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Where to Drink Right Now, Cocktail Heatmap Update

by Eric Sandler
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by Eric Sandler

Oh sure, Christmas parties and New Year's resolutions mean that one might be tempted to give up drinking for a bit, but don't do it! Think of the poor bartenders whose livelihoods depend upon people maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol; they need your support! Besides, there's probably never been a better time to drink cocktails in Houston. There's enough bartending talent and diversity among bars to satisfy just about everyone.

Peruse the 12 suggestions below, gather up a group, call a cab (or ride The Wave) and do some drinking. It's the American thing to do.

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Anvil Bar & Refuge

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Heading towards its fourth birthday, some might be tempted to think Anvil is resting on its laurels, but the bar's recently updated list of 100 cocktails to try shows that it still leads the pack.
1424 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622

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Double Trouble Caffeine

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Double Trouble has become the bar where service industry types go to congregate after their shifts. The periodic Monday night guest bartender shifts keep things interesting.
3622 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 874-0096
(713) 874-0096

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The Original OKRA Charity Saloon

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Whether or not it fulfills its potential as the first step in revitalizing the north end of downtown remains to be scene, but the vibe in this historic space is so good that it merits a visit. With Anvil veteran Mike Criss leading the way, the cocktail program will be solid.
924 Congress, Houston, TX 77002
713-237-8828
713-237-8828

The Pass and Provisions

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As in the kitchen, the bar at Provisions features talented people turned loose to create. It's become so popular that it recently extended its hours to 2:00 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
807 Taft, Houston, Tx 77015
(713) 628-9020
(713) 628-9020

Down House

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Known as a "bartender's bartender" for his efficient preparation and friendly demeanor, Jeremy Olivier leads the cocktail program at this restaurant that become an essential part of the Heights scene.
1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 864 - 3696
(713) 864 - 3696

El Gran Malo

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With over 40 infused tequilas available, El Gran Malo is a margarita lover's paradise. The new cocktail menu branches out some, and the food remains perfect for a light dinner or snacking.
2307 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 767-3405
(832) 767-3405

Reserve 101

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This downtown spot is pitched to whiskey fans with its selection of running into the hundreds, including the highly coveted Pappy Van Winkle.
1201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 655-7101
(713) 655-7101

Grand Prize Bar

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Grand Prize's wallet friendly drinks, laid back vibe and kickass jukebox mean it will always have a place on this list. With Austin King's Yaki Snack Attack leading the kitchen, the food's pretty good, too.
1010 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-4566
(713) 526-4566

Also featured in:

Haven

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Turning its bar into raw bar Cove gives Haven a space unlike any other restaurant in Houston. The cocktail menu offers drinks designed to match chef Philippe Gaston's global cuisine and Haven's more comfort-oriented fare.
2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 581-6101
(713) 581-6101

Mongoose Vs Cobra

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This Midtown spot may have taken a little while to find its footing, but the stylish room's mix of craft beer and cocktails has settled in nicely. The large, free, adjacent parking lot is a nice touch.
1011 McGowen, Houston, TX 77002
713-650-6872
713-650-6872

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Beaver's

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It's tempting to overlook a place like Beaver's as it settles into a comfortable middle age, but that would mean missing out a place that still has a talented bar staff making creative cocktails.
2310 Decatur St., Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-2328
(713) 864-2328

Triniti

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It's all about the happy hour served here from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. That's when cocktail prices drop to $6 and three plates of bar bites are $10. It's an excellent way to begin a night out.
2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
713-527-9090
713-527-9090

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Anvil Bar & Refuge

1424 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
Heading towards its fourth birthday, some might be tempted to think Anvil is resting on its laurels, but the bar's recently updated list of 100 cocktails to try shows that it still leads the pack.
1424 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-1622
(713) 523-1622

Double Trouble Caffeine

3622 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Double Trouble has become the bar where service industry types go to congregate after their shifts. The periodic Monday night guest bartender shifts keep things interesting.
3622 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 874-0096
(713) 874-0096

The Original OKRA Charity Saloon

924 Congress, Houston, TX 77002
Whether or not it fulfills its potential as the first step in revitalizing the north end of downtown remains to be scene, but the vibe in this historic space is so good that it merits a visit. With Anvil veteran Mike Criss leading the way, the cocktail program will be solid.
924 Congress, Houston, TX 77002
713-237-8828
713-237-8828

The Pass and Provisions

807 Taft, Houston, Tx 77015
As in the kitchen, the bar at Provisions features talented people turned loose to create. It's become so popular that it recently extended its hours to 2:00 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
807 Taft, Houston, Tx 77015
(713) 628-9020
(713) 628-9020

Down House

1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
Known as a "bartender's bartender" for his efficient preparation and friendly demeanor, Jeremy Olivier leads the cocktail program at this restaurant that become an essential part of the Heights scene.
1801 Yale St, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 864 - 3696
(713) 864 - 3696

El Gran Malo

2307 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
With over 40 infused tequilas available, El Gran Malo is a margarita lover's paradise. The new cocktail menu branches out some, and the food remains perfect for a light dinner or snacking.
2307 Ella Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
(832) 767-3405
(832) 767-3405

Reserve 101

1201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002
This downtown spot is pitched to whiskey fans with its selection of running into the hundreds, including the highly coveted Pappy Van Winkle.
1201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 655-7101
(713) 655-7101

Grand Prize Bar

1010 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006
Grand Prize's wallet friendly drinks, laid back vibe and kickass jukebox mean it will always have a place on this list. With Austin King's Yaki Snack Attack leading the kitchen, the food's pretty good, too.
1010 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-4566
(713) 526-4566

Haven

2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098
Turning its bar into raw bar Cove gives Haven a space unlike any other restaurant in Houston. The cocktail menu offers drinks designed to match chef Philippe Gaston's global cuisine and Haven's more comfort-oriented fare.
2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 581-6101
(713) 581-6101

Mongoose Vs Cobra

1011 McGowen, Houston, TX 77002
This Midtown spot may have taken a little while to find its footing, but the stylish room's mix of craft beer and cocktails has settled in nicely. The large, free, adjacent parking lot is a nice touch.
1011 McGowen, Houston, TX 77002
713-650-6872
713-650-6872

Beaver's

2310 Decatur St., Houston, TX 77007
It's tempting to overlook a place like Beaver's as it settles into a comfortable middle age, but that would mean missing out a place that still has a talented bar staff making creative cocktails.
2310 Decatur St., Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-2328
(713) 864-2328

Triniti

2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
It's all about the happy hour served here from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day Sunday. That's when cocktail prices drop to $6 and three plates of bar bites are $10. It's an excellent way to begin a night out.
2815 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098
713-527-9090
713-527-9090

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