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A cocktail with a garnish that is set aflame.
The cocktails at Bandista inside the Four Seasons are meant to ignite the senses.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston

21 Essential Houston Cocktail Bars

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

by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated
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The cocktails at Bandista inside the Four Seasons are meant to ignite the senses.
| Four Seasons Hotel Houston
by Megha McSwain and Brittany Britto Garley Updated

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

But where does one find the finest drinks in town? Let this map be your guide to Houston’s 21 essential cocktail bars, which range from revered cocktail haunts to casual, laid-back dives with quality libations.

This bar has been updated to include newer additions including Reserve 101, EZ’s Liquor Lounge, Heights Bier Garden, Winnie’s, the Toasted Coconut, and has rotated out oldies-but-goodies, like Monkey’s Tail and the now-closed Miss Carousel

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

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Johnny's Gold Brick

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This Heights bar, open daily until 2 a.m., is a reliable neighborhood go-to with great music and a solid list of classic cocktails. Gimlets, Manhattans, daiquiris, and frozen margaritas are all $10 all the time. Find sustenance at the onsite food truck, aka the “snack box,” and stay keyed into the bar’s social media for information on pop-ups.

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

Also featured in:

Lei Low

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Don’t let Lei Low’s nondescript exterior fool you. Beyond the walls of this strip mall bar lie a dimly lit Polynesian hideaway decked out with beachy decor. Tiki cocktails, presented in whimsical vessels, are heavy with rum and will surely creep up on you. Proceed with caution.

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

Also featured in:

Heights Bier Garten

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This sprawling Heights hangout is flanked by two bar counters and anchored by a large pet-friendly courtyard with ample seating and bench swings. Find 94 types of beer, mead, cider, and wine on tap, plus a robust menu of hand-crafted cocktails made popular from sister bar, Wooster’s in Midtown. No need to drink and run — Heights Bier Garten also offers great “pub grub” like cheeseburgers and fries, jumbo pretzels, chips and queso, and more.

1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-4940
(713) 862-4940

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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 welcomes guests to enjoy it the original way, or try its different takes, including an amped-up version spiked with chile liqueur and serrano. The Heights location is lauded for its festive patio, and its newest outpost in the East End has just as much appeal with an open-air rooftop patio. Visit on Wednesdays for its all-day happy hour.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463

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. There is also a bespoke gin and tonic for folks who might not be keen on brown liquor.

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

Also featured in:

EZ's Liquor Lounge

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Though it just opened last October, this laidback dive feels like it’s been a part of the neighborhood for ages. EZ’s promises ice cold drinks, including buckets of beers and fun sips like sours, wines, frozens, including the potent Slurricane, and a list of fun cocktails, like its Hillbilly Highball, made with salted peanut butter bourbon, Coca-Cola, and peanuts. Those who come hungry won’t have to go anywhere. EZ’s offers a “Summin’” else/more menu, featuring chili pies, hot dogs, tacos, and dips, plus steak nights on Mondays.

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 485-0214
(713) 485-0214

Also featured in:

Better Luck Tomorrow

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From Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu, Better Luck Tomorrow is a Heights neighborhood gem that showcases thoughtfully built cocktails in a relaxed and vibey space. Upgrade a vodka or gin martini with your choice of garnishes like blue cheese olives, cornichons, and caperberry, or try a margarita crafted with mezcal. The bar’s food offerings receive just as much attention, with weekly specials like pasta and steak nights that are worth stopping in for.

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

Also featured in:

Julep

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As the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bar Program, Julep is the crown jewel of Houston’s cocktail bar scene. Try Julep classics like the whiskey-fueled Cherry Bounce Sour, or spring for the bar’s namesake cocktail, a julep — there are four varieties on the menu.

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX
(832) 831-2068
(832) 831-2068
bright orange cocktail in a coupe glass
The Swimming Upstream cocktail at Julep
Jenn Duncan

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Houston Watch Company

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Located just a stone’s throw from the many bars on Main Street, Houston Watch Company is a standout among the numerous places to drink downtown. The bar is situated quietly on the street level of the Southern Pacific Railroad Building, which dates back to 1910 and was previously home to a jeweler for 70 years, as apparent from the original details that hint at its historic past. Order a little something on the rocks and peruse the two-story venue.

913 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002

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Warren's Inn

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This Downtown dive is a far cry from the boisterous bars that line Main Street, but it is a Houston institution in its own right. On any given day, tunes from the jukebox flood the space, while locals belly up to the rounded bar for a cold beer or no-fuss mixed drink.

307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 247-9207
(713) 247-9207

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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 Bad News Bar feels like a cozy neighborhood bar in the epicenter of the city. Seats at the long, narrow bar make a great place to belly up and converse and are coveted come 5 p.m. when the Downtown work day winds down.

308 1/2 Main St, Houston, TX

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Dean's Downtown

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Dean’s has a historic past, with the Main Street building it’s housed in dating back to the late 1800s. Naturally, it lends itself to being considered one of the most haunted places in Houston, but whether you go for supernatural sightings or just a solid, boozy evening, experiencing Dean’s should be part of your Houston bucket list.

316 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
(832) 564-0918
(832) 564-0918

Clarkwood

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This scene-y bar, housed in the historic Star Engraving Company building, is one of the newer bars in the city but has quickly become one of Houston’s hottest drinking spots. The building, which dates back to 1930, was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, making it feel like a true escape within the city. Inside, an intimate bar with 14 seats anchors the minimalistic space, with lounge seating spread throughout. Go for the espresso martini, garnished with a toasted marshmallow.

3201 Allen Pkwy Suite 190, Houston, TX 77019
(346) 506-1294
(346) 506-1294
Clarkwood’s dimly lit interiors with white couches and round tables.
Clarkwood’s chic and minimalistic interior.
Clarkwood

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Bandista

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The journey to Bandista is half the fun of visiting. Located discreetly behind a bookcase deep within the Four Seasons Hotel, this hideaway is one of the most exclusive places to enjoy a drink in Downtown. While you can certainly enjoy a glass of wine or a simple liqueur, guests are encouraged to explore the awe-inspiring cocktail menu. Here, cocktails ignite the senses, like the rum-based Strawberry Fields For Now, which is fragrant with balsamic and Fernet-Branca and arrives with a goat cheese biscuit.

1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 297-1340
(713) 297-1340
A dark red cocktail in a short glass with a biscuit for a garnish
The Strawberry Fields For Now cocktail at Bandista
Kirsten Gilliam

Also featured in:

Reserve 101

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Reserve 101 is a standout among Houston’s bounty of cocktail bars, in part for its impressive whiskey offerings, encompassing more than 600 kinds from around the globe. The historic 1900s-era building the bar is housed in sits on prime real estate near the Toyota Center, making it a popular stop for sports fans and concertgoers, but it draws in visitors daily with its lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.

1201 Caroline St STE 100, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 480-1579
(713) 480-1579

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Anvil Bar & Refuge

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The patron saint of Houston’s cocktail bar scene, Bobby Heugel’s Anvil delivers expertly crafted cocktails in one of Houston’s hippest neighborhoods. The Montrose stalwart has some of the city’s most talented mixologists manning the bar and is perfect for a first date or a friendly hang. Try something from the ever-changing list of eight originals, or stick with a classic, like the French 75. If you’ve been there and drank that, try Heugel’s slightly more upscale sister concept, Refuge, located right upstairs.

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622
Anvil’s bar with a row of bar stools
Anvil Bar & Refuge is a Montrose mainstay
Anvil/Facebook

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Poison Girl

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This no-frills, budget-friendly bar in the heart of Montrose packs plenty of personality within its narrow space, with a row of working pinball machines, a backyard-style patio, and tall walls bedecked with paintings of naked women. The bourbon list is strong, but the bartenders won’t judge if you stick with a Lone Star beer or a plain ol’ vodka and soda.

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

Also featured in:

Wooster's Garden

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There are plenty of places that serve Insta-worthy cocktails, but few compare to Wooster’s Garden. The relaxed Midtown hangout is meticulous when it comes to crafting and presenting a drink. There are a whopping 58 house cocktails on the menu, plus non-alcoholic choices and house shots, with all syrups and tinctures made in-house. From pastel-hued mocktails to tiki drinks topped with burning lime garnishes, you’ll want to keep your camera-clicking finger ready.

3315 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0015
(713) 520-0015
A pale orange cocktail in a slim goblet, garnished with a star-shaped satsuma.
The Dios Mio, Becky cocktail at Wooster’s is made with Del Maguey Vida, house Becherovka, and egg white.
Dustyn Zenner

Also featured in:

Winnie's

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This Mid Main bar takes a playful approach to a serious beverage program. Along with frozens like the peach bourbon tea Icee and the Frosé All Day, find shaken and stirred cocktails, beer and wine, and Winnie’s signature treasure chests that feature large format cocktails for groups, complete with sparklers. The food is on par with the cocktails at this mid-main bar, so don’t leave without a bite.

3622 Main St Suite A, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-0660
(713) 520-0660

Also featured in:

The Toasted Coconut

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From the husband and wife team behind Nobie’s and Nonno’s Pizza, Toasted Coconut showcases tiki bar favorites in a casual space with beachy decor and a moody atmosphere. Try the Jamaican, crafted with two types of rum, or the boozy Painkilla sweetened with pineapple and coconut, and save room for good eats like pork dumplings, chickpea curry, and the double cheeseburger built on a Hawaiian bun.

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 485-4775
(713) 485-4775

Also featured in:

Grand Prize Bar

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The Christmas lights twinkle year-round at Grand Prize, a beloved Montrose bar located in a two-story house adjacent to Bell Park. Throw back drinks on one of three patios, or take in a game of pool before settling in for a bite to eat. The bar’s Trophy Case Kitchen features a revolving list of food vendors slinging burgers, tacos, and more.

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

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Johnny's Gold Brick

2518 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008

This Heights bar, open daily until 2 a.m., is a reliable neighborhood go-to with great music and a solid list of classic cocktails. Gimlets, Manhattans, daiquiris, and frozen margaritas are all $10 all the time. Find sustenance at the onsite food truck, aka the “snack box,” and stay keyed into the bar’s social media for information on pop-ups.

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

Lei Low

6412 N Main St Ste C, Houston, TX

Don’t let Lei Low’s nondescript exterior fool you. Beyond the walls of this strip mall bar lie a dimly lit Polynesian hideaway decked out with beachy decor. Tiki cocktails, presented in whimsical vessels, are heavy with rum and will surely creep up on you. Proceed with caution.

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

Heights Bier Garten

1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008

This sprawling Heights hangout is flanked by two bar counters and anchored by a large pet-friendly courtyard with ample seating and bench swings. Find 94 types of beer, mead, cider, and wine on tap, plus a robust menu of hand-crafted cocktails made popular from sister bar, Wooster’s in Midtown. No need to drink and run — Heights Bier Garten also offers great “pub grub” like cheeseburgers and fries, jumbo pretzels, chips and queso, and more.

1433 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-4940
(713) 862-4940

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 welcomes guests to enjoy it the original way, or try its different takes, including an amped-up version spiked with chile liqueur and serrano. The Heights location is lauded for its festive patio, and its newest outpost in the East End has just as much appeal with an open-air rooftop patio. Visit on Wednesdays for its all-day happy hour.

1039 Yale St, Houston, TX
(713) 880-8463
(713) 880-8463

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. There is also a bespoke gin and tonic for folks who might not be keen on brown liquor.

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

EZ's Liquor Lounge

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Though it just opened last October, this laidback dive feels like it’s been a part of the neighborhood for ages. EZ’s promises ice cold drinks, including buckets of beers and fun sips like sours, wines, frozens, including the potent Slurricane, and a list of fun cocktails, like its Hillbilly Highball, made with salted peanut butter bourbon, Coca-Cola, and peanuts. Those who come hungry won’t have to go anywhere. EZ’s offers a “Summin’” else/more menu, featuring chili pies, hot dogs, tacos, and dips, plus steak nights on Mondays.

3302 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 485-0214
(713) 485-0214

Better Luck Tomorrow

544 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007

From Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu, Better Luck Tomorrow is a Heights neighborhood gem that showcases thoughtfully built cocktails in a relaxed and vibey space. Upgrade a vodka or gin martini with your choice of garnishes like blue cheese olives, cornichons, and caperberry, or try a margarita crafted with mezcal. The bar’s food offerings receive just as much attention, with weekly specials like pasta and steak nights that are worth stopping in for.

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

Julep

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX

As the 2022 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Bar Program, Julep is the crown jewel of Houston’s cocktail bar scene. Try Julep classics like the whiskey-fueled Cherry Bounce Sour, or spring for the bar’s namesake cocktail, a julep — there are four varieties on the menu.

1919 Washington Ave Ste A, Houston, TX
(832) 831-2068
(832) 831-2068
bright orange cocktail in a coupe glass
The Swimming Upstream cocktail at Julep
Jenn Duncan

Houston Watch Company

913 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002

Located just a stone’s throw from the many bars on Main Street, Houston Watch Company is a standout among the numerous places to drink downtown. The bar is situated quietly on the street level of the Southern Pacific Railroad Building, which dates back to 1910 and was previously home to a jeweler for 70 years, as apparent from the original details that hint at its historic past. Order a little something on the rocks and peruse the two-story venue.

913 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002

Warren's Inn

307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

This Downtown dive is a far cry from the boisterous bars that line Main Street, but it is a Houston institution in its own right. On any given day, tunes from the jukebox flood the space, while locals belly up to the rounded bar for a cold beer or no-fuss mixed drink.

307 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 247-9207
(713) 247-9207

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 Bad News Bar feels like a cozy neighborhood bar in the epicenter of the city. Seats at the long, narrow bar make a great place to belly up and converse and are coveted come 5 p.m. when the Downtown work day winds down.

308 1/2 Main St, Houston, TX

Dean's Downtown

316 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

Dean’s has a historic past, with the Main Street building it’s housed in dating back to the late 1800s. Naturally, it lends itself to being considered one of the most haunted places in Houston, but whether you go for supernatural sightings or just a solid, boozy evening, experiencing Dean’s should be part of your Houston bucket list.

316 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
(832) 564-0918
(832) 564-0918

Clarkwood

3201 Allen Pkwy Suite 190, Houston, TX 77019

This scene-y bar, housed in the historic Star Engraving Company building, is one of the newer bars in the city but has quickly become one of Houston’s hottest drinking spots. The building, which dates back to 1930, was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, making it feel like a true escape within the city. Inside, an intimate bar with 14 seats anchors the minimalistic space, with lounge seating spread throughout. Go for the espresso martini, garnished with a toasted marshmallow.

3201 Allen Pkwy Suite 190, Houston, TX 77019
(346) 506-1294
(346) 506-1294
Clarkwood’s dimly lit interiors with white couches and round tables.
Clarkwood’s chic and minimalistic interior.
Clarkwood

Bandista

1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010

The journey to Bandista is half the fun of visiting. Located discreetly behind a bookcase deep within the Four Seasons Hotel, this hideaway is one of the most exclusive places to enjoy a drink in Downtown. While you can certainly enjoy a glass of wine or a simple liqueur, guests are encouraged to explore the awe-inspiring cocktail menu. Here, cocktails ignite the senses, like the rum-based Strawberry Fields For Now, which is fragrant with balsamic and Fernet-Branca and arrives with a goat cheese biscuit.

1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
(713) 297-1340
(713) 297-1340
A dark red cocktail in a short glass with a biscuit for a garnish
The Strawberry Fields For Now cocktail at Bandista
Kirsten Gilliam

Reserve 101

1201 Caroline St STE 100, Houston, TX 77002

Reserve 101 is a standout among Houston’s bounty of cocktail bars, in part for its impressive whiskey offerings, encompassing more than 600 kinds from around the globe. The historic 1900s-era building the bar is housed in sits on prime real estate near the Toyota Center, making it a popular stop for sports fans and concertgoers, but it draws in visitors daily with its lively atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.

1201 Caroline St STE 100, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 480-1579
(713) 480-1579

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Anvil Bar & Refuge

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX

The patron saint of Houston’s cocktail bar scene, Bobby Heugel’s Anvil delivers expertly crafted cocktails in one of Houston’s hippest neighborhoods. The Montrose stalwart has some of the city’s most talented mixologists manning the bar and is perfect for a first date or a friendly hang. Try something from the ever-changing list of eight originals, or stick with a classic, like the French 75. If you’ve been there and drank that, try Heugel’s slightly more upscale sister concept, Refuge, located right upstairs.

1424 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622
Anvil’s bar with a row of bar stools
Anvil Bar & Refuge is a Montrose mainstay
Anvil/Facebook

Poison Girl

1641 Westheimer Rd Ste B, Houston, TX

This no-frills, budget-friendly bar in the heart of Montrose packs plenty of personality within its narrow space, with a row of working pinball machines, a backyard-style patio, and tall walls bedecked with paintings of naked women. The bourbon list is strong, but the bartenders won’t judge if you stick with a Lone Star beer or a plain ol’ vodka and soda.

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

Wooster's Garden

3315 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006

There are plenty of places that serve Insta-worthy cocktails, but few compare to Wooster’s Garden. The relaxed Midtown hangout is meticulous when it comes to crafting and presenting a drink. There are a whopping 58 house cocktails on the menu, plus non-alcoholic choices and house shots, with all syrups and tinctures made in-house. From pastel-hued mocktails to tiki drinks topped with burning lime garnishes, you’ll want to keep your camera-clicking finger ready.

3315 Milam St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 520-0015
(713) 520-0015
A pale orange cocktail in a slim goblet, garnished with a star-shaped satsuma.
The Dios Mio, Becky cocktail at Wooster’s is made with Del Maguey Vida, house Becherovka, and egg white.
Dustyn Zenner

Winnie's

3622 Main St Suite A, Houston, TX 77002

This Mid Main bar takes a playful approach to a serious beverage program. Along with frozens like the peach bourbon tea Icee and the Frosé All Day, find shaken and stirred cocktails, beer and wine, and Winnie’s signature treasure chests that feature large format cocktails for groups, complete with sparklers. The food is on par with the cocktails at this mid-main bar, so don’t leave without a bite.

3622 Main St Suite A, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-0660
(713) 520-0660

The Toasted Coconut

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006

From the husband and wife team behind Nobie’s and Nonno’s Pizza, Toasted Coconut showcases tiki bar favorites in a casual space with beachy decor and a moody atmosphere. Try the Jamaican, crafted with two types of rum, or the boozy Painkilla sweetened with pineapple and coconut, and save room for good eats like pork dumplings, chickpea curry, and the double cheeseburger built on a Hawaiian bun.

1617 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 485-4775
(713) 485-4775

Grand Prize Bar

1010 Banks St, Houston, TX

The Christmas lights twinkle year-round at Grand Prize, a beloved Montrose bar located in a two-story house adjacent to Bell Park. Throw back drinks on one of three patios, or take in a game of pool before settling in for a bite to eat. The bar’s Trophy Case Kitchen features a revolving list of food vendors slinging burgers, tacos, and more.

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

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