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, and a rotation of food vendors, it’s safe to say it’s got that covered.

This quirky venue hosts local bands most nights of the week, and also serves as a showcase for artists. Art supplies like colored pencils and paint tubes are laid out on the bar for anyone to use, and arcade games, like pinball and video bowling, are bound to keep bargoers entertained.

A stark difference from many of the other neighborhood bars, Big Star Bar is a dark and moody escape within the Heights. 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.

Enter La Carafe, and you’re bound to feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Housed in the oldest commercial building in Houston, this brick pub-style haunt is decorated with conversation-starting art and antiques, and offers a rotating selection of wines. Jukebox tunes, spanning from Etta James’ “At Last” to Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” offer the perfect theme music.

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 in, including a lively front patio, and a full menu featuring bar snacks like pickle dip and nachos, plus meat sandwiches and 12” pizzas.

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. Work up an appetite? 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.