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United States

Secret Garden

This list of the best bars in Houston blends classics that define the city's drinks scene with everything new and hot right now.

Houston

Photo by Brian Kennedy, courtesy of The Heights Social


The best way to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/houston/things-to-do-in-houston">celebrate the warmer days</a> in the Bayou City is to snag a delicious cocktail from your favorite bar. Obviously, there’s additional points if the venue boasts a shaded patio as the temperatures steadily creep up. Be them patio bars, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/the-best-wine-bars-in-houston">wine bars</a>, cocktail and beer bars, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-sports-bars-in-houston">sports bars</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-dive-bars-in-houston">dive bars</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/14-houston-hidden-bars">secret bars</a>—Houston’s got more bars than Bun B. So it’s pretty damn easy to find a good drink in this city, even a great one. But the very best drinking experiences? They blend the perfect cocktail of vibe and buzz, unpretentious yet memorable drinks—from a high-quality cocktail classic to an ice cold porch pounder. These seriously excellent bars offer just that. Here’s where to grab a drink in Houston right now.

The best way to <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/houston/things-to-do-in-houston">celebrate the warmer days</a> in the Bayou City is to snag a delicious cocktail from your favorite bar. Obviously, there’s additional points if the venue boasts a shaded patio as the temperatures steadily creep up. Be them patio bars, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/the-best-wine-bars-in-houston">wine bars</a>, cocktail and beer bars, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-sports-bars-in-houston">sports bars</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/best-dive-bars-in-houston">dive bars</a>, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/drink/houston/14-houston-hidden-bars">secret bars</a>—Houston’s got more bars than Bun B. So it’s pretty damn easy to find a good drink in this city, even a great one. But the very best drinking experiences? They blend the perfect cocktail of vibe and buzz, unpretentious yet memorable drinks—from a high-quality cocktail classic to an ice cold porch pounder. These seriously excellent bars offer just that. Here’s where to grab a drink in Houston right now.

We may have said goodbye to our beloved OKRA Charity Saloon, but, thankfully, it’s been reincarnated as Angel Share. New owner Mary Ellen Angel was a longtime general manager of the saloon, and the bar will continue on with one of OKRA’s most important features. It will continue donating a portion of its proceeds (this time, from a special menu) to a different local nonprofit each month. You can even help choose which organization gets selected by earning a vote with each purchase. It’s a bar on a mission, and that mission is best served with a Spanish-style Gin and Tonic garnished with sliced fruit or a quick Lemon Drop shot. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of Angel Share HTX

Angel Share HTX

Angel Share Htx

Over a decade back, cocktail kingpin Bobby Heugel put Houston’s cocktail scene on the map with his first bar, <a href="https://www.anvilhouston.com/" target="_blank">Anvil</a>, thanks to a hyper focus on form and a robust collection of housemade bitters, sodas, and infusions. Today, it remains an honored mainstay in the city (and nation), from which alums have left to open some of the most exciting bars of their own. Cocktail purists can and should journey through the 100-strong lineup spanning iconic classics and twists. There’s also a cool-as-hell bottle program that makes luxurious sips more affordable. And in the revamped space next door (which used to house Tongue-Cut Sparrow), sibling establishment <a href="https://www.refugehouston.com/" target="_blank">Refuge Bar</a> offers a hyper intimate, hyper fancy cocktail experience that should no doubt be a part of your Houston bucket list.

Photo courtesy of Anvil Bar

Anvil Bar

Anvil Bar & Refuge

Hammocks and beer—could a lazy afternoon in the Bayou City get any better? Actually yes, because Axelrad also offers board games, picnic tables, food trucks, occasional live music, and a pizzeria next door that will bring garlic knots straight to your table. Hanging out in this tranquil beer garden is the day-drinking equivalent of getting an exfoliating facial at a spa (especially during prime patio season). The eclectic collection of craft beers, poured from sweet tap handles designed by Venezuelan artist Maria Rangel, only heightens your relaxation while those who prefer cocktails and wine can get down with choices by the glass and bottle. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of Axelrad Beer Garden

Axelrad Beer Garden

A whole bunch of notable industry folks (including Anvil’s Bobby Heugel, Theodore Rex’s Justin Yu, and many more) came together Avengers-style to open this neon-lit neighborhood hangout a few years back. Today, the crew continues to fly beyond the rigid structure of top-tier lounges and tasting menus, showing off a sense of humor with everyday food, a short and smart list of brunch-y cocktails (try the chilled Meyer Frappe, dosed with either dry sherry or vodka), and a heartwarming, all-are-welcome attitude (including your dogs on the patio). There’s also a break-even wine selection modeled after Anvil’s spirits program alongside specials like euphoric “Party Melts” at the bar after 9 pm and nourishing half-priced burgers. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/better-luck-tomorrow-544-yale-st/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Photo courtesy of Better Luck Tomorrow

Better Luck Tomorrow

Houston’s latest see-and-be-seen haunt combines 1930s Mediterranean panache and Old Hollywood charm with impressive cocktails and a short but smart library of wines. Dress to impress and ease into the vibe with a French red, rosemary- and grapefruit-kissed Ruby cocktail, or house-curated Persian Cowboy shot finished with Persian key lime juice and zest. The date night spot also shares its courtyard with upcoming wood-fired <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/best-steakhouses-in-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">steakhouse</a> Andiron, upping its game even further. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo by Cameron Jones, courtesy of Clarkwood

Clarkwood

Sister concept to avant-garde tasting menu restaurant Degust, Diversión focuses on pure flavors, scratchmade ingredients, and top shelf booze. Chef-partner Steven Salazar goes above and beyond to make sure your drinks are fresh, personally foraging and preserving Meyer lemons for year-round citrus access as well as fashioning his own tinctures, fermentations, and vinegars. The result is next-level cocktails like the Cava and Caviar, a dressed-up tipple made with Brut Rosé, Cognac, local strawberry vinegar, blackberry cordial, and hackleback caviar. The intimate cocktail experience sits just eight guests around the white stone-topped bar, with room for an additional 12 available throughout the space. Those who want to add on bites can turn to the pintxos menu of caviar, conserva, and charcuterie. How to book: Reserve via <a href="https://www.exploretock.com/diversioncocktails/search" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Tock</a>.

Photo courtesy of Diversión Cocktails

Diversión

Whiskey, beer, and tacos—you really only need to excel at one component of this holy trinity to survive in Houston, but somehow this Agricole Hospitality number manages all three at both its OG Heights locale and newer, bigger space in the East End. Hit either to find its 100+ selections of whiskey, including proprietary barrels of bourbon hand-selected by beverage director Morgan Weber. Sip house Old Fashioneds and Green Chile Ranchwaters, play games of ring toss for prizes, and fuel up with superior eats from Berkshire carnitas tacos to Sonora dogs that pair perfectly with house margs. And if you’re over in EaDo, also check out sibling establishment and breezy cocktail emporium <a href="https://www.agricolehospitality.com/miss-carousel" target="_blank">Miss Carousel</a>, where the vibe is domestic-chic, the drinks are seriously tasty, and the patio space leaves picturesque nights wanting for nothing.

Photo courtesy of Eight Row Flint

Eight Row Flint

A date night drink at this hush-hush speakeasy is as sexy as it gets. Hidden in a former storage closet next to The Annie, the 50-seat lounge harkens back to 1950s Havana, rocking nightly “Bossa Nova” style musical entertainment from the house band, plus DJs, post-dinner snacks, and modern plays on classic Cuban cocktails dreamed up by James Beard Award-winning Alba Huerta (Julep). Sip Cuba Libres, Mojitos, and Hemingways while you totally feel the vibe. How to book: Reserve one of two seatings via <a href="https://www.opentable.com/restref/client/?restref=1270891&amp;lang=en-US&amp;ot_source=Restaurant%20website&amp;corrid=5895e261-80c3-41af-a71f-4a44c1fd9e77" target="_blank">OpenTable</a>. Your seating includes two hours of live music by the house band. All reservations will be charged a $50/person entertainment fee and the second seating includes a food and beverage minimum of $100/person.

Photo by Brian Kennedy, courtesy of Emilia’s Havana

Emilia’s Havana

Think of your quintessential neighborhood dive, then picture it crafted by one of Houston’s hottest hospitality groups (Agricole Hospitality) and plop it onto White Oak next to sister establishment Coltivare. Bam. You’ve got EZ’s, a welcoming lounge with a vintage feel (neon signs, checkered floor, pool table) paired with Agricole’s perfectly poised signature cocktails. Sip the Hillbilly Highball (salted peanut butter bourbon, Mexican Coke, and peanuts) or the refreshing Ranch Water complete with a Tajin rim. Add some R-C Ranch Chili con Carne Wagyu Dogs and Pimento Cheese Dip for when you inevitably stay too long and get hungry. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo by Mikah Danae, courtesy of EZ’s Liquor Lounge

EZ’s Liquor Lounge

Got a thing for espresso martinis? You can get ’em on tap at this hot new 20th Street cocktail bar dreamed up for the social set. The party spot focuses on craft martinis and colorful cocktails, also rocking fun stuff like weekend DJs, Champagne Hours featuring a roaming bubbly cart, and a sexy 8,500-square-foot space complete with skylights, a colossal RH chandelier, and super cool 46-foot LED wall. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo by Brian Kennedy, courtesy of The Heights Social

Heights Social

Housed in an industrial, 1880s-era uniform factory and making Houstonians swoon since 2014, this Southern charmer creates masterful odes to the bar’s namesake drink. We’d be satisfied if they stopped there, but bourbon boss Alba Huerta ups the game with a flourish of back porch inspirations that read like a history book of the South—bold Sazeracs, Creole rums, and seasonally refreshed cocktails like the zucchini vodka and walnut oil-kissed Boomslang. Though it’s been around for nearly a decade, Julep’s fast become a timeless Houston institution—and it's got Houston’s first national James Beard Award (for its Outstanding Bar Program).

Photo courtesy of Julie Soefer Photography, courtesy of Julep

Julep

With summer looming and temperatures on the rise, it’s hard to find a better place to escape the heat than a tiki bar. This Heights-born speakeasy totes an abundant selection of rum, so unwinding tiki-style is an easy feat. Customers can lei low with spirits such as the passion fruit-based Port Light or classic Jump The Shark cocktail brimmed with berries. Or cozy up with the Tonga Queen, a warm serving of coconut rum coffee buzzed with almond syrup and spiced whipped cream that definitely won’t cool you down, but it is pretty damn tasty nonetheless. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of Lei Low Bar


Lei Low

Channeling the spirit of Ozomatli (that’s the monkey companion spirit to the Aztec god of music and dance, obviously) this Mexican American cocktail dive is a neighborhood staple for cool vibes. The indoor-outdoor setup is perfect for our ever-changing weather, with a dog-friendly patio on nicer days and a funky indoor space with billiards to keep you entertained during the inevitable rainstorm. There’s also an extensive draft system with 20 taps on a custom-designed tower and superlative food and bev menu. Wash down smashed Chango burgers and barbacoa pizza with a Tequila &amp; Mexican Coke Highball or Dragon Fruit Margarita. Industry legend Lainey Collum is now the bar director, so you can expect excitement in the cocktail menu. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via <a href="https://www.toasttab.com/monkeys-tail/v3" target="_blank">Toast</a>.

Photo by Shannon O'Hara, courtesy of Monkey’s Tail

Monkey’s Tail

Outside of <a href="http://braverychefhall.com/" target="_blank">Bravery Chef Hall</a> at Aris Market Square lies a hidden garden bar. Saddle up to a bar seat inside the striking glass greenhouse engulfed in lush plants and flowers or saunter out onto the 2,000-square-foot patio to enjoy modern plays on classic cocktails that come with flair to match the enchanting setting—fun stuff like The Dos Hombres Smoked Old Fashioned hit with mezcal and infused with smoke, or the French Garden, all lovely with gin, violet liqueur, rose water, champagne, and a dried flower adornment.

Photo courtesy of Soho Garden HTX

Soho Garden

Tucked away in Lindale Park, owner Greg Perez and team revamped the former Edison &amp; Patton space into a funky, grungy cocktailery, the kind of spot that makes you channel your inner cheeky raccoon for the night. (The bar’s official slogan reads <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CThn35ig74q/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">“Death is Coming, Eat Trash, Be Free” in vibrant neon</a>, for crying out loud.) Get loose with the carbonated Purple Kush, or a Bubblegum Martini made with Brooklyn Gin, Green Chartreuse, and “bubblegum broth,” while noshing on birria tacos and deep dish ‘za til the wee hours of the night. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of Trash Panda Drinking Club

Trash Panda Drinking Club

This <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/houston/old-school-restaurants-houston" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">old-school ice house</a> was around before household refrigerators became an “it” appliance. First opening back in 1928, locals frequented the spot to get ice blocks and a couple of cold ones before heading home for the day. Today, they’re doing the same thing, minus the ice and adding in tacos al pastor from the nearby Tacos Tierra Caliente truck. West Alabama Ice House’s sprawling patio and tiny indoor space is so unapologetically no-frills, it earns instant respect. Expect all walks of Houstonian life sharing tables and laughs, from bikers to CrossFitters. How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.

Photo courtesy of West Alabama Ice House

West Alabama Ice House

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/brooke-viggiano" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Brooke Viggiano</a> is a Houston-based writer who is probably at a patio bar right now. Stop by and say “hey” <a href="https://twitter.com/brookeviggiano" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">@baviggiano</a> on Twitter and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brookiefafa/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">@brookiefafa</a> on IG.

Beverage Director

Beverage Director: Find the Best Bars to Drink at in Your City

Guides

16 Bars in Houston to Grab a Drink Right Now

Best Bars in Houston: New Places to Drink Right Now

Sexy cocktail gardens, divey lounges, and whiskey fueled patios await.


The best way to celebrate the warmer days in the Bayou City is to snag a delicious cocktail from your favorite bar.

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16 Bars in Houston to Grab a Drink Right Now

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