With deck games, more than 30 taps, an outdoor bar, and 55-inch LCD screens, Cottonwood remains a popular spot in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest for groups. The food is also understated, with burgers, like the crawfish fondue burger, bursting with unique toppings, and appetizers like truffle pretzels that make for great conversation starters. Seating is typically first-come, first-serve, so get there early or send a trusted scout to scope out the spot on busy weekends and game days. Check Cottonwood’s Facebook page for updates on special events like crawfish boils, game tournaments, and live music, which will require more planning for snagging a space for the crew.

This counter-to-table spot features 25 beers on tap, sandwiches, bar food classics like Frito pie and fried pickles, and frozen mimosas in a laid-back setting, making it ideal for friendly gatherings. Sit back with your crew and watch a game on one of their many TVs, or enjoy the patio when the weather’s nice. Stop by between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends for $20 buckets of mimosas and $7 frozens for brunch.

Buff Brew has some of the best downtown views, with a rooftop deck, a sprawling dining area,  local brews, and a menu boasting everything from wings and burgers to creative pizzas. The restaurant also offers budget-friendly party packages available for larger groups looking to plan ahead.

Before enjoying a night out on the town, smaller groups can stop into this food hall for a drink at the bar and beer garden, which hosts a variety of weekday happy hour specials. Split off to find what tickles your fancy, whether that be cheesy birria tacos and freshly fried churros from Birria Los Primos, brisket curly fries and pork belly fried rice from Asian-Texas fusion hotspot Wokker, smash burgers from Bunslut, or a hot chicken sandwich from Bird Haus. Reconvene at the high-top tables and booths to down your food, split a tres leches from the upstairs Luv’em Leches stall, and maybe fit in some playtime at the arcade games.

With its central location, a big, bustling dining room, and live music held there any night of the week, The Rustic is a prime option for groups looking to stay entertained. The smoked queso and margaritas are a perfect way to start dinner no matter how big your party, and the various bars that pour up frozen cocktails and feature more than a dozen beers and wines on tap ensure quick service. Call ahead for groups over 8 people or to inquire about large-scale events.

A Houston classic known for its diverse menu, cozy outdoor patio, and classic Sunday brunch, Hugo Ortega’s whimsical restaurant will have you and your friends feeling like you are the main characters in a rom-com. If you have to wait, grab some duck spring rolls and Gulf Coast beignets to accompany your favorite cocktail at the bar. Reservations for up to 8 people are made easy online, but for larger parties or private events, be sure to call to inquire about available tables.

A stone’s throw away from the many bars that line St. Emmanuel Street, this EaDo joint is the great pitstop after having a few drinks with friends for a burger. With sprawling high-top tables indoors and a covered patio with comfortable seating outside, Rodeo Goat offers endless combinations with 16 house-ground burgers and five different-styled patties (vegetarian and vegan options included).  Stop by for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays for discounted drinks.

Offering classic New Orleans cuisine in Houston since the 1950s, Brennan’s never disappoints. The luxe aesthetic makes it a prime option for special occasions, while its charming courtyard, which hosts live jazz performances for Sunday brunch, offers built-in entertainment. The food, however, is an obvious highlight – with signature items like turtle soup, Shrimp Chippewa, and bananas foster that’s set aflame tableside. Book a reservation online for up to eight people, or inquire about their private event spaces that can accommodate anywhere from 24 to 130 guests.

With 13 locations throughout the metroplex serving up sizzling fajitas and pitchers of cold margaritas, El Tiempo is synonymous with Houston Tex-Mex. The Gessner location, in particular, is great for groups with a roomy, open dining area and the best-bang-for-your-buck Parrilladas, which can serve up to nine people with fajita combinations of beef, shrimp, chicken, lobster tail, chile relleno, and more, plus the usual accouterments.

Known for its brick oven pizza and live music, this Upper Kirby staple stays open late, serving food until 1:45 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday – meaning the party doesn’t have to stop early. Looking for more privacy? Book Capone’s private event space, The Hideout, which offers a cozy space where groups can catch up and graze on an affordable buffet of stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, and pizzas with your choice of toppings. Reservations are required for groups larger than 6 people.

A place where Southern cuisine and Tex Mex convene, Armadillo Palace is a celebration of the Lone Star State with spacious seating throughout and cafeteria-style dining that makes dining with a group a breeze. Order a “Damn Goode” Margarita alongside your carne asada served with homemade tortillas, or if Southern fare is what you’re after, go for the pork chop served with tomato-bacon jam and a peach cobbler cocktail.  Online reservations can be made for up to 10 people, but the space can accommodate up to 175 people seated if you’re rolling deep. Call the restaurant for more private dining options, and don’t forget to have a slice of the beloved Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie.

Open since 1911, this white tablecloth seafood spot serves as a favorite celebration spot among groups gathering in Galveston. Offering consistent service and beach views, the restaurant offers up impeccably fried shrimp, grilled oysters, and a delicious wedge salad. Guests can book reservations online for up to 10 people. Otherwise, call in to ensure you get some of the best seating.