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Experience a taste of Mexico City’s world-class bar scene thanks to owners Army Sadeghi and Brandon Duliakas, who tapped Nina Magon Studio for the chic interiors and the team behind Handshake Speakeasy, which was crowned the World’s Best Bar in 2024. The food is equally impressive, thanks to Emmanuel Chavez, the chef behind Michelin-starred Tatemo. Sip a chamomile highball or a roasted coffee Old Fashioned while enjoying shrimp empanadas and carnitas tacos.

With two decades under its belt and plenty of accolades to prove it, 13 Celsius remains one of Houston’s top wine bars. Owners Ian Rosenberg and Mike Sammons were inspired by the quaint enotecas of Europe, creating a neighborhood destination with an impressive wine list available by the taste, by the glass, or by the bottle. Oenophiles will appreciate the wide-ranging selection, from crisp natural wines to full-bodied reds. Chef Joe Apa rounds out the experience with artfully assembled cheese boards, sandwiches, and handmade truffles.

Need a place to pregame before an Astros game? Stop by Angel Share for a drink (or two, since Daikin Park is pricey) and some bites, then hop on a free shuttle to the stadium. But that’s not all—this bar is about giving back. Some of the profits are donated to local organizations, so you can enjoy some original cocktails, nonalcoholic creations, and more while doing your part in supporting the bar’s larger mission.

When Houston cocktail pro Bobby Heugel opened Anvil in 2009, he introduced “The 100 List” as a training guide featuring the classics every bartender should know. Now, it’s a menu anyone can order from. There is also a rotating lineup of inventive house concoctions, beer, wine, and a menu of sandwiches with bread from Magnol French Baking. Anvil can get raucous, especially at happy hour—for a more intimate experience, head to Refuge upstairs.

Hidden behind a bookcase inside the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, this reservations-only speakeasy channels the glamour of the Prohibition era. It seats just 20 guests between its cocktail laboratory and lounge, creating a one-of-a-kind experience with creative drinks, over-the-top presentations, and collaborations that make every visit feel different.

One of the city’s newest nightcap spot, Hotel Daphne’s bar blends moody interiors with a relaxed indoor-outdoor setting inspired by the Heights’ historic drinking clubs. The art-inspired menu features drinks named after pieces throughout the space. Order the tropical Separation Anxiety (white rum, pineapple, coconut, lime), or the spirit-forward Untitled #1, a mix of Spanish brandy, bonded bourbon, sherry, and Campari. Natural and biodynamic wines, beer, zero-proof drinks, and a menu of elevated bar snacks are also available.

Ready for a slice of Paris in the heart of Montrose? Inside the boutique Marlene Inn, this cozy, candlelit bar is filled with vintage finds, a hand-painted ceiling, and the towering antique painting of the Virgin Mary that inspired its name. Whimsy cocktails, an all-French wine list, and charcuterie boards make it easy to pretend you’re somewhere along the Seine.

Fitting for the century-old mansion that houses the La Colombe d’Or hotel, Bar No. 3 is not only visually stunning; it’s also surrounded by fine art and dazzling architecture. The moody emerald-hued room makes quite a statement, as do the cocktails—especially when paired with small plates from the kitchen.

From the team behind Heights Bier Garten, this sprawling Washington Avenue spot feels more like an all-day hangout than a neighborhood bar. Separate spaces for craft beer, cocktails, wine on tap, and even a coffee bar serving all-day pastries cover every mood. A massive dog-friendly patio, lawn games, live music, and a packed events calendar round it out.

Located on Main Street in an 1800s building, this bar has vintage vibes with wooden bar tops and flooring. A go-to for post-shift industry professionals, the menu features an impressive selection of whiskies and agave spirits along with a solid lineup of classic cocktails. Slide into a booth or sit out on the small mezzanine patio.

A fixture in Montrose since 1995, Catbirds is the kind of bar that doesn’t try too hard—and that’s exactly why people love it. A vintage jazz soundtrack with one of the city’s best weekday happy hours, bingo nights, and two outdoor patios for sipping alfresco.

With more than 275 games, Cidercade is where nostalgic gaming meets happy hour. A $12 day pass offers unlimited play of everything from retro classics to newer favorites, with a large lineup of ciders, local beers, wine, and cocktails. Families are welcome until 9pm, when the bar shifts to the 18-and-up crowd.

Located inside the restored 1930 Star Engraving Co. building, this Allen Parkway hotspot has mastered the art of making every night feel like an occasion. Old Hollywood glamour with moody lighting, a gorgeous courtyard, and a stylish crowd. The cocktails are equally photogenic. Book a seat in The Arc Room for an intimate five-course cocktail tasting that’s unlike anything else in Houston.

Located in the historic Purse building, just steps from Daikin Park, this stylish bar blends Houston’s cocktail culture with a tribute to the city’s Chicano roots. Details include black-and-white photography by local artist Mikey Lazo, a ceiling mural by Eloy Angel, and decor celebrating the Mexican American experience. Along with house-made infusions, fat-washed spirits, acid-adjusted juices, and wine, a food menu featuring Mexican-inspired bites from chef Fernanda Caro, is in the works.

Part tiki lounge, part coffee house, the Midtown spot has been serving well-made coffee drinks and libations for over a decade. Located on the MetroRail, it’s also home to one of the largest coffee cocktail menus in the city.

This East End staple keeps things interesting with a steady lineup of pop-ups, including crawfish boils, hot dog nights, Taco Tuesdays, and the neighborhood darling: Thursday night steak. Aperol spritzes, Pimm’s Cups, and beer on tap keep everyone content, while the pet-friendly patio and indoor and outdoor games keep everyone occupied.

Strong drinks, comfort food, affordable prices, and an unpretentious atmosphere create a winning combination at this dive-inspired Heights bar. Order a Frozen Dill Pickle Lemonade or the Colorado Kool-Aid, then pair it with a basket of bacon, a Redneck charcuterie board, or a Frito pie.

Outfitted with a shady dog-friendly patio, cozy booths, and indoor bar seating, Heights & Co. is just as good for happy hour as for a leisurely evening out. Signature drinks steal the show—the Mini Hulk Smash, H&C Spritz, or espresso martini made with a house espresso blend on draft. Come hungry. Find loaded smash burgers, brisket grilled cheeses, and Cajun shrimp pasta.

This retro-inspired Montrose spot pairs well-executed cocktails with one of the city’s best smashburgers, including a $7 burger-and-fries special daily until 7pm. Jethro’s happy hour and weekend brunch specials make it a bar you’ll want to visit any day of the week.

Since opening in 2015, Johnny’s Gold Brick has built a loyal fan base with a rotating cocktails menu and some of the best drink deals in town. Weekday specials are hard to beat whether it’s $10 Old Fashioneds or the frozen margarita special that includes a taco on the side. Don’t miss Fancy Chef Steak Night, when some of Houston’s top chefs serve a one-night-only steak dish with proceeds benefiting Southern Smoke Foundation.

A hub for Houston’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, JR’s has been bringing the party to Montrose for decades. Sip on the NOLA-inspired patio, cheer on performers during drag shows, or sing your heart out on karaoke night. Themed events happen throughout the week.

Step inside La Carafe and you’ll feel like you traveled back in time. Located in Houston’s oldest commercial building, the Downtown bar has served drinks since the 1950s, though the space has welcomed guests since the 1860s. Candlelit rooms, creaky wood floors, handwritten tabs, and a jukebox add to the old-world charm. Rumored to be haunted, it’s as much a Houston landmark as it is a bar.

Located above Milton’s in Rice Village, Lee’s is the kind of bar you’ll want to tell your friends about, but also somehow keep a secret. The retro-inspired bar serves well-made classics alongside playfully named house creations, such as the Mattress Actress, Harvey’s Banger, and Cynar Mojito. Don’t shy away from the food—duck fat fries, pizzas, roasted oysters, and the chicken Parm-wich are all worth ordering.

Tucked away in Spring Branch, The Library Wine Bar is a gem for wine lovers. Shelves are lined with nearly 2,000 wine books, and its wine list highlights Old World wines, hard-to-find bottles, and vintages dating back to the 1960s. Knowledgeable staff, most of whom are pursuing wine certification, are always happy to guide you, whether exploring Jura, Savoie, Italy, or Spain. Refer to the Head Librarian’s Preferred Drinking Listing to make choosing even easier. Don’t leave without ordering a flatbread or the boquerones.

A dive with a loyal crowd and a relaxed energy that only improves with time. The East End treasure’s strengths lie in its frozens, sour ales, food pop-ups, and spacious patio space. Inside, bargoers can play pool and arcade games. Ask the friendly bartenders for suggestions.

This lounge on Post Oak Blvd channels glam, with dark-hued velvet, gold accents, and twinkling chandeliers. Created by the Michelin-starred team behind Le Jardinier, Moon is all about tableside flair. Drinks and food are presented with dry ice, smoke, and plenty of theatrics. Order the Samurai Supernova or Space Jam cocktail with the Moon Burger, then finish with the showstopping Post Oak Campfire for an experience that’s worth savoring.

Texas chain or not, this East End bar strikes a balance between being a super-chill community hangout and excellent cocktails with a deep whiskey list. Hungry? The Del Rey Cafe menu—sandwiches, hot dogs, tots—is reasonably priced and worth ordering.

A Main Street fixture since 1996, Notsuoh is less a bar than a wonderfully weird cabinet of curiosities. Housed inside a 1893 building, the three-story space is packed with offbeat art, graffiti-covered walls, a lot of taxidermy, mannequins, stacks of old books, and other eccentric treasures in every nook and cranny. Named for Houston spelled backward, the city’s most artfully unconventional bar spotlights the strange in the best possible way, featuring chess matches, drag shows, and poetry readings along the way.

Experience Hollywood glamour in the Heights at this bar, which is ornate with Art Deco-inspired design, plush seating, and gold accents. Find elevated classics, curated shots, and flavor-loaded cocktails, such as Rich & Dirty martinis and the just-spicy-enough Avocado Margarita. Order from a menu of shareable bites that includes tuna wontons, meatballs in chipotle ragout, and sea-salted chocolate chip cookies.

Its graffiti-covered entrance blends seamlessly with the tire shop next door, making the bar feel like a well-kept secret. Inside the bright, colorful space, bartenders shake inventive cocktails with house-made syrups, premium spirits, and fresh-squeezed juices.

Inside the former Spanish Flowers building on North Main, Starduster Lounge combines vintage Texas charm with an easygoing neighborhood-like spirit. Veterans behind Johnny’s Gold Brick and Winnie’s collaborate to create a menu focused on cocktails, agave spirits, whiskey, and local beer. Check the weekly specials—discounts for teachers, steak night, and a happy hour for customers who bring their dogs.

This Northside Village neighborhood bar embraces weird in all the right ways, offering a grungy, offbeat atmosphere, with playful drinks like the Big Trouble in Little Panda and Pwincess Negroni. Rotating frozen beverages, a solid lineup of beer and wine, and a crowd-pleasing food menu are also a part of its schtick. The birria tacos, deep-dish pizza, and the popular Trashy Meal hit the spot, along with specials like $1 Wing Mondays and Thursday rib eye nights.

Named after a song by psychedelic rock pioneer Roky Erickson, this Midtown bar has a free-spirited energy. Run by former Grand Prize bartenders Lindsay Rae and Billy Boyd, this tucked-away dive features a regularly updated cocktail menu with a slew of frozen drinks. The bathroom display of decoupage vintage Playboy magazines and its eclectic outdoor patio add to the offbeat character.

You’d never guess it from the eccentric mural on its exterior, but there’s an incredibly hospitable Second Ward bar waiting inside. This hip dive has it all—frozen daiquiri machines, tiki boat drinks, pool and air hockey, neon lights, and some of the quirkiest crowds in town. Order an andouille sausage po’ boy or a fried shrimp basket for a full Voodoo Dive experience.