grab a cold one outside.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463
A spread of hot dogs, wings, sliders, shots, cocktails, and beers at Eight Row Flint.
Going beyond drinks, Eight Row Flint and offers some pretty stellar bar food, too.
Agricole Hospitality

Kanpai Club

518 W 11th St Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008

Modeled after a Japanese alley bar, Hando’s little sister serves up sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails, like a rotating list of “frozakes” and matcha highballs. Looking to try out some drinks for less? Stop by after 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday for half off all cocktails.

518 W 11th St Suite 500, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 393-7425
(713) 393-7425
an array of tropical cocktails sitting on a bar, including a drink served in a coconut-shaped mug with a tiny umbrella
Kanpai Club’s cocktails offer a fun way to unwind.
Kanpai Club

Permission

2920 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

This luxurious bar is a whiskey lover’s dream. Featuring whiskeys from across the globe, Permission makes finding that elusive bottle of Weller, Blanton’s, or E.H. Taylor a little easier. Offering delightful espresso martinis and a bespoke gin and tonic, options for folks who might not be keen on brown liquor are plentiful.

2920 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 696-9883
(713) 696-9883

The Ready Room

2626 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77009

This Heights lounge keeps a low profile with minimal signage while letting its ambiance and classy cocktails do the talking. Fun Houston-inspired drinks like the Continental Zydeco, a mixture of gin, Pineau de Charentes, Raspberry Eau-de-vie, and orange bitters, and “house classics” like the espresso martini are bound to make you feel right at home. Love live music? Vibe out to jazz Thursday through Saturday (Note: the cover charge will run you $5 or $10 depending on the night). 

2626 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77009

Better Luck Tomorrow

544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007

It’s safe to say that everything this bar does, it does it well. Helmed by Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu, BLT brings fresh and thoughtful cocktails to the Heights with charming specials that often change with the weather. Find half-off daiquiris when it’s over 100 degrees, half-off Irish coffees when it’s under 40, and weekly food offerings like pasta and steak nights.

544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-0845
(713) 802-0845

Julep

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX

Houston’s newest James Beard Award winner has been one of the crown jewels of the Houston cocktail scene for a hot minute. Try elegant riffs on their namesake cocktail like the Tepache julep, featuring fermented pineapple beverage and mezcal, or spring for the $20 Ramos gin fizz, which is shaken vigorously to frothy perfection.

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX
(832) 831-2068
(832) 831-2068

Angel Share

924 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002

Specializing in local beer and classic cocktails, this feel-good bar has a lot to offer, with all-day happy hours on Mondays, a wide assortment of whiskeys, bar bites, shuffleboard, and a pool table. The biggest win, though, is its philanthropic mission. Order from its lengthy charity menu, with items like boozy popsicles, espresso martini shots, or its signature Drink Yo Face egg-white cocktail, then cast your vote for one of the four featured local charities. At the end of each month, Angel Share gives the winning charity with the most votes 100 percent of the proceeds from the menu. Now, who says drinking can’t make the world a better place?

924 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 237-8828
(713) 237-8828
Located in a historic building from 1882, Angel Share features the original barrel vault ceiling and 19th-century brick walls, plus newer details like a neon sign that says “This Must Be the Place.”
Getaway for a fun time, classic cocktails, and a feel-good mission at Angel Share.
Claudia Casbarian

Captain Foxheart's Bad News Bar & Spirits Lodge

308 1/2 Main St, Houston, TX

With an impressive whiskey selection and a patio overlooking Downtown’s Main Street, Captain Foxheart’s feels like a cozy neighborhood bar in the city’s center. Be sure to indulge at its long dark bar— a  great place to belly up and converse.

308 1/2 Main St, Houston, TX

Miss Carousel

1201 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003

With the vibe of your friend’s super cool industrial loft, but with cocktails, this local hangout spot offers an extensive spirits list and an adventurous plethora of house cocktails that appeal to just about anyone. Try the Birds & the Bees, featuring gin, Italicus bergamotto, yellow chartreuse, honey, and egg white.

1201 St Emanuel St, Houston, TX 77003
(832) 582-7330
(832) 582-7330

The Lounge at March

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Nestled inside Goodnight Hospitality’s March, The Lounge is the perfect place to sample seasonal house-made vermouth and take in the gorgeous interiors. You don’t need to have a reservation for the restaurant, though — the Lounge takes bookings for just drinks.

1624 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
(832) 380-2481
(832) 380-2481

Anvil Bar & Refuge

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX

The patron saint of Houston’s cocktail scene, Bobby Heugel’s Anvil continues to deliver expertly crafted cocktails in one of Houston’s best bars. Perfect for a first date or a quick drink with friends, this Montrose powerhouse showcases some of the city’s best vibes and bartenders. Whether you opt for something from their ever-changing list of eight original cocktails or a classic like a French 75, rest assured it will be made to perfection.

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622

Poison Girl

1641 Westheimer Rd Ste B, Houston, TX

Whiskey with a side of pinball only means one thing: a great night. However you prefer your spirits — whether straight up, on the rocks, or dressed up pretty in one of H-Town’s best Old-Fashioneds, Poison Girl is bound to serve it up right.

1641 Westheimer Rd Ste B, Houston, TX
(713) 527-9929
(713) 527-9929

Related Maps

Grand Prize Bar

1010 Banks St, Houston, TX

Since 2010, Grand Prize has delivered Montrose grunge and sharp cocktails south of I-59. Don’t bother driving and trying to park. A rideshare service or designated DD is the best way to ensure you can stay and enjoy all this bar has to offer.

1010 Banks St, Houston, TX
(713) 526-4566
(713) 526-4566

Under the Volcano

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005

Long before the craft cocktail movement hit Houston, The Volcano was one of the few bars making every drink with hand-squeezed juice, including basic mixed drinks like the greyhound to more complicated cocktails like Green or Red, a tequila and rum drink mixed with muddled bell peppers and basil. The decidedly laid-back bar is also known for its frozen screwdrivers and Cuba Libres.

2349 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
(713) 526-5282
(713) 526-5282

Related Maps