50 Best Cocktail Bars in Houston

“Anvil is, without a doubt, my favorite cocktail bar. And that's not just within Houston. The consistent quality of their cocktails is simply unrivaled. They have a rotating selection of featured cocktails, but half the time I order from their list of 100 classics because they craft them to near-perfection (sometimes perfection, if I'm being honest). Yesterday, I tried a new one containing shōchū, reposado tequila, and black sesame... my adjectives wouldn't do justice to the simple elegance and brilliance of that cocktail. They don't offer happy hour nor outdoor seating. There are probably ~15-20 seats at the bar and then 8-12 booths along the windows, each of which fits 4-5 people. The bartenders are always amazing, their knowledge of the craft is impressive. At the end of the day, Anvil isn't trying to rope you in with trendy fads nor great deals. But I suspect you'll be back for a return visit, because they're serving the highest-quality cocktails in town“

“Clarkwood offers a charming and inviting ambiance, perfect for a relaxed evening out. The warm lighting and tasteful décor create a cozy atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. It's always pretty busy as well, so it's a great place to start out your night. What truly sets Clarkwood apart is the exceptional service provided by Deija. From the moment we walked in, Deija greeted us with a smile and made us feel incredibly welcome. She was attentive throughout our visit, offering recommendations from the drink menu and ensuring that we had everything we needed without being intrusive. Her friendly demeanor enhanced our overall experience and left a lasting impression. The bar itself boasts an impressive selection of drinks, with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, the bartenders at Clarkwood are skilled at their craft and can whip up the perfect drink. Overall, Clarkwood offers not only a delightful ambiance but also exceptional customer service, with Deija's attentiveness and recommendations being the highlight of our night. I would highly recommend this establishment for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a night out with great service.“

“I can say a lot about this place. Went during lunch. Staff was very kind. The place was CLEAN. Beautiful decorations.Food.Food was so fresh & hot & the flavor was just perfect. Literally the only thing my coworker & I noticed was that although the style of the forks are beautiful (long gold) they made our hands hurt. So, don't hold the fork towards the end like you would with a regular fork & you'll probably be fine. This is a place I've been wanting to return to ever since.Parking: There's a lot of parking spots but it's in a shopping center / strip so there weren't a ton of open spots. I did get a spot nearby though.“

“Great service with a lot of games which makes it super kid friendly. Me and my grandkids had a blast! Ashley made amazing drinks from kids slushies to Daquris. Such an amazing place to just hang out. If you get bored I highly suggest this place you will stay busy, have fun, and have amazing drinks to go along! Ashley did amazing!Kid-friendliness: Lots of games for the whole family to enjoy“

“What can I say.. there are no words to describe how amazing the food is here. I personally love the Cep Jen but everything on the menu is so tasty and fresh. Everything is seasoned to perfection. The portion sizes are perfect. The service is exceptional. This is honestly the best African food in Houston to be honest. They’ve been consistent in service and food. Keep it up guys!!“

“Overall loved my first experience here. The staff was extremely welcoming and really patient with accommodating first time customers, especially Andy, and providing them good insight into what to order. Totally recommend if you are in Midtown.“

“Birria fries are so delicious and tasteful. Chef Tyrone welcomed us for our first time visit.Very friendly staff and the food service is fast.We enjoyed our time for a girls day out. Great experience. Try this place out! I will definitely revisit and play a game the Putt Putt golf area.Jello shot was like a dessert.“

“My first time here , the was amazing in every way food was delicious with the right spices . Had Los tacos birras and margaritas . Definitely will be more visits . Humberto showed his great owner skills and greeting all of us in the group made it feel like when I was a child playing Loretta with my grandma wish she was here to enjoy such a place . Brought me so much memories“

“I knew I’d be impressed, but I was more impressed than I expected! GREAT food whether you are vegan or not and the service was excellent! Koran waited on us - ask for him and I guarantee you’ll be back before you know it! If there was a way to add a few more stars to this place let me know! We had the Brussel Sprouts and Coconut Calamari to start. For out entrees we had the Enchiladas and the Curry. And we had to get food to go (I’m sure it’s good, but we are too full to eat now!) We brought home the Carnita Tacos, the Cauliflower, and the Tres Leches which I’ll be having in the next hour! ?“

“Went on a Saturday, with reservations, around 7pm.Food and service was Outstanding!!!Tried the corn n crab chowder, gumbo, Walley burger, veggies, brussel sprouts and fried rice. All was delightfully delicious.The restroom was interesting, though, both men and women use the same area.Would go again.“

“Been wanting to try Le Jardinier ever since they opened. They're sister restaurants in Miami and New York have both earned stars from the prestigious Michelin guide, and even if the guide doesn't come to Texas we were expecting a Michelin starred experience here. First things first, the restaurant is located in the museum which I thought was very cool. You can choose to valet or you can self park in the garage and they will validate your parking for you. My wife booked us a dinner reservation for my birthday, and the hostess greeted me right as we checked in. We were seated right away in the "lounge" area which is right next to the bar - perfect for two people. The decor and ambiance inside really fits it being in the museum - minimalist, modern and airy. Food and service were both fantastic. The chef was in town so they had a Spring season tasting menu which we unfortunately decided against since my expecting wife was worried it was too much food for her, so we just picked our own food: The garden salad was light and refreshing. They used a calamansi based dressing which was cool. The mushroom veloute was a complete flavor bomb - I can probably eat two more bowls of that. For mains I got the roasted lamb that was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth, and my wife got the glazed pork belly that had crunchy skin, sweet and savory meat, and overall a ridiculously tasty dish. For dessert we really enjoyed the butterfly dessert - super beautiful and just the perfect few bites to end our meal. They also got me an extra complimentary dessert for my birthday which was nice! Our overall experience here was great. The place and food was definitely upscale, but the service was easygoing that it made it way more enjoyable than it already was. We will definitely be back for another special occasion.“

“I went to Koi for the 2nd time last Saturday and it was just as delicious as the first time. I've been raving about it to everyone and my sister finally got to try it and said it was the best sushi in Houston and I agree. I was also the first to try the new revamped Dragonrita and let's just say I've found my new go to drink. I usually order the Lycheetini but the Dragonrita was so smooth you couldn't even taste the alcohol..dangerous, but absolutely delectable. The fish is so fresh and the dishes did not disappoint. Every single dish was amazing.We also ordered the Igageso and it was perfectly seasoned and wasn't tough at all.“

“I had the most basic plate on the menu because I couldn't decide on what I wanted lol my waitress was very reassuring, but I hate sending food back, so I stuck to the chicken bc I was so undecided. The Chicken Chicharrones was tasty.The drinks were great! You can definitely taste and feel the alcohol -- I got my monies worth. Will be back to try the Ceviche & a main dish.“

“Despite having tried multiple AYCE sushi restaurants around the West Houston area, I was very surprised to have seen Sumo Sushi come up as one I hadn't been to. Over the years, many AYCE sushi places within the $20 range for lunch have appeared, and Sumo sushi is yet another one to have entered the market.Despite this, Sumo Sushi is doing something to set itself from the crowd. I went for their lunch price (which they also have on Saturdays) and enjoyed a wide selection of their appetizers, nigiri, and specialty rolls. One of the issues I noticed with some AYCE is the lack of fish quality and overbearing rice vinegar taste. None of these issues were present for Sumo Sushi. What's more, their deep fried appetizers tasted evenly cooked. This rang true when I tried their shrimp tempura roll, a roll I avoid commonly since the tempura battery is undercooked at some AYCE sushi restaurants. Our server, Tiffany, was also amazingly attentive, and ensured we never went a long duration without being able to order more.Overall, for $20, Sumo Sushi excels in providing excellent quality and value. They offer everything I feel competitors lack and don't seem to be plagued with common issues that come with a $20 AYCE. Of all of the AYCE I've been to (Taizzi, Sushi Masa, Sushi Ichi, J&J kitchen, Mikoto, Sushi 9, Sushi Haya) this is now my go-to AYCE sushi place.“

“Prime is, hands down, our favorite kosher eatery in Houston. The owners immediately made sure we felt a warm welcome, even coming by with a taste of traditional arak and lemon drink. And the food! We started with the carrot and jalapeno salad, babaganush and beets - all excellent. Then we both got the "cheeseburger" which was served on a delicious (homemade?) bun, all sorts of traditional and no so other topping options. Yum. Yum. Yum.Then I saw the dessert choices and (while, darn, I'm on serious diet) I couldn't resist. I got the hot apple cake topped with parve vanilla ice cream and my daughter got the hot chocolate on chocolate cake with ice cream. The perfect ending. Slept like a baby! We'll be back next week“

“First time customer but not the last visit! Ordered two nice drinks the Hugo and a beer, $6 since it was HH. Ordered the OG and Diavolo pizzas both were good, although I liked hubby's better (the OG). The Diavolo was spicy good! Tiramisu was nice ending to the meal. Parking in back, service awesome! Can't wait to try it again.“

“So pleasantly surprised by this place! They have a nice patio that I brought my dog to. The brussel sprouts are so good, would come just for this. The bread is also delicious, I think it's focaccia. I tried the pesto gnocchi, which was really tasty and came with a giant dollop of ricotta, which I always love. I'm interested in trying all the other menu options!“

“I am kicking myself on not coming here sooner. I've heard so many great things about this place from colleagues and friends. I went during the last weeks of December. It is totally decked out in holiday decor. From the giant ornaments hanging from the ceiling to the nutcrackers around the perimeter, their holiday drink menu is awesome too. I enjoyed my drink The Hot Buttered Banana, it had banana infused rum, butter, a little lime served hot. It was like a sweet warm hug in a mug. They also had a nice touch of having green and red conchas by their door for those who want one. The service was good, it was busy. They had a live DJ as well.“

“High end kind of place, exceptional service, overall very good. One thing that I really appreciate is a small menu. but executed well. Oysters were really good, I would say it's a must try the dozen. from different origins to taste the difference. Overall, it was an excellent experience.“

“Tried out the famous Hot Cheetos Boudin Balls and I will say recommend. They are so good you can customize it your way. Do you want it spicy? Or Cheese to the point you will have a cheese pull like no other he got you. Beautiful atmosphere thank you for a wonderful experience.“

“I tried this restaurant out yesterday…. When I say this place is amazing… The food is so good, I had the honey spicy chicken. You can tell the chicken was thoroughly cleaned prior to cooking!!!! The Mac and cheese was good and I an expresso martini I think that’s what it’s called. I walked in and sat at the bar… nice music very clean establishments. I wasn’t to fond of the bathroom though… but definitely a staple and a must. I live in houston and no restaurant taste this good ? I’ll be back ??“

“Our first visit was to celebrate my daughter's 22nd birthday. The food is exceptional, the drinks are creative and on point. We started off with some street corn for an appetizer! I had seafood Mexicana with shrimp scallops and octopus seasoned with a siracha sauce over risotto. The wait staff all sang Happy Birthday and gave her a piece of quattro leches cake....OMG! A perfect place to celebrate ? anything! Soo good! Cory was our server and helped with our food selection as well as being a spirit guide for all of their creative libations. Can't wait to come back and try several other dishes real soon! Run don't walk to try all of their delicious food!“

“Went for bunch on Saturday afternoon place was empty but all the more to my taste. Young waiter was fantastic and the back waiter almost invisible, perfect service. 4 of us at a nice table in the corner, bread service was incredible, corned beef sandwich top notch. Not a regular hang out because it's quite expensive but well worth it for a special occasion. Obviously the place was impeccable clean. Definitely worth going too.“

“First time dining here! Absolutely beautiful. Cozy environment, perfect setting for a date night or gathering with family. The owner Piero greeted me at the door with a welcoming smile. I sat at the chef bar admiring his work and delicious food coming out! Staff was all very pleasant, the manager Boris was attentive and friendly. Overall experience was excellent.Let’s discuss food! I had a lovely pasta with white wine sauce and muscles. Topped with Fresh parsley. Soooo delicious! Very light for a pasta exactly what I wanted. Piero was kind to pair the dish with white wine.I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a beautiful atmosphere music and delicious food!“

“#JoeFoodTour the new TPDC is a quirky neighborhood gastropub complete with unusual drinks like the holiday Boogie boys (tasted like a chocolate almond joy, Makers mark based). Even the fusion Hallo-mas,Christmasween decorations give you insight to the fun atmosphere. Super cool to have this in up and coming Northside village. #HowdyFromHouston #ThePropertyJoes #LivingLifeInHouston #Northside #EdisonAndPatton“

“This restaurant offers a delightful date night destination with an elegant atmosphere. Reservations are a must to ensure you get a table. They have bar seating and an outdoor area right by a park, perfect for a balmy evening. The menu is diverse, featuring both Indian and Portuguese influences. Don't miss their unique port wine selection. If you have dietary restrictions, they can accommodate you with their separate gluten-free menu (just ask). The main menu clearly labels vegan and vegetarian options. I'd recommend ordering several dishes to share family-style. I personally enjoyed the chili tofu and chana masala - both were packed with flavor.“

“This spot is a staple of mine when visiting Houston, reminds me a lot of the LA/Austin coffee scene with pleasant vibes. Stays open until midnight and as a cancer patient their CBD/HHC gummies are full spectrum CBD and full transparency it helps so much with my pain. I’ve tried about most of the things on the menu and do my best to visit when they release the newly curated seasonal menu. The points system is amazing and easy to use, they reward their frequent clients well so it is too easy to return. Customer service is excellent and I even celebrated my “cancer birthday” here with friends from Austin. They loved it “

“They have the Best drinks and they cost from $6 -$12. Which is not bad at all. I had the pleasure of meeting TJ and he made this drink. Man when i tell you I couldn't even finish it !! This place is a must go, oh and if you do be sure to check out crave burgers, it's a burger place but baby they have the best fried chicken !!“

“My first time here, not only were we sat at a great section (seating is everything to me/it’s a vibe) but I had Keanon which made the entire experience freaking PHENOMENAL!!!!! I’m so picky with cocktails so I always order a dirty martini to be safe (trust me, restaurants do mess that up) but the cocktails were so good, well shaken. Keanon was so intuitive and checked in periodically without being overbearing where we felt like it’s a low key hint that I leave. Love Keanon and will request/visit soon!!Food isn’t great but atmosphere and service is everything. That’s my struggle when choosing a date -night restaurant. Atmosphere was great, drinks were awesome, food is mediocreService and atmosphere here is 10. Food…go to your nearest fav spot after leaving this place.“

“Best sandwiches in Houston!Looking at this cozy little patio bar from the outside, you would never guess that it's home to legendary Houston chef. With a resume that includes names like Killen's, Bernadine’s, and Stella, Chef Graham Laborde knows how to make some seriously good food.At Winnie's, he has channeled that energy into creating some of the best tasting and most creative sandwiches in Houston. Last week I tried the eggplant and burrata for the first time and it's now my new all-time favorite. Next week it will probably be overtaken by whatever sandwich they come up with next haha.“

“Cozy coffee shop with a delightful staff that was warm, welcoming, and engaging. They have a fantastic vibe with a variety of different drink choices, from your classic espresso drinks to a host of international choices, from café de olla cold brew, to taro cold brew (pictured here), to an upcoming summer ube latte. They also have cocktails and other non-coffee alcoholic options like beer, cider, and wine available that I’ll return to try.They have plenty of bar seating around the espresso bar as well as against the windows, as well as a couple of couches.I immediately wanted to come back.Parking: Probably a dozen parking spots“

“Exceptional to every last detail! The staff, ambience, and decor create a charming and welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in. An impressive menu is simplified with curated suggestions from the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to enjoy the chefs' tasting menu! We were also able to add a couple menu items to our order, too tempted by descriptions of the bold combinations of flavors to leave them off the table! Meeting Chef Evelyn Garcia was another highlight; her warmth and kindness only added to the already amazing experience at Jun. Without a doubt, we will be back for more.“

“This place is fairly new so a bit of an unknown gem. Tacos are all really really good. Of course we have our favourites already like the tofu with peanut sauce, the tuna poke and the red fish, but so far haven't gone wrong with anything we've ordered. Staff are friendly and love the casual atmosphere and outdoor seating! A must try!!“

“New spot try out, selected by a friend for his bday get together.Enter through Hando, and then use the door on your left to enter Kanpai Club.Have to admit, it blew me away. Didn’t know what I was stepping into, but the flavors here are so elevated with each bite. Then you add in the dipping sauce takes it to another level.We were there at happy hour, so each plate was only $5.00. Can’t beat that!The environment was nice, peaceful, and able to hold a conversation without any issues.Service was on point, attentive, and knowledgeable of the dishes.Can’t wait to go back.Until next time.Parking: Not a lot of parking spots up front.“

“The vibe was good, as well as service. But the food is ordinary, we ordered Karnivore platter. Based on the quality and taste of the food, this place is overpriced. Cocktails taste good but a little bit expensive. Overall, it was okay.Parking: $7 valet parking“

“If I could give this place more stars, I would. Beautiful decor and just fabulous service. The staff so knowledgeable in regards to drinks and food that's on or off the menu. Be sure to get a reservation on the weekend if you have a party though.Parking: Very difficult to find parking. Come early if possible.“

“Hungry's is a great place for casual outdoor or indoor dining, drinks with friends, or just catching the game. Our dinner choices were hamburgers with fries and tacos with Cuban beans. Both were delicious. Our waiter was attentive and kept our drinks topped off. It was nice to sit out on the top deck. We'll done, Hungry's.“

“I loved the atmosphere, food was good and the service was incredible (maggie) along with the hostess who took our picture! But what stopped the experience from being as incredible was the annoying kitchen door near us (near the host facing the bar), even the music couldn't help. ?“

“I've been wanting to come here for a while. So glad I finally decided to stop by. First, service is great. All the staff was very attentive and our food came out quickly and hot. We had the wings, spicy goat pizza, pork belly, fish and chips, and burger. Everything was delicious and the portions are very generous. The fish and chips are made with flounder and the batter was nice and crispy, not greasy at all. The wings were top notch. Very juicy and very well seasoned. These are sold be the pound and the pound is about 6 wings. The burger was very juicy and the fries were nice and crispy. The star of the show was the pizza. Goat cheese and the habanero glaze go together so well. The dough is top notch. Sourdough that is left to set for 72 hours. Dry and crunchy! The pork belly is very well done as well. Not too rich, nice and balanced. For dessert we had the bread pudding with ice cream. Very good as well. Lots of creative drinks as well. We were all left thoroughly impressed and can't wait to come back. Also, parking is available right across the street.Parking: Across the street“

“This place is truly a hidden gem!! They have hookas, giant games to play like giant uno cards, connect four etc ,etc.. I was lucky to meet the owner as well as the lady behind the counter and they are very friendly and customer oriented. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE HERE IS UNMATCHED!! Also, they have a huge list of daiquiris to choose from, and they also gave me testers before ordering. I'm definitely going back!!“

“This place is top notch. We were looking for a different restaurant, but never could find it, so we ended up here. We are so glad we found this restaurant. The food was excellent. We got the Chrunchy Garlic Shrimp and the Black Pepper Steak. It was absolutely delicious, tender and cooked to perfection. The staff were friendly and super fast. The Ginger Honey tea was good too. We will be making this one of our regulars!“

“This is a hidden gem. The table touches made by Tommy the owner is unmatched. He definitely makes everyone in the building feel like family. He is beyond measure. Make sure you order a signature drink. Ambience is top notch. Drinks are fantastic. Don’t miss out on this “

“I get the hype. Portobello salad? So delicious! I think what really stands out for Gypsy Poet is their fresh ingredients and aesthetic placement of the food. Might be more to it since I’m only basing it off of first impression, but I’ll definitely be coming back. Yes, coming back specifically for that portobello salad!“

“walking in I felt very welcomed and thankfully was seated quickly. The waitress Jenifer was very attentive and kind throughout the whole dining experience, she made good recommendations which my partner took very much into consideration I stuck to my chicken ramen which was delicious. Overall, did love it and will be coming back!“

“I had an amazing experience at Zanti! It was my first time dining here with my family, and we were impressed by the delicious food and excellent service. Our waiter, Oliver, went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable dining experience. The food was authentic and flavorful, and the ambiance was lovely. I highly recommend Zanti Cucina Italiana for anyone looking for a delightful Italian dining experience!“

“The food at Balboa is excellent. I highly recommend the seafood cocktail as a starter. We later enjoyed multiple sushi rolls and a pineapple upside down cake as dessert. Everything was fantastic and we enjoyed the ambience as well. I would absolutely come back here.“

“This is one of the best cocktails bar in Houston, they have new amazing creations every month and the staff is super nice and knowledgeable. The fact that is sort of hidden makes it super cool and the decoration and ambiance are perfect to start your night away! For pre game drinks or night cap this place is a Houston jewel!“

“Hands-down, my favorite coffee shop in Houston. All of the baristas are literally so sweet and care so much about you having a perfect experience. We went in on a Sunday afternoon and we were easily able to find a seat—which I’ve never experienced at any other Houston coffee shop but they literally have so much space and seating it’s lovely. I had both the Pistachio Matcha Latte and Nutella Crepe and both were phenomenal. Will absolutely be returning.“

“Everything was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. I had the Sicilian Cosmopolitan, salmone pistachio, and Italian cream cake. The food and drink were very tasty. I would highly recommend this restaurant for a nice dinner.“

“This place is awesome. A very high-end bar without any of the stuffiness. Are you looking for a dive bar with class? This is it. From the outside definitely looks like a dive bar. But from the inside very nice. Got some real high-end expensive drinks but also, some great price point drinks as well. If it’s just two of you, I suggest sitting at the bar. Bartenders are awesome and a lot of fun. Definitely a spot to go.“