Noting its fancy and cheap beer selection and “above average” wine, this Oak Forest bar acknowledges that sometimes, the most important aspects of a successful hangout include good company, a relaxed space, and decent drinks. With a lit-up outdoor patio, a welcoming indoor area with a pool table and a full bar, plus a rotation of food vendors, it’s safe to say it’s got that covered.

Rose, the proprietress of this cozy house-turned-dive, loves Elvis, so don’t be surprised to see pictures of the singer hanging everywhere. The jukebox is filled with old country classics, and you’ll often see people two-stepping on the small dance floor. If you miss Alice’s Tall Texan, this is the place.

Dan Electro’s opened in 1988 as a part-dive bar, part-live music venue. More than 30 years later, this Heights joint still serves craft beer and mixed drinks alongside a full roster of musicians playing bluegrass, country, folk, and other genres.

A stark difference from many of the other Heights bars, Big Star Bar is a dark and moody neighborhood escape. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the no-frills hangout has arcade games, a pool table, and a well-stocked bar.

This Heights dive has warmly welcomed Houstonians for more than 50 years. Find cheap booze, shot specials, and beer buckets, and hang among longtime bar regulars.

A straightforward Downtown spot with an indoor sign made from bottle caps, Sunny’s is a welcome respite from the city’s fancier, cocktail-focused bars. There are multiple TVs — perfect for watching the latest sports game, an outdoor patio, and a game room in the back. Try the $5 frozens or booze-soaked pineapple chunks.

Local gamers and comic book enthusiasts can nerd out at this East Downtown bar, which features what feels like endless entertainment. Choose between vintage console video games, free-play arcades, board games, and ping pong, or opt to kick back with a beer while browsing through a massive collection of comic books and manga. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for special events, which include gamer tournaments, pop-up sales, and themed parties.

This beloved Montrose watering hole is a favorite on Mondays for its free open mic comedy nights. The two-story bar has plenty of space to spread out, including a lively front patio, and a full menu featuring bar snacks like pickle dip and nachos, plus meaty sandwiches and 12-inch cheesy pizzas.

For a quality neighborhood dive outside the Beltway, Three Sheets Bar & Grill offers frequent drink specials alongside weekly steak nights, karaoke, and trivia. Check out the latest championship game while ordering a $3 Fireball or $4 Jager shot.

Grab your cocktail or well-drink of choice and kick back to the sound of ‘40s jazz at this old-school spot. Catbirds has been open for over a decade and still serves the chilled beer and patio barbecue you remember from neighborhood bars of yore.

At this Montrose bar, you can pick your poison, including a variety of whiskeys and tequilas, but just know that bourbon — despite the big Koolaid man on the back patio — is the drink of choice. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere, and take in the sights of the various painted naked ladies on the walls, or test your skills at one of the pinball machines.

Here, you’ll find a slew of craft beers, ciders, cocktails, seltzers, and wine, plus fruity and refreshing mocktails, energy drinks, and CBD oil to spike a beverage if alcohol isn’t your thing. Hungry? Order one of their signature pizzas, and then head for the arcade games or pool or foosball tables for some extra fun. Score a deal during happy hour, which is held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Follow the twinkling of year-round Christmas lights, and find one of the city’s most beloved drinking places, quietly situated between Montrose and the Museum District. Spread over two levels, Grand Prize offers three patios, a pop-up kitchen with revolving food vendors, a pool table, and weekly drag shows. Hanging at the bar is just appealing, with old classic films showing on the various TVs.